Notes: The 1680 version of the Submariner features a depth rating of 200M. When Rolex unveiled the ref. 1680, it was the first Submariner to be equipped with the date window at 3 o’clock and the magnifying Cyclops lens affixed to its Plexiglas crystal. Because of the new date feature, the movement had to be modified and the watch had the Caliber 1575 within, which was basically the same as the preceding Caliber 1570 only with the addition of the date function.

The earliest versions of the Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 had the “SUBMARINER” label written in red writing, hence its nickname the Red Submariner. The brand eventually phased out the red writing on the ref. 1680 and replaced it with white writing in 1973 and as a result the models with the red “SUBMARINER” are now sought out and prized by vintage Rolex collectors.

One of the attractions of collecting the Submariner 1680 is that there are so many dial variations — seven to be exact denoted as Mark I to Mark VIII (Mark II & III are classified together due to their similarities). Digging through the complex information, numerous disparities, and prized distinctions until you get your hands on the exact one that you want is part of the exciting challenge of collecting. As a general rule, the earlier models, especially those with the red writing, are the rarest, and thus the most prized among the dials.

Mechanism: The 1575 is the date version of the 1570. Like many rolex movements the date version will be stamped with the same number as the non-date version. Hence you will see "1570" stamped into most (if not all) 1575 movements. The sure fire way to tell the difference is the presence of the date wheel.

The 1570 movement superseded the 1560, but shared the vast majority of its elements, with a few notable improvements. The 1570 marked the third generation of the 1500 series. It comes with the balance assembly Rolex p/n 8106, again with a Breguet hairspring. However, it’s with a higher frequency of 19,800 bph, or 2.75Hz.

Similarly to its predecessor, Rolex also manufactured it as a date and GMT version, the 1575, which proved the perfect companion to the Explorer II released in 1971, as well as the GMT-Master and Datejust series. As with many of the date equipped mechanism made by Rolex, the number stamped into the metal is the NON-date version. Hence in the case of the 1575, the mechanism will be stamped "1570".

Although there is no Quickset mechanism, the 1500 calibers came with the cam and jewel system. This system was able to create an instantaneous date change at midnight, still used by Rolex today.

Family Notes: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner is a line of sports watches designed for diving manufactured by Rolex, known for their resistance to water and corrosion. The first Submariner was introduced to the public in 1954 at the Basel Watch Fair. The Rolex Submariner is considered "a classic among wristwatches", manufactured by one of the most widely recognized luxury brands in the world, and due to its popularity has become the subject of massive counterfeiting. The Rolex Submariner is part of Rolex's Oyster Perpetual line. See a copy of the 1957 Submariner magazine advertisement.

The Submariner model went into production in 1953 and was showcased at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. The assigned case reference number of this first Submariner was either 6204 or 6205. It is unclear which model came first; in any event, the two watches are nearly identical. Neither has the distinctive "cathedral" or "Mercedes" hands now so strongly associated with the Submariner line. Rather, both of these early submariners have straight "pencil" style hands. Few, if any, of the 6205 watches bear the name "Submariner" on the dial, a major distinction of modern Submariners. Some 6204 models have the Submariner logo printed below the center pinion, while others have the logo blacked out. It is believed that there were unexpected trademark issues connected with the name "Submariner" at the time the 6204 and 6205 were released, accounting for the inconsistent use of the Submariner mark on these early Submariners. Trademark irregularities notwithstanding, both the 6204 and 6205 are designated Submariner models in Rolex product literature.

From Wikipedia