Reference
Rolex Submariner Prototype
Reference 1680 · 18k White Gold
Track Rolex 1680
Get inventory drops, auction comps, and market updates for this reference.
About this reference
The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 in 18k white gold is a prototype produced in the early 1970s, specifically around 1973. This reference was never released for commercial production, as the standard gold Submariner of that era was manufactured exclusively in yellow gold. Collectors value this piece for its extreme rarity and its departure from standard production materials, featuring a 40mm white gold case and a matching white gold Oyster bracelet with a hidden clasp. It utilizes the COSC-certified caliber 1570 movement and typically features a blue "nipple" dial and a blue rotating bezel insert. Due to its status as a prototype with only three known examples identified publicly, it occupies a high-six-figure to low-seven-figure price bracket. A notable auction result occurred in 2017 when a confirmed example sold for approximately $630,000, establishing its position as one of the most expensive vintage Submariners.
Auction track record
2 documented sales since 2008. Top hammer $628,572 at Christie's Geneva in 2017. Median hammer: $155,000.
Ranks #47 of 67 Rolex auction lots we track — see all Rolex records.
Live inventory matching this reference
Rolex
*Unpolished* 1982 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 16800) Matte Dial
Ref. 16800 · Stainless Steel
AED 52k
Rolex
1979 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. II Dial
Ref. 1979 · Stainless Steel
AED 48k
Rolex
Tropical 1970 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. II "Meter
Ref. 1970 · Stainless Steel
AED 281k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Red Submariner Date 1680 Tropical Mk 2 Dial Box and Pa
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 220k
Sold · archive
Rolex
*Unpolished* 1979 Rolex Submariner 18K YG (Ref. 1680) Black
Ref. 1979 · 18k Yellow Gold
AED 213k
Sold · archive
Rolex
*Unpolished* 1986 Rolex Submariner 18K YG (Ref. 16808) Black
Ref. 16808 · 18k Yellow Gold
AED 144k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Mk5 Red Submariner Date 1680 Box and Paper set
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 136k
Sold · archive
Rolex
1970 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Mk. IV" W/ Box & Pape
Ref. 1970 · Stainless Steel
AED 123k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Mk1 Meters First Red Submariner Date 1680
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 112k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Libyan MilSub Mk1 Dial Ghost Inse
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 106k
Sold · archive
Rolex
1972 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680) 18k YG
Ref. 1972 · Stainless Steel
AED 105k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Submariner 1680 Red MK4 Dial Box and Papers Set
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 102k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Mk4 Red Sub Faded Kissing 40 Inla
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 91k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Red Submariner Date 1680 Mk4 Dial
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 88k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Mk4 Red Sub Dial
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 88k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date 1680 ‘Red Sub’ Mk4 Dial
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 87k
Sold · archive
Rolex
1971 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Mk. IV"
Ref. 1971 · Stainless Steel
AED 87k
Sold · archive
Rolex
1971 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Mk. IV"
Ref. 1971 · Stainless Steel
AED 81k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Mk 4 Red Submariner Date 1680
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 80k
Sold · archive
Rolex
Rolex Mk5 Red Submariner Date 1680
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
AED 80k
Sold · archive
Rolex
*Unpolished* 1972 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. V Dia
Ref. 1972 · Stainless Steel
AED 79k
Sold · archive
Rolex
1971 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. V Dial
Ref. 1971 · Stainless Steel
AED 79k
Sold · archive
Rolex
1973 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. IV Dial
Ref. 1973 · Stainless Steel
AED 77k
Sold · archive
Rolex
1978 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Pumpkin"
Ref. 1978 · Stainless Steel
AED 77k
Sold · archive
All documented hammer prices
For this reference (and close variants).
| Lot | Year | Hammer | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1680 · Submariner Prototype | 2017 | $628,572 | Christie's Geneva |
| 1680 · Submariner COMEX | 2008 | $155,000 | Antiquorum New York |
Browse all Rolex inventory · Set a price alert