Rolex Submariner Date 1680 MK2 Yellow Patina 1978 (Serviced)

Steel 1680 Submariner from 1978 with original MK2 dial, matching patina on lume and hands, and a recently serviced cal. 1570 movement.

Rolex Submariner

Rolex is one of the most recognized watch manufacturers in the world, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand has been producing watches since the early 1900s and built its reputation on durability, reliability, and consistency. Rolex watches are known for being well-engineered tool watches that hold their value over time, and the brand has a strong presence in both the new and pre-owned markets.

The Submariner is one of Rolex's most well-known models, introduced in the early 1950s as a purpose-built dive watch. It was designed to be water-resistant, legible underwater, and tough enough for actual use. Over the decades it became one of the most copied watch designs in history, which says a lot about how well the original concept was executed. It sits at the core of what Rolex does and remains one of the most traded references in the secondary market.

The reference 1680 was produced from roughly 1969 to 1979 and is notable for being the first Submariner to include a date complication, paired with a cyclops lens on the crystal. It runs on the caliber 1570 movement, a solid and well-regarded automatic movement from that era. The 1680 has a strong following among vintage Rolex collectors because it represents a specific period in the model's history, and original examples with unrestored dials and period-correct details tend to attract serious interest from buyers who know what they are looking at.

Key Details To Consider

This Rolex Submariner reference 1680 is a well-preserved example from 1978, carrying a 5.3 million serial number. The case has been recently polished by a Rolex-certified polisher, finished to Rolex standards with proper brushing and clean bevels along the lug sides. All case numbers remain clearly legible.

The dial is an original MK2 example showing an even, warm yellow patina across all the lume plots, with the hands matching closely. This kind of consistent aging is something collectors look for, and this one presents well. The overall condition of the dial is very good for its age.

The bracelet is original and in excellent shape, showing no stretch and retaining solid link articulation. It has 11 links and currently fits a 7.25 inch (18.4 cm) wrist. The buckle is stamped VD 1979, keeping it period correct to the watch. Additional links can be provided on request.

The caliber 1570 movement was last serviced in July 2026 and is running accurately. It has also been pressure tested to 3 ATM (30 meters). Overall this is a solid, all-original 1680 that wears and functions as it should.

Inquire about this item