The 1974 Rolex Submariner 1680

The Rolex Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold is a strikingly luxurious version of the iconic dive watch, representing the first time Rolex introduced a Submariner in solid yellow gold. Released in the early 1970s, this 40mm timepiece exudes opulence while retaining the rugged functionality of the Submariner line. With its blend of 18ct yellow gold, classic dive features, and a distinctive design, the Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold stands as a remarkable fusion of luxury and performance.

Rolex Submariner Features

1. 18ct Yellow Gold Case

• Bold and Luxurious: The Rolex Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold features a 40mm case crafted entirely from 18ct yellow gold, marking a luxurious departure from the traditional stainless steel models. This precious metal not only adds a layer of prestige but also delivers impressive durability, making it suitable for both underwater adventures and elegant occasions.
• Distinctive Design: The warm glow of the gold case, paired with its rugged yet refined profile, gives the watch a bold presence on the wrist, making it an iconic statement piece.

2. Automatic Movement – Calibre 1575

• Reliable Performance: At the heart of the Rolex Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold is the Calibre 1575, an automatic movement developed by Rolex. Known for its precision and durability, this movement features a date complication—a pioneering feature in the Submariner collection.
• Cyclops Lens: The date window at 3 o’clock is magnified by Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens, offering enhanced readability and adding to the watch’s distinctive appearance.

3. Blue Aluminum Bezel

• Striking Contrast: One of the most notable features of the  Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold is its vibrant blue aluminum bezel. The unidirectional bezel, marked with a 60-minute diving scale, creates a stunning contrast against the gold case, enhancing both the watch’s aesthetic and its practicality for divers.
• Durability with Vintage Charm: The aluminum insert, while lightweight, offers excellent functionality and contributes to the vintage appeal that makes this model so desirable among collectors.

4. Blacl Dial with Tritium Lume

• Captivating Black Dial: The blue dial of the Rolex  Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold complements the bezel, offering a unified and luxurious color scheme. This dial color was a bold choice for its time and is a defining characteristic of this particular model.
• Vintage Lume: The hour markers and hands are filled with tritium lume, which over time develops a unique patina, further enhancing the vintage appeal of the watch. The contrasting gold hands and hour markers ensure excellent legibility against the blue backdrop.

5. Oyster Bracelet in 18ct Yellow Gold

• Luxurious and Robust: The Rolex Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold is paired with Rolex’s iconic Oyster bracelet, crafted entirely from 18ct yellow gold. Known for its three-piece link design, the Oyster bracelet is both robust and comfortable, offering a secure fit for any occasion.
• Signature Rolex Elegance: The folding Oysterlock clasp ensures that the watch remains securely fastened, while the all-gold construction exudes the sophistication and luxury that this model is known for.

The Pinnacle of Luxury Dive Watches

The Rolex Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold stands out as one of the earliest examples of Rolex blending the practicality of a dive watch with the extravagance of yellow gold. Its bold combination of blue and gold elements, along with the first-ever use of the date complication in a Submariner, makes it a significant milestone in the history of Rolex’s dive watches.