Rolex Red Submariner | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

If you’ve spent time studying and collecting Rolex watches, you’d know that the devil is truly in the details. A seemingly small detail – such as a font – can significantly increase a watch’s appeal and value in the market.

In the case of the Rolex ‘Red’ Submariner, it’s the red Submariner writing. The highly prized Sub is one to collect, but even if you don’t plan on getting one, it’s thrilling to be in on secrets only Rolex lovers know.
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Here’s a closer look at the Rolex ‘Red’ Submariner:

ROLEX SUBMARINER reference 1680

The Rolex ‘Red’ Submariners are actually part of the production of ref 1680, which was introduced in the late 1960s. It was the first Rolex Submariner to come with a date; but the reason that this reference is coveted among collectors is because of the wide variety of its variations – 7 to be exact.The dials are labeled Mark I to Mark VIII.

– The Mark I – VI versions have SUBMARINER in red writing. The Mark II and III are often categorized together because of similarities

– Meanwhile, the Mark VII and VIII have the text in white.

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THE DETAILS

What is used to determine these dial versions are the feet indication right below the SUBMARINER writing. Let’s check them out:
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Mark I / II / III (late 60s)

For these models, the meters (200m) come before the feet (660 ft). A Mark I would have the 6’s in the feet indication closed; while pictured above is a Mark II where the 6’s on the feet indication are open. A closer look also shows that the red Submariner text was painted over white.

Mark IV (1969 – 1970)

Beginning with Mark IV, the feet indication come before the meters. For this one, the 6’s are open-styled.

Mark VI (1973 – 1974)

This one also comes with feet indication before the meters, but the 6’s are closed. Notice also the larger, more modern font.

The Rolex Submariner 1680 has more details that are distinctly vintage: the unadorned case back, the unique knurling on the bezel edges, and the “Top Hat” raised crystal.

These details would surely be overlooked by the untrained eye and that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling to Rolex lovers. A Rolex ‘Red’ Submariner is already hard to come by, so finding the exact dial variation you want can be quite a journey – but one that’s worth it in the end.

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