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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Rolex, Ref. 1680/8, 18K Yellow Gold 'Submariner' Watch

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold Rolex Submariner reference 1680/8, dating to circa 1971 according to the auctioneer, is an automatic wristwatch with an approximately 40 mm case. It features a vibrant blue dial with nipple-style hour markers, Mercedes hands, and a date aperture under a magnifying cyclops lens at 3 o'clock. Surrounding the dial is an 18K yellow gold rotating bezel fitted with a blue insert. The source documents the internal automatic movement as caliber 1570, stamped D938648. It is presented on an 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet fitted with an expansion link.

Rolex Submariner reference 1680/8 in 18K yellow gold with blue dial and bezel
Rolex Submariner reference 1680/8 in 18K yellow gold with blue dial and bezel — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1680/8
Catalogue / lot identifier
84
Source-reported date
Circa 1971
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
2821933

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

Object Identification

This Rolex Submariner is cataloged with reference 1680/8 and serial number 2821933. The source dates the timepiece to circa 1971. The case, measuring approximately 40 mm, is constructed of 18K yellow gold.

The watch is presented on an 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet featuring an expansion link. The total gross weight of the timepiece is 97.00 dwt.

Evidence for this section
  • “Reference number: 1680/8”
  • “Serial number: 2821933”
  • “Year: Circa 1971”
  • “Case size: Approx. 40 mm”
  • “Case material: 18K yellow gold”
  • “Gross weight: 97.00 dwt”

Dial and External Features

The timepiece features a blue dial and a fluted 18K yellow gold rotating bezel with a blue insert. The dial includes a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position.

The auctioneer notes light scratching throughout the metal consistent with age and previous light polishing. The bezel insert retains a luminous pip.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Blue”
  • “Bezel: 18K yellow gold with blue bezel insert”
  • “Functions: Date”
  • “Overall Condition: Very light scratching throughout metal consistent with age and use. Case has been lightly polished in the past but remains full and thick.”
  • “Blue bezel insert has 'pip' intact.”

Mechanical Details and Source Disclaimers

The movement is identified as caliber 1570, stamped '1570 GENEVA SWISS D938648'. The inner case back bears the marking 'MONTRES ROLEX S.A. GENEVA SWITZERLAND PATENTED' along with Swiss hallmarks.

The source reports the watch was winding and setting at the time of cataloging but was not timed for accuracy. The auction house notes they provide no warranty regarding the watch, and the authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed due to potential historical repairs or restoration.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: 1570 GENEVA SWISS D938648.”
  • “Inner case back: MONTRES ROLEX S.A. GENEVA SWITZERLAND PATENTED (Swiss maker's mark) 18K 750 (Swiss hallmark) 1680.”
  • “The watch winds, sets, and runs at the time of cataloguing but has not been timed for accuracy.”
  • “The authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed since repairs and restoration may have occurred.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 2821933 align with the internal movement serial D938648 according to historical production records?
  • What is the significance of the expansion link found on the Oyster bracelet in relation to original factory specifications for the 1680/8 reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex, Ref. 1680/8, 18K Yellow Gold 'Submariner' Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference number1680/8“Reference number: 1680/8”
Serial number2821933“Serial number: 2821933”
Movement stamp1570 GENEVA SWISS D938648“Movement: 1570 GENEVA SWISS D938648.”
Case material18K yellow gold“Case material: 18K yellow gold”
Gross weight97.00 dwt“Gross weight: 97.00 dwt”
Bracelet markingsPATENTED & REGISTERED SWISS MADE 18K ROLEX SA 750“Bracelet: PATENTED & REGISTERED SWISS MADE 18K ROLEX SA 750.”
Bracelet lengthApprox. 6 1/2 inches“Bracelet size: Approx. 6 1/2 inches”
Included itemsRolex inner box, punched Rolex certificate booklet, wallet, hang tag, and booklet“Sold with: Rolex inner box, punched Rolex certificate booklet, wallet, hang tag, and booklet”

Visible details

  • Vibrant blue dial with applied yellow-gold nipple indices and Mercedes hands
  • Magnified date aperture at the 3 o'clock position
  • Fluted 18K yellow gold bezel with blue calibrated insert and luminous pip at 12 o'clock
  • 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet with brushed finish and polished center elements
  • Protected screw-down crown flanked by crown guards

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and internal case back markings are documented by the source but not visible in the provided image
  • Auctioneer notes light scratching throughout consistent with age and previous light polishing

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

Consulted source

Rolex, Ref. 1680/8, 18K Yellow Gold 'Submariner' Watch,... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a60da8a72b

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