
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Submariner 1680 "Tropical Mk2 Red Sub"
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- c. 1970
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- Product 9779979583764
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 9779979583764)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Rolex Submariner 1680 "Tropical Mk2 Red Sub" (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 9779979583764), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1970. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY
The Rolex Submariner was first introduced by Rolex in 1953 and is notable for being one of the first watches specifically designed for diving. Beyond its technical capabilities, the Submariner has become an icon in the world of watches, with a timeless design that has remained largely unchanged since its introduction. It is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential watches of all time, and has become a symbol of Rolex's reputation for quality, durability, and precision. The Sub has been worn by everyone from professional divers and military personnel to Hollywood celebrities and heads of state, cementing its place in the pantheon of iconic watches. This Submariner, circa 1970, is affectionately referred to by collectors as the "Red Sub" due to its red model text on the dial. Compared to the normal reference 1680s of the era, these pieces have a special aura and have become very desirable in top condition. This example is a standout for its stunning "tropical mk2" dial which has faded to a gorgeous and even brown color. Notably, the dial boasts beautiful and warm yellow colored lume plots, pairing to the hands which have been professionally color matched. The insert has also taken on a unique patina with a deep navy color. The case was also professionally recut to bring back sharp looking edges and even lug proportions. The folded link Oyster bracelet will fit an approximate 7.5 inch wrist. We could not be more thrilled to offer this special "Red Sub," fit for collectors of any level. Explore more of our vintage Rolex watches .
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Dive and water-resistant watches
Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.
Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.
What to look for
- Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
- Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
- Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
- Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.
Dating clues
- Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
- Professional dive watches: from 1953.
- Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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