Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. Comes with original period box+outer box, tags and dated paper with Rolex service receipt in pouch.

In the vast ocean of diver's watches, there is nothing else like the original Rolex Submariner. Tested by professionals to earth's depths, Rolex continuously developed the Submariner that gave birth to Sea-Dweller followed by Deep-Sea.

This is the most desirable Ref.1680 in solid yellow gold with the sunray blue dial and bezel option but most important of all, it comes with the original certificate. Sold new on Oct 1982 by Sars Soge in Stavange, Norway. This watch was last maintained by Rolex Ctr SG with a receipt for S$437.77 on 17 Oct 2001. It has since been kept away and received occasional wear every year without exposing to the elements and the watch remains water resistant! (But please conduct a test before diving with this watch).

Watch has been carefully maintained by the collector over the last few years with no major wear/tear. Tritium on the dial & hands are near perfect creamy white & emits a light glow in darkness. Case & bezel are in excellent condition with light user marks. Everything is original as can be & watch is in excellent condition throughout.

There are very few of this in the global market and to find one with the certificate is searching for a needle in the haystack. This watch was delivered without the bracelet and inspection underneath the lugs reveals no old marks often left by friction from metal flush-fits of bracelet. Today, there are many options for straps from customised leather to rubber-B or simply search for another bracelet.

A pedigree collector's item and an everlasting classic from Rolex.

Introduced in 1967, the Ref.1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date and cyclops which allows a 2.5x magnification. In 1969, the Ref.1680/8 was introduced with 8 standing for solid 18K yellow gold which is what we have here and two dial variations were available in matt black or blue and both with gold gilt print and matching bezel inserts. Bracelet or leather strap option with 18K buckle were available. Production ended in 1979 which coincides with the serial numbers of our watch here #599*** which makes our watch one of the last few in the production line. By 1980s, sapphire glass version 16800/8 with quick-set date and high-beat movement have replaced the range so our watch was sold few years later in 1982 which was perfectly normal in that era when sales wasn't as brisk as today especially for a uber luxurious gold watch.

It is noted that this particular hue of dark blue with a purple tint was only available for the last run of 1680/8 and earliest 16803/8. The colour is truly a feast for the eyes.