Reference
Rolex Submariner Prototype
Reference 1680 · 18k White Gold
The lowest current ask for the Rolex Submariner Prototype (ref. 1680) is $13,000 at Craft And Tailored, among 9 live listings we track. The auction record is $628,572 (Christie's Geneva, 2017). Updated October 22, 2026. View lowest ask →
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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 #52 of 76 Rolex auction lots we track — see all Rolex records.
Live inventory matching this reference
Rolex
Rolex Submariner 1680 "Red Sub"
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
€31k
Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 “Libyan MilSub”
Ref. 1680 ·
€30k
Rolex
Rolex Submariner 1680 Red Meters First MK2 Dial
Ref. 1680 ·
€29k
Rolex
18k Submariner 1680 Blue Dial on Blue Nato strap
Ref. 1680 ·
€26k
Rolex
Rolex Submariner mk4 red Dial ref 1680
Ref. 1680 ·
€21k
Rolex
Rolex Submariner 1680 Red MK4 Dial with Vivid Patina
Ref. 1680 ·
€20k
Rolex
Rolex Submariner 1680 MK1 Dial Pumpkin Patina Kissing 40 Inl
Ref. 1680 ·
€14k
Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date 1680 MK1 Dial
Ref. 1680 ·
€13k
Rolex
1979 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. II Dial
Ref. 1680 ·
€12k
Rolex
Tropical 1970 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. II "Meter
Ref. 1680 ·
€70k
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Rolex
*Unpolished* 1979 Rolex Submariner 18K YG (Ref. 1680) Black
Ref. 1680 · 18k Yellow Gold
€53k
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Rolex
Rolex Mk5 Red Submariner Date 1680 Box and Paper set
Ref. 1680 ·
€38k
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Rolex
Rolex Submariner | REF. 1680 | Stainless Steel | 40mm | 1975
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
€37k
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Rolex
Rolex Mk1 Meters First Red Submariner Date 1680
Ref. 1680 ·
€32k
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Rolex
1970 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Mk. IV" W/ Box & Pape
Ref. 1680 ·
€31k
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Rolex
Rolex Submariner 1680 Red MK4 Dial Box and Papers Set
Ref. 1680 ·
€29k
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Rolex
Rolex Red Submariner Date 1680 Mk4 Dial
Ref. 1680 ·
€25k
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Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date 'Red Writing' Mark 4 Dial | REF. 1680
Ref. 1680 · Stainless Steel
€24k
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Rolex
Rolex Mk 4 Red Submariner Date 1680
Ref. 1680 ·
€23k
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Rolex
Rolex Mk5 Red Submariner Date 1680
Ref. 1680 ·
€23k
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Rolex
1971 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Mk. IV"
Ref. 1680 ·
€20k
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Rolex
*Unpolished* 1972 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. V Dia
Ref. 1680 ·
€20k
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Rolex
1973 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) Mk. IV Dial
Ref. 1680 ·
€19k
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Rolex
1978 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Pumpkin"
Ref. 1680 ·
€19k
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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 |
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