1979 Submariner Refernce 1680 Triopical "HOT LAVA" Dial

 

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Triopical "HOT LAVA" Dial

1979 Submariner Reference 1680

Just a couple of days ago, we took a look at a Rolex Day-Date with a Crazy Lapis Lazuli dial, which was stunning out of the box. Today, we are looking at a really interesting dial that took 46 years to patina to this beautifully insane state. The dial on this yellow gold 1979 Rolex Submariner has the craziest patina, and was dubbed the "HOT LAVA", and this image appears courtesy of Cameron from Craft + Tailored.

Below is the Craft + Tailored description for this unique Rolex:

This 1979 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 in 18k is one of the most insane tropical dials we have ever seen. The original blue "nipple" dial has taken on one of the most stunning "tropical" effects showing blue, purple, red, gold and orange hence the reason we have dubbed this the "Hot Lava" dial. 

The watch is in overall stunning condition as the lugs are full and fat with all of the gold hallmarks clearly visible on the underside of the lugs. The original blue insert retains the pearl at the 12 o'clock position and the tritium filled hands show no lume loss or lume degradation. This piece is not only rare due to the fact that it is an 18K YG Ref 1680 submariner but also due to the fact that the dial has taken on such a rare and unique patina.

This is an executive and exclusive piece that is sure to turn heads and be a stand out in even the most established collection of vintage timepieces. 

Yellow Gold In the matter of excellence

Yellow Gold  
In the matter of excellence

At first glance, this 18ct yellow gold is indistinguishable from any other. Yet this one can be found only in our watches. At our Geneva foundry, we use a complex industrial process to guarantee its purity and homogeneity. Very malleable in its natural state, 24ct gold must be blended with silver and copper to become truly resistant. Only then can the alloy gain the incomparable attributes that make it our signature 18ct gold. A close look reveals this alloy is not only precious. It is unique.

A Beautiful Red Stella Dial Day-Date

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day...

A Beautiful Red Stella Dial Day-Date

with Florentine finish Bezel and President Bracelet

[Reference 1811]

Steve P. took this superb photo of his rare and unusual Rolex Day-Date with a red lacquered Stella Dial and Bark Finished Bezel and Presidential bracelet. Stella dials have rich popping colors and are sought after by vintage Rolex collectors. This watch has a Florentine-finish bezel and bracelet which looks a little like a "bark" finish. This unusual bezel and bracelet finish is sometimes referred to as a "Moiré" finish, as well.

Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day: Savoy Truffle's Yellow Gold Chronograph

Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day

Savoy Truffle's Yellow Gold Chronograph

Vintage Rolex Chronograph Yellow Gold Dual Scale

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day...

Vintage Rolex Chronograph

Yellow Gold Dual Scale

[Reference 6234]

This beautiful 36mm Rolex Chronograph from Robert Maron has a standard chronograph scale and a 1 mile distance telemeter scale. This allows you to simultaneously measure speed and distance. It is also anti-magnetic

Vintage Rolex Day-Date Ad...

Rolex Day-Date

Change The World Ad

Ted Koppel of Nightline fame wearing his Trademark Yellow Gold Day-Date...

Rolex Coolness: Ted Koppel

An Amazing Career With Rolex Keeping His Time

Randy Nopasri sent in this recent photo of Ted Koppel wearing a Midnight Rolex Explorer II. Ted Koppel was the host of ABC's Nightline for a quarter century, beginning in 1980 and ending in 2005.

Here are some more photos of Ted Koppel wearing his Stainless Steel Rolex GMT Master.


In the next photo (below) Ted Koppel is sporting his stainless steel Rolex Explorer II while wearing a tuxedo. The last man I can remember sporting a stainless steel Rolex sports watch was Sean Connery as James Bond.

When Ted Koppel was the host of ABC's Nightline, he regularly wore a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date as seen in the photo below.

My First & Only Day-Date

My First & Only President

Memories Are Made of This

When I was 16, more than a quarter century ago, I bought my first Rolex which was a stainless Submariner. When I was 20 I fell in love with and bought this exact yellow gold Rolex Day-Date with the white porcelain dial with raised yellow gold Roman numerals. I sold the Day-Date many years ago, but I never forgot it. This photo is from Frank of his Day-Date and I think it has a German Day wheel. This photo brings back a lot of memories.

Rolex Datejust Beauty...

Some Would Say Perfection

This yellow gold Rolex Datejust has a beautiful white porcelain dial with raised yellow gold Roman numerals, a domed bezel and an Oyster bracelet. Some would say this is perfection that can no longer be improved.

Yellow gold Rolex Datejust watches seem to be very rare. I imagine if people spend that much money, they figure they might as well go the Full Monte and get the Day-Date. Either way, this is one good looking watch!!!

Photo Credit: Savoy-Truffle

Rolex Sunshine Submariner or an Unusual NATO Strap...

Michael's Yellow Gold Rolex Submariner with the Blue Dial and Matching Blue bezel looks really interesting and unusual on this regimental stripe NATO band.

Photo Credit: MichaelMC

Yellow Gold Rolex Yacht-Master with Blue Dial...

Since its introduction the Yellow Gold Yachtmaster with the blue dial has been one of my favorite Rolex watches.  I think the Yachtmaster body has the best curves of any Rolex.

I have seen this watch with a newer dial with Maxi Markers and it looks great.

Early Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date from the 1950s...

Early Rolex-Day Date

Pre-Presidential Bracelet Rolex Day-Date...Notice the Red Date and Red Day-Date designation. Very 1950s Looking. Reference Number 6511.

Tom Cruise in Rainman wearing Yellow Gold Day-Date