Each week, we present a selection of our favorite watches from the pre-owned side of our collection. Captured by our talented in-house photographers, you get a closer look at what makes these watches so special. This week, we have a Rolex Submariner ref. 1680, a 1960s Longines, a 35mm gold AP Royal Oak, an Omega pocket watch, and an 18k gold vintage Minerva chronograph.
What’s so amazing about pre-owned, generally, is that it is a term that takes on any meaning in the watch world. In this case, we are looking at a vintage Rolex Submariner ref. 1680. This is an important reference in the history of the Sub because it represents the first instance that the model utilized a date complication with the well-known cyclops date window. Of course, the original 1680 was known as the “Red Sub” because the Submariner text was written in red, but that was discontinued after a few years and gave way to what we have today: a ref. 1680 with white Submariner text that serves as the benchmark for all Submariner Dates to come.
Hallmarks of this one are the maxi lume plots – which means that the markers are large. They have taken on an ever-so-slight patina that is matched by the luminescent pearl on the bezel. This features the vintage matte dial which only adds to the overall dive-ready tool watch aesthetic and is fitted to the classic Oyster bracelet with the double enclosure clasp. Here, you’re also getting an example with a crystal sans-cyclops magnifier. Overall, white 1680s didn’t have a particularly long production run so to see one in this condition is just plain cool https://www.fanreviewwatch.com.