Rolex Submariner 1680

The Rolex Submariner 1680 “Pallettoni”, produced in 1979, is a milestone in the history of diving watches, being the first Submariner to feature a date function—an innovation that redefined practicality and style for professional divers and enthusiasts.

The watch stands out with its matte black dial adorned with tritium markers that have developed a warm patina over time, creating a unique and harmonious contrast with the aged hands. This natural aging, combined with the “Pallettoni” design (large round luminescent hour markers reminiscent of shotgun pellets), makes each piece truly unique.

The unidirectional black bezel with a 60-minute scale and the Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock ensure perfect balance between functionality and timeless style.

Introduced in 1965 to complement the non-date references 5512 and 5513 and replace reference 5508, the 1680 marks Rolex’s transition into a new era, combining the robust design of a diving watch with the practical addition of the date.

The Submariner 1680 is recognized for its collectible value, particularly due to the exceptional state of preservation and the unique vintage patina of its dial, which adds both aesthetic and historical significance to each watch.