Rolex

Submariner 1680

Name: Rolex Submariner 1680
Brand: Rolex
Availability: InStock

40mm

Low $10,022

Median $11,496

High $13,063

Search Submariner 1680 Listings

The date window is the thread running through this Submariner family, beginning with the 1680 and its conspicuously raised acrylic Cyclops crystal. From red-letter dials to sapphire-equipped successors and gold cases, these watches trace the point where Rolex’s diver became something more varied than a steel instrument with a black bezel.

The original 1680 arrived in the late 1960s with the automatic 1575. The Submariner 1680 Red takes its name from the single red line of dial text; later steel examples carry the Submariner name in white. Both retain acrylic crystals and the older dial’s painted luminous markers. The Submariner 1680 Gold brought yellow gold into the date-equipped range, with black or blue dial-and-bezel combinations.

The 16800 introduced sapphire, a quickset date through the 3035, and a higher depth rating. Early matte dials give way to glossy dials with white-gold marker surrounds—a substantial visual divide within that reference. The two-tone 16803 and yellow-gold 16808 belong to this sapphire generation, while the short-lived steel 168000 marks the transition to 904L steel.

MovementAutomatic

Caliber1575

Case Size40mm

Water Resistance200m

Lug Width20mm

What owners love

The tall “top-hat” acrylic crystal gives the dial a depth and edge distortion that owners often miss when wearing a sapphire-crystal Submariner. Light surface scratches can also be polished out rather than becoming permanent reminders.
On the steel matte-dial versions, the painted hour plots and uncluttered printing are a big part of the attraction. The red Submariner lettering on early “Red Sub” examples adds a small splash of color without changing the otherwise restrained dial.

Common Criticisms

The 1575 has no quick-set date, so correcting it means advancing the hands through successive days. That gets tedious if you rotate watches and regularly need to reset it.
The top-hat crystal sits noticeably proud of the bezel, making it easy to knock or scuff. Owners who love its appearance still sometimes find that raised edge awkward under a close-fitting cuff.