Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is without question the brand's most iconic model, and is a perennial favorite among collectors, enthusiasts, fashionistas, and yes--actual divers.  So when Rolex changed a classic design like the Rolex Submariner, the brand risked raising the ire of Submariner purists. The Reference 1680, released in 1966, deviated from previous iterations of the Submariner--like the beloved Reference 5513--by including a date window. This change was remarkably divisive because, according the diehards, a date on a dive watch is as useless as a screen door on a submarine.  Despite the divided opinions on the Reference 1680, from a non-purist's standpoint, it ticks all the boxes for a tool watch. A sturdy stainless steel case? Check. Robust movement that is dust-proof, shock-proof, and waterproof? Check, check, and check. Those produced from the mid-80s onwards featured a glossy black dial with hour markers surrounded in white gold, giving the original diver's tool watch a significantly dressier appearance. However, prior to this change (which occurred circa 1984), all Submariner dials were matte black and featured luminous markers without the surrounds. As these age, they patinate brilliantly, making the matte dial Subs much more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts. This particular Reference 1680 dates from the late 1970s and features a lovely dial with just the right amount of patina to the hour markers. It's been very well taken-care of. More than that, it's been loved--as great a testament to the wearability of this watch. Putting the utility of a date on a dive watch aside, there's something to be said for a watch with a date function, particularly if you intend to wear it daily. This is is a superb example of an infinitely wearable vintage Submariner, combining the tremendous appearance of the early matte dials with the added functionality of a date display. We can think of no better companion for daily life.