[Review] Rolex Submariner 1680 "White Mark I" from 1978

[laphroaig007]

Hi all,

Here is a review of my 1680 Rolex Submariner Date model 1978, newly acquired.


A bit of history...

Rolex ref 1680 watch came out in the 60s. I'm not going to tell you the whole history of this model, many others have been widely describing it in long, wide and across.

This review is about a model with white markings only, so no "Red Submariner".

According to the nomenclature of " Rolex Submariner Story " by Mondani, my model is a "White Mark I".

In fact, this is the first series of the last series of 1680, since the new Submariner with sapphire crystal, the 16800, was launched in 1979.
But of course, as every new model is released, old and new will coexist for some years.

So, my 1680 was sold new in October 1979 in Italy, in the province of Savona (Liguria). I think it has never left the province because I purchased it from an AD in Alassio, still in the province of Savona.

For the curious and eager to learn, here are some reference sites :
[*] The best Mazzariol Stefano: http://stefanomazzariol.blogspot.fr
[*] Synthesis of vintage submariner: http://www.vintagesubmariner.com/vintagesubs.html
[*] The story of 1680: http://oysterpassion.fr/1.html
[*] VRF (Vintage Rolex Forum) http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...ub+Reference+% 28Long% 29
[*] Another story of 1680: http://www.watchblog.dk/rolex1680.html
[*] The excellent history of Submariner and Sea-Dweller origins to the present day, by Jean-Michel, the Forum Admin of MDP dive watches' forum : http://www.forum-mdp.com/t6803-rolex...-of-a-our-days


The story of buying this watch

I must tell that yesterday, Saturday December 1st, it was somehow day for me, as it was my birthday.

Following "Belles Montres" watch exhibition in Paris, a visit to the Cartier factory in la Chaux de Fonds, and my strong desires to acquire the Vulcain Nautical Heritage watch, or 2 Omega PO titanium and AT GMT Blue watches, I felt that I needed to do something else !

Last week, before going to the Belles Montres exhibition, I had an appointment with a used watch dealer in Paris (watchmywatch) to have a glance at a 1680 vintage Rolex.
Watch in good condition, with box and papers, but too many things that did not suit me: service hands with luminova, original bracelet but with distended links and service clasp, etc...
In short, not for me !

Anyway, why would I want to buy such a vintage Rolex ?

Because of its plexi glass, because it was the first Submariner date, and because it is vintage, etc.

In short, as some watch friends already knew, I've been looking around for well over 2 years to find the perfect match to my expectations.
I wanted a watch almost "perfect" knowing that perfection in vintage is extremely rare.
Furthermore, I did not have the level of knowledge in vintage watch as some experts over here, so I had to be cautious not to buy a scrap vintage Rolex.

I had asked few used and vintage shop in France, but they did not necessarily have the type of watch I wanted.

Happily, last Saturday, me and my beloved wife went for a walk in nearby Italy, having a 1 jour drive to one of our favorite little towns in Liguria, Alassio.

As I stopped by the Rolex / Jaeger-Lecoultre AD in main street of Alassio, Severi Gioielli, I just stopped and stared at their window display, with new Sub 116610, 216570 Explo II, DJII smooth bezel, etc, and also a flat four 16610LV mark I or II and a vintage 1680 that looks very clean.

I went into the store, the same store where I had bought my GMT-IIc 116710 in 2009 ...

The owner and the salesgirl, always nice, simple and welcoming, showed me the 1680.
I went almost mad as this watch was visibly very clean, but what definitely strikes me and made up my mind was the fact that the shop owner showed me the full full set with extended 2-year warranty for a complete overhaul service done by Rolex.

After small negotiation, I just simply bought the watch !!!

The reasons for my madness:
- A watch that never left Italy and the province of Savona, having been sold in the city of Savona in October 1979, and the AD who sold it to me, Severi, is in Alassio, 1h far from Savona ...
- A very clean watch, with little polished case. Chamfers are ok, and the thickness of the lugs just satisfies me.
- Dial, hands, tube of winding crown, bracelet and buckle, everything is original and in a very nice condition.
- The watch comes with the box, the outter box, its original warranty, the Submariner booklet, etc ...
- The watch has been serviced without having been "slaughtered." It is therefore doubly authenticated, and guaranteed for 2 years.
- The watch is sold by a shop that is official Rolex AD.

Let me tell you that I do not know if I got a good deal, but all the conditions were met for me to make this purchase passion and fun .
And I can tell you that I have no regrets at all.

My first real vintage watch is complete satisfaction to me.
I hope to keep it for a long time.


Watch specifications

Brand = ROLEX
Model = Submariner Date reference 1680
Case = 316L stainless steel, lugs with holes
Diameter = 40mm approx
Date of sale = October 3. 1979 in Savona, Italy
Year of manufacture = est. 1978, considering the serial number 536xxxx code and bracelet code "VC"
Bracelet = 93150 Rolex links armored guy with corner pieces 580, first generation
Dial = mat "white Mark I" with tritium indexes, date disc "silver" and open 6
Hands = origin with tritium
Glass = plexi, probably service glass
Bezel = steel with aluminum insert and service luminova pearl
Packaging = Box réf 67.00.08

Watch purchased with the guarantee of origin, original box, the "Seahorse" outter-box with 1680/0 label, Submariner booklet, original translation booklet and Rolex service card dated from 03/11/2012 (ie 2 years warranty).

Pictures


The watch

















































The full set ...

























































The 1680 with its younger sisters…

Rolex 5,3 M-series 1680 / F-series Rolex 16610 LV / D-series 14060M Rolex / D-series Rolex 16610

Wristshots

I hope that you enjoyed this review.

Don't hesitate to post your comments here.

laphroaig007

[Psmith]

Congrats Marc, and thanks for an interesting story/review and the great pics

[Ramiks]

very nice write up thanks for sharing

[gregvisser]

You did so well here. That watch seems to be in as new condition. You are getting all the good vintage things with none of the vintage drawbacks!

Congrats - and great pics btw.

Greg

[PanosI]

Great review and pictorial !!! Big Congrats an thanks for sharing

[kymwatchlog]

blew me off my chair seeing those stunning pics! well done :)

[laphroaig007]

Thanks all for your nice comments.
I must admit I am thrilled with joy with this first vintage watch in my collection.

[memphis88888]

Nice review. The pics are very good and sharp!

[meloncap78]

My birth year. Amazing looking. The refined crown guards make the crown look nice and chunky! Love that watch. Congrats and great review.

[Vincent65]

nice white 1680 set, congrats!

[tonypapa67]

Great pictures great review....

[dysondiver]

great watch outstanding pics , im sure they will be a referance for many.
good health to wear it.

[financeman]

Awesome write up and a excellent watch. If you ever decide to get rid of it, I will gladly take it off your hands. It is exactly what I have been lookin for in a birth year watch. Lol
Awesome watch

[amvd]

thank you very much
apreciate you review!
great watch too!

[laphroaig007]

Well, thanks to all for your nice comments.
Love to share with you all.
;)

[Rashid.bk]

amazing find, seeing your pictures actually makes me want a plexi rolex. congrats and thank you for sharing it with us, it looks amazing.

[Maurice A.]

Wow!!! Just... Wow!!!



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[Trurolexer]

Cool review. Cool watch.

[sfc rick]

Excellent post! I have loved mine and wear it daily. Most just cannot believe it's a 1977 production and they give compliments often.