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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Submariner Date

1979 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680

Partially verified

This 1979 Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680, is a stainless steel wristwatch featuring a matte black dial with white lettering. It is equipped with the caliber movement indicated by the date complication, a function first introduced to the Submariner line in 1969. The watch is fitted with a Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet featuring 580 end pieces and 11 links. The case retains factory chamfers and the bezel insert is an early original equipment manufacturer replacement featuring a tritium pearl. The matte black dial includes tritium lume plots and the original tritium hands show an ombre patina. The date wheel features open 6s and 9s with a closed 26. The watch measures 40mm in diameter and is sold as a standalone timepiece without original accessories, and is reported to be in accurate timekeeping condition.

Front-facing view of the 1979 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 showing the matte black dial and date window.
Front-facing view of the 1979 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 showing the matte black dial and date window. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Submariner Date
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1680
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXSUB791680-10
Source-reported date
1979
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
57XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The watch is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 40mm. The lugs are described as thick and symmetrical, retaining original factory chamfers, suggesting minimal past polishing. The bezel insert is an early replacement from the original manufacturer and is set with a tritium pearl.

The watch is secured by a stainless steel Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces. The bracelet comprises 11 links and is noted for having minimal stretch, with a capacity to fit wrists up to 7 1/2 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The excellent case retains very thick and symmetrical lugs, it appears the case may have only been lightly polished once in the past as the factory chamfers are still present.”
  • “The bezel insert is an early OEM replacement with a tritium pearl”
  • “The Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces retains 11 links that show almost no stretch”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a matte black dial described as original with no visible signs of age. The hour markers are composed of tritium lume plots that have aged to a light yellow color. The hands are original tritium components displaying an ombre patina, with a darker coloration near the center that lightens toward the tips.

The date complication is displayed through a magnified aperture on the crystal. The internal date wheel features open-style 6s and 9s, while the numeral 26 is closed, which is identified as correct for this specific production era.

Evidence for this section
  • “The matte black dial is in exceptional original condition, displaying no signs of age or blemished.”
  • “The original tritium hands have an "ombre" patina”
  • “The metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's, and the "26" is closed”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the watch is functional and maintaining time. The tritium lume on both the dial and the hands showed no signs of degradation during examination under U.V. light.

This timepiece is identified as a 'White Dial' variant of the 1680 reference, distinguishing it from the earlier 'Red Submariner' variants produced between 1969 and 1975. The watch does not include any additional accessories.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is keeping time, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.”
  • “This watch is an example of what is referred to as the "White Dial.”
  • “The tritium lume plots have taken on a lovely light yellow coloration and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light.”

Open research questions

  • To what extent does the replacement bezel insert impact the historical integrity of the piece?
  • Can the full serial number be verified to confirm the specific production year within 1979?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1979 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Brand Rolex”
Reference1680“Model 1680”
Date of manufacture1979“1979 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680)”
Case materialStainless steel“Material Stainless steel”
Case diameter40mm“Millimeters 40”
BraceletRolex 93150 Oyster“Bracelet Rolex 93150 Oyster Bracelet W/ 580 End Pieces”
Serial number prefix57“Serial 57XXXXX”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial with 'SUBMARINER' in white lettering
  • Magnified date aperture at the 3 o'clock position
  • Rotating bezel with black insert
  • Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

Research qualifications

  • The bezel insert is described as an early OEM replacement
  • The exact serial number is partially redacted as 57XXXXX

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی رولکس Rolex Submariner Date رفرنس 1680 ساخت ۱۹۷۹

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1b2afc515d

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other submariner date records