Submerge yourself in the legacy of the legendary Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680, crafted in stainless steel—an icon born from the golden age of professional dive watches. Housed in its classic 40mm case and dating to approximately 1979 based on its 6.12 million serial number, this piece embodies the rugged spirit and enduring design that made the Submariner the benchmark for underwater exploration.

The Mk I “feet first” tritium dial is especially captivating and remains clean and well-preserved, offering excellent contrast against the deep black bezel. The dial and matching tritium hands have aged to a warm, buttery-yellow patina, with light oxidation present on the hands—commonly seen on examples of this specific reference. The original bezel insert remains in very nice condition, with a mark between the 12 and 1 o’clock area. The correct “top hat” acrylic crystal, with cyclops at 3 o’clock, adds both charm and authenticity to this true vintage diver.

This case is attached to a Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with correct 580 end links and a VC date code dating production to 1978. The bracelet includes 11 links with a dive extension, showing minor stretch. The bracelet also shows light friction wear, most notably on the link nearest to the 12 o’clock end link, along with subtle signs present on a few of the links throughout.

This timepiece is in very nice overall condition, with minor superficial scratching and minor dinging throughout the case. There is also minor superficial scratching throughout the bracelet. The coronet on the bracelet remains crisp.  While the case shows evidence of a prior polish, it retains a strong, well-defined presence with thick, even lugs and crisp factory bevels still clearly visible—hallmarks of a well-preserved example. The bezel insert retains its original lume pip, though the tritium is no longer present.