Rolex Submariner Date 1680 - Rare ‘Meter First Red Sub’ Black Matte Dial

Rolex Submariner Date 1680 – Rare 'Meter First Red Sub' Black Matte Dial The debut of reference 1680 in 1967 marked a defining moment for Rolex. Building on the success of the Datejust, which introduced a practical date display in 1945, the Geneva-based maison extended this innovation, albeit with some delay, to its iconic dive watch, incorporating the date complication for the first time. The success of this model, along with its numerous successors, cemented the Submariner Date as a cornerstone of the Rolex collection. Today, it remains one of the brand's best-selling models, admired by seasoned collectors and first-time buyers alike. Early examples of this revolutionary reference, produced until around 1975, featured the iconic 'Red Sub' dial, distinguished by the word "Submariner" in striking red text. These so-called "red writing" dials were eventually replaced with versions bearing all-white text. Less widely known is that within the already coveted 'Red Sub' subgroup exists an even rarer and more exclusive category: the 'meter first' dials, where the depth rating appears in meters before feet. These dials reflect a period when Swiss watches were primarily produced for the European market; shortly thereafter, dial graphics were revised to accommodate the shift in the primary market from Europe to the United States, serving as the voice of a bygone era. The example offered here is fitted with a second-generation 'meter first' dial, the last iteration to feature red "Submariner" text stamped over white, giving the typography a uniquely bold, three-dimensional presence. The watch also displays exceptional aging on the 'Pallettoni' hour markers and 'Mercedes' hands, both of which have developed a warm, creamy patina that further enhances the character and charm of the piece. Dating to the early 1970s, this timepiece has been very well preserved over more than 50 years of life and is now ready to serve its next caretaker for at least as many years to come. Owing to their rarity and striking aesthetic, 1680 'meter first' models are highly sought after by collectors, making this example a must-have for any serious connoisseur and an opportunity not to be missed.