Rolex. An attractive 18K gold automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, orangy-brown dial, blue bezel and bracelet

The appearance of the present watch may come as a surprise to some collectors, but the combination of blue bezel and vibrant brown dial is most appealing for this particular watch. A yellow gold reference 1680, this Submariner stuns by its unusual reflective brushed brown dial. The shine coming from its surface is only heightened by the special applied luminous dot, baton and dagger numerals. Avid Rolex collectors have coined the term "nipple" dial for watch faces adorned with these applied indices with stylish gold surround. While the dial of this watch was originally of blue colour, a mix of exposure to the elements, including strong ultra-violet light, has changed the property of the paint on the watch face to a charismatic orangy-brown. This type of "ageing" can occassionaly be found on some Rolex watches, making them even more attractive to the collector.

The gilt graphics on the dial are particular to the gold version of the reference and befit the watch perfectly. Overall in very good condition, this is a golden opportunity for any collector to obtain a rare and attractive Submariner.

Being in yellow gold, the watch is technically a ref. 1680/8 even if the reference number engraved between the upper lugs and on the inside of the case back only identifies it as a reference 1680.

Rolex reference 1680 was introduced in 1969 and was the company's first Submariner with date. Available in either stainless steel or 18K gold, the standard version of this reference featured dial and bezels in either blue or black.

Reference 1680/8 is illustrated in Rolex Submariner Story by Franca & Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani, pp. 104-105 and p. 107, as well as in 100 Years of Rolex likewise by F. & G. Mondani, p. 133.