1977 Rolex Submariner Date ref. 1680 “Unpolished, Orange Patina, Award Watch”

Up for grabs is a Rolex Submariner Date

Reference 1680

5.2 mil serial number circa 1977 production

Incredible condition and patina on this one. The case is clearly unpolished with factory finishes. Clear numbers.

Dial is extremely attractive with vivid pumpkin/orange/mandarin color with original and matching hands.

Very attractive and original bezel insert with tritium and matching pearl. Original top hat crystal.

The caseback is original, stamped 1680 inside. The outside is engraved “Kaiyo Flipper Race” and dated June 1978. From my research, Kaiyo is a small coastal town in Japan and Flipper Races are events seem to be held in various areas in Japan which are a swimming race in open water that require participants to wear wetsuits and fins. Even though I could not find any real information on this particular race, in 1978, I would assume that this watch was given to the winner of that race. I am pricing this watch based on condition and patina mostly, but it is neat to see some kind of clues of its history through the caseback.

The bracelet is a Rolex 93150 with 580 ends, correct B date code, and “patented” stamped diver’s extension.

No box or papers. No service history.