Vintage 1978 Rolex Submariner 1680 - Stainless Steel Black Dial
A Classic Reference In Immaculate Condition
The ref. 1680 sits at a turning point for the Submariner. Same familiar silhouette, same tool watch intent, but with the added date that marked Rolex’s shift toward everyday usability. By 1978, the design was fully settled. Nothing experimental left, nothing flashy added. Just a Submariner that knew exactly what it was.
Classic Configuration
The black dial and black bezel are the classic pairing, but condition is what separates examples like this. The bezel shows light fading around the forty marker, which adds character without overpowering the watch. It reads as natural aging, not damage.
The case is the real story. It appears unpolished, with strong shape and clean edges that these watches lose quickly once refinishing enters the picture. The bracelet matches correctly and remains in good shape, which matters just as much as the case on a watch like this. This is not a rare variant, It’s a correct one.
What You Need To Know Before Wearing It
Condition is very good overall. The case is strong and well preserved. The crystal is in good shape. The bezel shows light fading but remains clean and legible. The bracelet is matching and in good condition.
The movement is running well after passing by our test bench. This is one of the best condition 1680s I've seen.
Why This Watch Still Holds Up
The 1680 is one of the most wearable vintage Submariners because it bridges eras. Vintage enough to have warmth and character, modern enough to function as a daily watch. It works for someone who wants a real vintage Rolex sports watch without chasing extreme rarity. Honest, balanced, and increasingly hard to find in this kind of shape.
Every watch we offer has been authenticated and mechanically looked over to ensure immediate usability.
Bracelet extension, cutting, or sizing is available upon request through our professional in-house jewelers.
At Danny's Vintage Watches, we rigorously authenticate and inspect every watch to guarantee both its authenticity and exceptional quality. Your complete satisfaction is our utmost priority. We are dedicated to guiding you to the ideal timepiece that meets your desires. Should you have any inquiries, our team is ready to provide swift and comprehensive assistance.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
To get in contact directly with the team send us a text for the quickest response! 917-887-1584
If you are interested in trading or selling your watch please click here, and fill the form
Payments
We are committed to providing a secure and seamless payment experience. Our site features a built-in payment processor that accepts most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). U.S. residents also have the option to pay via Zelle. If you prefer to pay via bank wire, which will be slightly cheaper, please send a text to 917-887-1584 so we can reserve the item you wish to purchase.
Shipping
We ship via FedEx, USPS, UPS, and DHL, depending on the item's value and your location. All domestic shipments are fully insured.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)
Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.
This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….
Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!