ROLEX, TROPICAL 'RED' SUBMARINER, REF. 1680Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 32,500
Estimate
USD 20,000 - USD 30,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Introduced in late 1960s, the reference 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date indicator as well as the cyclops magnifier. Distinguished by its red Submariner printing to the dial, the “Red Sub” as it is known to collectors has become a cult classic.
This particular example is distinguished by its dial, which has faded into an appealing uniform chocolate brown shade, referred to by many as a “tropical dial”. Further to the attractive dial, the present watch comes with it’s original box and papers. This is a good opportunity to own a full kit “Red Sub” in honest condition.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The case is in good condition with light scratches and few small nicks. The case and lugs have been lightly polished. The numbers are visible between the lugs. The back of the lugs have scratches. The case back is in good condition with light scratches. The inside of the case back is stamped '1680' and 'I.70' indicating its production in the first quarter of 1970. The inside of the case back has watchmaker's marks. The crown appears to be original. The bezel has faded to a blueish color and is missing its pip. There is a small nick to the bezel near the '50.' The dial and hands are in good condition and appear to be original. The luminous material at the hour markers and in the hands match in color. The plots at 7 and 8 o'clock have a small break in them. The 11 o'clock marker has a small brown spot in it. The hands have developed patina. The end links are marked '580' and the bracelet '93150.' The bracelet is in good condition with scratches and is a later replacement. The date changes as the hands pass midnight. The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended given the age of the watch.