Lot 432

JEWELRY. Rolex "Red Sub" Submariner Ref. 1680 USA

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JEWELRY. Rolex "Red Sub" Submariner Ref. 1680 USA

Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000

Current Bid: $8,000

(7 Bids)

by Clarke Auction Gallery
June 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
2372 Boston Post Rd
Larchmont, NY, US 10538

Bracelet. A truly exceptional vintage Rolex "Red Sub" Submariner stainless steel wristwatch, reference #1680. Produced in 1969 (serial #2229121), this highly collectible timepiece features a 40mm stainless steel case with a steel 1680 caseback bearing a "II 69" date code. The watch is fitted with a bi-directional stainless steel timing bezel retaining its black aluminum MKIII serif "fat font" insert with separated "40" numerals. The watch is equipped with a Twinlock crown (no markings beneath the coronet logo) and an acrylic "Top Hat" crystal with Cyclops date magnifier. The Mark II black "Meters First" dial features open 6s and red "Submariner" text printed over white. The dial exhibits the correct thinner font variation, with the "F" in "ft" not extending as far over the "T," a configuration generally associated with watches in the approximately 2.2M to 2.45M serial range. The dial is further detailed with a white minute track, luminous arrow marker, baton and round indices executed in tritium "Swiss - T<25", with central high polished luminous Mercedes, sword, and sweep seconds hands, and a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. The date wheel displays the desirable open 6 and 9 numerals, including the 26. The watch is fitted with a USA-made stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet executed by Cromwell International ("C&I"), retaining its fold-over clasp with a 1-70 (January 1970) date code. Powered by the Swiss-made Rolex Cal. 1575 automatic movement (Cal. 1570 base), the 26-jewel movement offers an approximate 48-hour power reserve. From a Larchmont, NY estate. Dimensions: lugs measure approx. 20mm.

  • Condition: Good, with light surface scratches and minor dings/dents. If there is no mention of box and papers in the description, then none are present. If there is no mention of extra links, then none are included. All information known to the auction house has been provided in the description. Please examine the provided photos to thoroughly evaluate each piece. The hands and dial indices retain what is believed to be their original tritium luminous material, which no longer exhibits illumination under light exposure. This is consistent with the natural aging process of vintage tritium. The observations and opinions expressed in this listing represent our findings based upon visual inspection and available reference materials. Thirty photographs have been provided, depicting critical components and identifying characteristics of the watch. Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to carefully review all photographs and conduct their own due diligence regarding originality, condition, and correctness of all components. In-person inspection is welcomed and encouraged prior to bidding. All information known to us at the time of cataloging has been disclosed within this listing. The watch is currently running; however, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy, future performance, or functionality. As with all watches offered by Clarke Auction Gallery, this timepiece is sold strictly as-is, regardless of functionality. Any pre-owned or vintage watch may not meet original factory specifications for water resistance or timekeeping.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000