Rolex, Submariner, "Red Mark V", ca 1971.

Born in the early 1950s the Rolex Submariner set the template for the modern dive watch with its rotating bezel, luminous dial, and robust Oyster case. Through continuous refinement it became both a professional tool and a cultural icon.

In 1967 Rolex introduced the Submariner Date, reference 1680, the first Submariner to feature a date display. Early production is distinguished by the single line of “SUBMARINER” printed in red.

Collectors classify the red-text dials into six main “Marks.” Marks I–III carry the metric depth first (“200m=660ft”), while Marks IV–VI are the later imperial-first layout (“660ft=200m”). Each Mark has specific typographic traits, variations in the shape of the numerals “6,” the alignment of the “f” and “t” in “ft,” and whether the red text is full-red or printed over white.

The watch offered here is a Mark V, a configuration typically seen around 1971–1973. It features the feet-first depth rating, open 6s in the numerals, and co-linear crossbars on the “f” and “t” of “ft.” Importantly, the “SUBMARINER” line is full-red (no white base), giving the text a rich, saturated tone.