This 18ct yellow gold Submariner ref. 1680/8 is one of only a handful for sale in the world blessed with the most beautiful tropical dial. 

A defect in the pigmentation during manufacture in 1978, transformed the dial from blue soleil to a rich caramel-brown graduation. This rare phenomenon wasn't intentional but has made these tropical colour-ways totally unique and extremely desirable. The small tritium hour markers and hands are all factory original and perfectly intact.

The 40mm yellow gold case has nice thick lugs with excellent definition, and very clear engraving for its model and serial numbers. Evident from our photos, it retains its distinctive top hat Plexiglas and blue aluminium bezel insert (which renders the dial even more striking) with original lume pearl at 12, and gold serifed print. Powered Rolex self-winding calibre 1575, waterproof to 100m and presented with Rolex's two-year international warranty, having just returned from a full Rolex service.

Rolex have confirmed total production of the vintage yellow gold Submariner Date was only 5,765 pieces from 1969-1979.