The Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680, holds a unique place in the pantheon of Rolex sports watches. Unlike its no-date counterparts, the references 1665 and 5513, which saw incremental caliber upgrades and subtle dial variations throughout their production runs, the 1680 remained remarkably consistent in its movement throughout its lifespan. This consistency, however, doesn't negate the fascinating nuances found within the various iterations of the 1680, particularly concerning its dial. The "Mark 1" dial, representing the earliest examples, is a highly sought-after collectible and a testament to Rolex's early mastery of watchmaking and design. Understanding the intricacies of the 1680 Mark 1 dial requires a deeper examination of its characteristics, its place within the broader context of Rolex dial evolution, and its relationship to other significant Submariner models and their dial variations.
The Rolex 1680, first introduced in the late 1960s, marked a significant step for the Submariner line. It integrated the date complication, a feature previously absent from the professional diver's watch, adding a layer of practicality without compromising its rugged functionality. This addition, however, impacted the dial design, necessitating changes to accommodate the cyclops lens over the date window and adjustments to the overall layout. The early Mark 1 dials of the 1680 showcase this transition, retaining a certain aesthetic purity while incorporating the new date functionality.
Distinguishing the Mark 1 Dial: Pinpointing a genuine Rolex 1680 Mark 1 dial requires a keen eye for detail. Several key features distinguish it from later iterations (Mark 2, Mark 3, etc.):
* Font and Style: The typeface used for the "Rolex," "Submariner," "Oyster Perpetual," and "Date" inscriptions is crucial. The Mark 1 typically features a slightly more delicate and less pronounced typeface compared to later versions. The spacing between words and the overall balance of the text are also distinctive. Collectors often refer to subtle variations in the "S" and "R" characters as indicators. These minute differences are often only discernible through high-resolution images or in-hand examination.
* Marker Style: The hour markers are another critical point of identification. Early Mark 1 dials often exhibit slightly less defined, less sharply pointed baton markers compared to later, more precisely printed versions. Some collectors even note subtle variations in the lume plots within the markers themselves, with early examples showing a slightly less uniform application.
* "Swiss" and "T<25" markings: The position and style of the "Swiss" and "T<25" (for tritium lume) markings are also important differentiating factors. The arrangement and font of these markings often change subtly across the different dial marks.
* Lume: The tritium lume used on the Mark 1 dials is another significant factor. While aging will alter the appearance of the lume over time, experienced collectors can often discern differences in the initial lume application and its subsequent aging patterns. The color of the aged lume can vary from creamy beige to a darker brown, depending on exposure to light and environmental factors.
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