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Rolex Submariner 1680 - Black Dial

Details

A Submariner with earned character

This Rolex Submariner comes from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, a period many collectors point to as the sweet spot for the reference. Familiar in silhouette but richer in detail, it carries the kind of natural aging that gives these watches their appeal rather than detracts from it.

The black dial remains clean and balanced, with tritium hour markers that have aged evenly into a warm, uniform patina — the kind that looks settled, not forced.

Why this era stands out

The 1665 represents the Submariner at full maturity: robust, legible, and purpose-built, but still restrained compared to later iterations. The tritium lume adds depth and softness to the dial, giving it a visual warmth that modern materials simply don’t replicate.

It’s a reference that wears comfortably today while still carrying unmistakable vintage presence.

Condition, clearly presented

Condition is strong and honest. The lume has aged evenly across the dial, the case presents well for its age, and the bracelet fits comfortably up to a 7-inch wrist. Nothing here feels mismatched or overworked — the watch reads as cohesive and naturally preserved.

Mechanically, it’s ready to wear and functioning as it should.

A Submariner that feels right

This isn’t about chasing a specific variant or extreme rarity. It’s about a well-kept vintage Submariner that shows its age in the best way possible.

For someone who values patina, balance, and a classic Rolex sports watch that still feels authentic on the wrist, this Ref. 1680 delivers exactly that.

Key Specs

Reference: 1680

Model: Submariner

Year: 1970s–1980s

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 40mm

Bezel: Stainless steel

Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet

Dial: Black with tritium hour markers

Wrist Size: Up to approx. 7 inches

History

The Submariner arrived in 1953 as the first wristwatch water-resistant to 100 meters, purpose-built for diving. A rotating bezel calibrated for dive timing, luminous indices and hands, a screw-down crown, and a bracelet that wore comfortably over a wetsuit: every detail solved a specific problem.

What nobody planned was what happened next. James Bond wore one on screen. Explorers wore them on expeditions. Architects wore them to meetings. The Submariner became the reference point for the modern sports watch — the watch every other sports watch has been measured against ever since.

References 14060 (no date, cleaner dial), 16610 (with date and cyclops), and 168000 (an earlier transitional reference) in our inventory span the mid-1980s through early 2000s. At 40mm with a 300-meter water resistance rating, these are not compromised vintage watches — they are fully functional, extraordinarily robust instruments that also happen to be some of the most beautiful watches ever made.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

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)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

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.

Zee06
2 months ago

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….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

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!!!