104th Auction
2021/5/22
Lot 266
RolexSubmariner
A very rare and charismatic 18k gold, vintage automatic diving wristwatch with "tropical nipple dial" and original box
estimated
32.000—40.000 €
Price realized
-
specific features
Case
18k gold, original service screw back ref. 1680, screwed "Triplock" winding crown, bidirectional rotating blue bezel studded with a diamond, later 18k gold Rolex "Oyster" bracelet ref. 92908 (small dent) with Oysterlock folding clasp M9 and diver's extension link, clasp M9, bracelet length 145 mm, total length 185 mm.
Dial
Blue, applied luminous round, triangular and baton gold indexes ("nipple dial").
Movement
Automatic.
Case no.3017025
Ref.1680
Cal.1570
Diam.39 mm
Circa1971
Ctry.Swiss
Wt.166 g
This is a breathtaking classic piece in a glamorous gold version with blue dial and luminous indexes that feature wide gold borders - which led the collectors to calling this style the "nipple dial". Over the years, lighter blue areas have formed around the gold borders, so that they almost look like small islands in tropical waters. The numerals on the bezel have also acquired a marvellous patina.
The reference 1680 was produced from 1969 to 1980. When this watch was made the examples with 660ft/200m on the dial targeted mainly the U.K. and North American markets, whereas examples with 200m/660ft were aimed at the rest of the world.