The Rolex Submariner is arguably their most famous model. Introduced in 1953, it’s been the staple of divers, Presidents, movie stars, oil rig workers and just anybody who wants a watch for all occasions. A non-date watch up until the 1680 was introduced in 1967 it was initially a very poor seller – why would a diver need to know the date…. Now the date accounts for around 65% of their sales.
I was very nervous of listing this watch as it’s got a long story behind it but I just loved the dial and background. It started life in 1970 as my favourite watch, the red dial Submariner. Clearly very worse for wear the owner gave it to Rolex in 2018 to fully refurbish and here’s a lesson to learn; don’t let Rolex change the dial! They not only replaced the dial but also the case and case back and of course the crown. The remaining original movement was put into the new case with the new dial at a cost of £3,300… The dial they used is very beautiful but from 2018 so whilst this could be viewed as a Frankenstein it was done by Rolex and I have added a new black Rubber B strap and in this dealers opinion it looks fabulous. Rolex even engraved the original serial into the new case back (Rolex often used 5512 case backs on 1680’s). We have all the Rolex paperwork to back this up.
I hope all that makes sense but please call if you have any queries. We will give a 12 month guarantee on the movement and a lifetime guarantee on the provenance in terms of what Rolex have done.
