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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding dive watch with date

Rolex Submariner Date Reference 1680 'Red Sub'

Partially verified

This Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680, is a stainless steel self-winding wristwatch from circa 1971. Known in the collector market as the 'Red Sub,' it is distinguished by the word 'Submariner' printed in red ink on the dial. This model was the first Submariner to incorporate a date function, featuring a cyclops lens on the crystal. The dial is a 'MK4' variant with Tritium luminous plots showing a consistent patina. The watch retains an unpolished stainless steel case with factory lug chamfers and remains fitted to a correct Oyster bracelet with a fliplock clasp. The rotating bezel insert is period-correct and exhibits a charcoal-toned fade from previous use. The watch is presented in a condition characterized by signs of wear, including minor impressions and blemishes, while maintaining its original finish.

Front view of the Rolex Submariner 1680 'Red Sub' displaying the dial text and faded bezel insert.
Front view of the Rolex Submariner 1680 'Red Sub' displaying the dial text and faded bezel insert. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding dive watch with date
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1680
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1971
Source-reported place
Not established

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

Dial and Configuration

The watch features a black dial designated by the vendor as a 'MK4' variant. Its most prominent characteristic is the red printing of the name 'Submariner' located above the depth rating. The dial markers and the hands contain Tritium, which has developed a uniform patina throughout.

A date function is present, positioned at the three o'clock mark and magnified by the characteristic Rolex cyclops lens on the crystal. The bezel insert is noted to be period-correct and displays a charcoal color resulting from exposure.

Evidence for this section
  • ““Submariner” in red, rather than the usual white.”
  • “Inside, the correct 'MK4' dial is beautifully preserved and in superb condition.”
  • “The insert itself is period-correct and has developed an attractive mid-fade, resulting in something of a charcoal color.”

Case and Bracelet

The stainless steel case is described as unpolished, retaining its factory-applied lug chamfers. The exterior shows impressions and blemishes consistent with regular use over time.

The watch is secured to the wrist via a stainless steel Oyster bracelet equipped with a fliplock clasp, identified by the vendor as the correct pairing for this reference.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case remains unpolished, with prominent factory lug chamfers and correct finishing visible throughout.”
  • “It shows honest signs of wear from a previous life, with some scattered impressions and blemishes.”
  • “It comes fitted to a correct Oyster bracelet with a fliplock clasp.”

Production and Classification

The reference 1680 represents a significant period for the Rolex Submariner model line, marking the integration of a date complication into a tool watch. This design change was intended to increase the commercial appeal of the watch beyond professional diving.

Attributed to approximately 1971, this particular example is often classified by collectors as a 'Red Sub' due to the distinctive color of the dial text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ref. 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date”
  • “The example that we have here dates to circa 1971”
  • “It has since become known to collectors as the "Red Sub.”

Open research questions

  • What is the serial number range for a 1680 'Red Sub' produced around 1971?
  • What criteria specifically differentiate the 'MK4' dial from other dial iterations used on the 1680 reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Submariner Date Reference 1680 'Red Sub'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1680“Ref. 1680”
Model NameSubmariner Date“Rolex Submariner Date”
Dial VariantMK4“Inside, the correct 'MK4' dial is beautifully preserved”
Datingcirca 1971“dates to circa 1971”
Case ConditionUnpolished“The case remains unpolished, with prominent factory lug chamfers”
Dial FeatureRed text““Submariner” in red, rather than the usual white.”
Bracelet TypeOyster“It comes fitted to a correct Oyster bracelet with a fliplock clasp.”

Visible details

  • Red text on the dial reading 'SUBMARINER'
  • Cyclops magnifying lens positioned over the date aperture
  • Patinated Tritium luminous markers and handset
  • Rotating bezel insert with charcoal-toned fading

Research qualifications

  • The 'circa 1971' dating is an estimate provided by the vendor.
  • The specific 'MK4' dial identification is a claim made by the vendor.

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Submariner Date رفرنس 1680 معروف به Red Sub

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5b84cf2cf3

Terms in this record

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