Rolex Submariner Date White Mark 1 Dial 1979 – A Coveted Vintage Icon
The Rolex Submariner Date 1979 is a highly collectible vintage dive watch that captures the end of a legendary era in Rolex history. Crafted from stainless steel, this classic 40mm timepiece is the sought-after Reference 1680, featuring the desirable White Mark 1 dial—a detail highly prized by knowledgeable collectors for its clean aesthetic and originality. Representing the final production year of the 1680 before Rolex introduced the sapphire-crystal 16800, this piece remains one of the most influential vintage tool watches ever created.
At its core, this 1979 Submariner is powered by the dependable automatic Rolex Calibre 1575 movement, delivering the exceptional precision and durability that established Rolex as the gold standard for underwater timing. Officially certified as a COSC chronometer, the movement is housed in a robust 200m/660ft Oyster case with a high-profile "Top Hat" acrylic crystal and a period-correct bidirectional aluminum bezel insert. Together, these features deliver an authentic, mid-century tool-watch feel that modern references simply cannot replicate.
This 1979 example highlights the final evolution of Reference 1680, featuring crisp white dial printing and warm, aged tritium hour markers that exhibit a beautiful vintage patina. While it is not accompanied by its original guarantee papers, well-preserved "White 1680s" from the final 1979 production run continue to see strong demand in the vintage market due to their historical importance and classic 4-digit proportions.
Choosing a pre-owned Rolex Submariner Date 1979 allows you to own a genuine piece of horological history. Whether you are expanding a serious vintage collection, investing in an end-of-series reference, or seeking an iconic daily driver, the 1680 delivers exceptional craftsmanship, rich diving heritage, and lasting collector appeal.
At Peter Machlup, every pre-owned luxury watch is meticulously inspected to verify authenticity, mechanical performance, and period correctness before being offered for sale. For complete peace of mind, all our watches are sold with a 1-Year Warranty.
