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Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 - Mark 1 Dial - Ghost Bezel - 1978

£8,750.00

  • Year: 1978.

  • Movement: Automatic 1575 Rolex movement.

  • Case Size: 40mm.

  • Dial and bezel: Matte black mark 1 dial with a dark grey ghosted bezel insert.

  • Crystal: Original top hat acrylic crystal.

  • Strap: 93510 Oyster bracelet with 580 end links.

  • This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality, and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present. Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we don’t believe in inflating prices with non-original extras.

    If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

  • Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.

  • Year: 1978.

  • Movement: Automatic 1575 Rolex movement.

  • Case Size: 40mm.

  • Dial and bezel: Matte black mark 1 dial with a dark grey ghosted bezel insert.

  • Crystal: Original top hat acrylic crystal.

  • Strap: 93510 Oyster bracelet with 580 end links.

  • This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality, and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present. Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we don’t believe in inflating prices with non-original extras.

    If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

  • Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 is one of the most celebrated references in the Submariner lineage, and this 1978 example captures everything collectors love about vintage Rolex tool watches. Introduced in the late 1960s as the first Submariner to feature a date complication, the 1680 remains highly sought after, carrying particular importance among enthusiasts.

This watch features a rare Mark 1 matte dial instantly identifiable by its distinct typography and character. The dial has aged beautifully, with tritium lume that has developed warm patina over time. Complementing this is an original ghosted bezel insert, which has naturally faded to an attractive dark grey tone, something only decades of honest use can create. The watch also retains its original top hat acrylic crystal, which gives extra depth and vintage charm.

Key Features

  • Reference: 1680

  • Year: 1978

  • Movement: Automatic Rolex Calibre 1575

  • Case Size: 40mm stainless steel

  • Dial: Matte black Mark 1 dial with warm tritium lume

  • Bezel: Original faded “ghost” bezel insert in dark grey

  • Crystal: Original top hat acrylic crystal

  • Bracelet: Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 580 end links

A Word on Condition
This watch presents as an excellent and honest vintage example. The case is strong with good lines, and the rare Mark 1 dial is superb, showing warm, evenly aged tritium lume. The bezel insert is original to the watch and has faded naturally to a highly desirable ghost tone. The bracelet is good overall with only minor stretch from age and wear. The original acrylic crystal shows some light surface marks, consistent with careful vintage use but easily replaced if desired. The watch has been fully inspected, professionally serviced, and comes with our 12-month warranty.

Why Buy This Watch

  • Important Reference: The 1680 was the first Submariner with a date, cementing its place in Rolex history.

  • Collector Aesthetic: The ghost bezel and warm patina create a truly vintage presence.

  • Original Details: Retains its original ghost bezel insert, top hat acrylic crystal.

  • Ghost Bezel Collectability: Naturally faded inserts like this are increasingly scarce. Their soft, even tones are highly prized, offering character and uniqueness that cannot be replicated.

  • Investment Appeal: Vintage Submariners have consistently risen in collectability and value, and rare dial/bezel combinations like this are especially desirable.