Rolex Submariner Date

Submariner. Sure. Gold Submariner? Absolutely. 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. And while you aren't likely to see a Submariner clad in a yellow gold case gracing the outside of a dry suit, it's hard to argue that these watches aren't every bit as awesome as their steel siblings - or perhaps even more so. Casing a Submariner in 18K gold is almost a tacit acknowledgement that very few of Rolexes sporting models ever get used as originally intended - and that in its own right is a pleasing sentiment. It says that Rolex knows who they are, who their customers are, know they are above any possible reproach - and damn the torpedoes, we're making this beastie in solid gold! This particular piece, a Reference 1680/8, dates to circa 1972 and features an excellent 18K yellow gold Oyster case with holey lugs, a gorgeous matte black Tritium dial with evenly patinated indices and a matching handset, a unidirectional rotating dive timing bezel with a black insert showing a light, even fade, and a matching 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet with a signed fliplock clasp with dive extension. Excellent. This contradictory blend of technical design and functionality with a precious metal case is a polarizing one, and depending on how its worn (and indeed, by whom), can send very different signals - and we'll just leave it at that. We, however, love it.