Submariner Date

The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 holds a pivotal place in the Submariner lineage as the first reference to incorporate a date complication, distinguished by its cyclops lens over the date window at 3 o'clock. Produced across roughly a decade from 1969, the 40 mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Calibre 1575, a date-capable evolution of the celebrated 1500-series movement. The reference is perhaps best known among collectors for its early dial variants bearing the word "SUBMARINER" printed in red — pieces that have become some of the most sought-after Rolex dials of the twentieth century.

The reference 1680 was introduced in 1969 as a direct successor to the non-date Submariner references that had defined the line through the 1950s and 1960s, answering growing demand for a practical date function in a professional dive watch. Early production examples featured the now-iconic red "SUBMARINER" text on the dial — a detail that was quietly phased out in favour of an all-white printing during the mid-1970s, creating a clear and collectible generational divide within the reference. The 1680 remained in production until approximately 1979, when it was succeeded by the reference 16800, which introduced a sapphire crystal in place of the acrylic. Over its production run the reference passed through several dial and bezel insert variations, giving collectors a rich taxonomy to study.