1977 Rolex Submariner 1680 Prototype Watch
This circa 1977 Rolex reference 1680 is one of only three white gold Submariner prototypes ever made, and the only one of the three fitted with a black dial. It has been in family hands ever since, worn daily by the nephew of the original owner, both of whom worked for Rolex, which makes its condition all the more remarkable. The 40mm white gold Oyster case was manufactured by Genex S.A. and houses an automatic movement numbered D612043. The black nipple dial carries applied circular indexes and a feet-first depth designation. The bezel is bidirectional and serrated only at two opposing points, a configuration closer to the 1950s Thunderbird than any production Submariner. It comes on an 18k white gold President bracelet with bark-finished center links, overall length approximately 6.7 inches. The case carries no serial number. Rolex never intended it for sale, and for nearly fifty years, it never was.
