Rolex. An extremely fine, rare and attractive 18K gold automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date and tropical dial

Reference 1680 is probably the best known vintage iteration of the legendary Submariner line. As befitting a tool watch such as this, created to defy the pressure and hazards of the oceanic depth, most of these watches were realized in steel. A few exceptions to the rule were however made, and this timepiece is among the most remarkable of such exceptions. Not only it is offered in stupendous condition, with a remarkably full case and all-original details, but it most surprisingly presents a very charismatic tropical dial. Interestingly, the tropicalization process is absolutely even throughout the dial, with a strong metallic copperish tone, but at three o’ clock the dial presents a deep purple shade. This is most probably due to the fact that the cyclopic lens concentrates light, thus creating different condition – and outcome - for the small area of the dial that is in its close proximity.