Our remarks

ROLEX VINTAGE SUBMARINER DATE “RED SUBMARINER” MARK VI – Ref. 1680 – Stainless Steel – 40mm – Automatic – Tritium Dial – 1974 – Very Good Vintage Condition

We are proud to present this very good Rolex Submariner Date “Red Submariner” in stainless steel with a later (1985) Oyster stell bracelet.

This reference 1680, featuring the highly sought-after Mark VI dial, crafted in stainless steel and dating from 1974.

Introduced in the late 1960s, the Submariner Ref. 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date complication and the first to bear the word “Submariner” printed in red, giving rise to one of the most iconic and collectible vintage Rolex references ever produced.

This example showcases the desirable Mark VI dial, part of the later production series of “Red Subs,” characterized by its close 6s in the depth rating (“660ft = 200m”), feet-first configuration, and bold red Submariner text. The matte black tritium dial has aged beautifully, displaying creamy patina on the hour plots and matching tritium hands, contributing to a wonderfully warm and authentic vintage presence. Minor little discoloration at the minute line behing the Tritium dot at 55 min! More resent Tritium bubble in the bezel!

The 40mm stainless steel case remains strong, with well-preserved proportions and crisp chamfers. It features a bidirectional rotating bezel with a period-correct fat font insert, a Triplock screw-down crown, and the classic Oyster caseback. 

Powering this historic diver is the Rolex Caliber 1575, a robust and precise automatic movement renowned for its durability and chronometer-certified accuracy.

Condition: Very good vintage condition with only very minor signs of age, strong case geometry, clean dial, and evenly aged tritium lume. The red “Submariner” text remains vibrant and well-defined.

“A cornerstone of vintage Rolex collecting—the Red Submariner Ref. 1680 Mark VI combines tool-watch heritage, rarity, and timeless design in one of the most legendary dive watches ever made.”