Rolex Submariner 1680/8 Black Nipple Dial in 18k Yellow Gold with Box and Papers

A gold “tool” watch is, let’s face it, a contradiction in terms. After all, who really needs a diving watch made of solid gold?

So, what was Rolex thinking in the late 1960s when they introduced the reference 1680/8 in 18k gold? Rather than simply replicating the steel version, Rolex opted for a different set of hour markers—because let’s be honest, no sane person needed high-lume indexes on a dive watch that would likely never see water! These distinctive applied markers earned the nickname “nipple” dials… and, well, it’s easy to see how that name came about, right?

The case is in lovely condition, and the bezel insert has faded to a beautiful silky—or rather, satin grey—tone. It’s a super cool combination with the matte-finished dial, if you ask us!

This dressy tool-Submariner is paired with a Bulang and Sons leather strap, complete with a Rolex plaque pin buckle. Also included in the sale are the original leather Rolex box, three booklets, paper holder, a 1976 Rolex calendar, and the punched guarantee paper stating the watch was sold in 1976 in Germany. The watch has been fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker and is ready to go for many years to come.

Get in touch—if you're the kind of diver who prefers champagne over oxygen tanks!

Specifications:

- Rolex Submariner Date Reference 1680/8
- 40mm 18k gold case
- Serial 296xxxx dating to 1972
- Matte black "nipple" dial
- Faded to light grey insert
- Bulang and Sons leather strap with plaque Rolex buckle
- Rolex leather box, booklets, paper holder, calendar, and punched warranty paper stating sale in Germany 1976
- Fully checked by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping