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1980 Rolex Submariner 1680 40mm with original box $14,000.00 CAD. 505-00610

Without doubt the Rolex Submariner is the most popular sports watch ever produced. It is also the most imitated and influenced almost every mainstream manufacturer to make their version of this classic among classics. We are so happy to present this rather rare example from 1980. This model marked a huge turning point in the timeline of Submariner models. It showcases a few for the model and many lasts for the iconic watch. To Rolex enthusiasts the biggest feature this watch debuted is a calendar function. This concession to utility waited until the Submariner had been in production for 16 years before making an appearance as an “upgraded” version of the no date Submariner. Submariners with and without date functions are still in production today. As less obvious detail of the 1680 Submariner is the hacking movement that enables the wearer to pause the seconds hand by by pulling out the crown to a coordinate time signal As far as the last of its kind are concerned there many with the 1680 compared to other Submariners. It is the last of the 4 digit reference numbers, last of the plastic crystals, last of the beautiful matte finish dials, last of the two way rotational bezels, last slow set calendar correction, last of the slow beat movements. Perhaps the most obscure of the details that make the 1680 Submariner a little distinct is the 6s and 9s printed on the date-ring do not form a closed character, they have a definite space between the vertical stroke and loop sections. We always seem to have an old Submariner in our everchanging estate collection but these 4 digit reference Submariner Date models almost never show up. This one is somewhat special to use because we sold it back in 2010. It remained with that owner until it was recently traded back in to us, looking exactly like it did close to 15 years ago. It still remains in fantastic condition for a 45 year old sports watch. We’ve seen many Submariners that are only a few years old that exhibit far more wear and tear than this example. The matte black dial with simple printed plots with white gold surrounds is 100%, the case and bracelet show minimal wear, the solid link Oyster bracelet is also in excellent condition displaying only minor sag with no stretch. It looks completely original except perhaps the fliplock buckle that is stamped with a V5 (1996) date code and 501B end links that may have come from a later version of the 93150 bracelet. Although there are no other documents besides our invoice from 2010 the box makes up for much of it. The original inner and outer boxes for the watch look like new. The previous owner’s of this watch did the right thing and didn’t store the watch in the box when not being worn. The box was likely set aside and left alone white the watch was being only occasionally worn. We feel the yellowed and frayed around the edges case-back sticker is original to the watch from 45 years ago. We are happy to provide a complimentary 1-year warranty for the next owner. This uncommon and very collectible Submariner 1680 is estate priced at $14,000.00 CAD. Stock #505-00601.

SOLD

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