Robertino Altieri, founder of WatchGuys, has uncovered an exceptionally rare Rolex Submariner 1680 with ties to the Falklands War. The watch was awarded to a Peruvian Air Force pilot who flew Mirage jets during the conflict in the early 1980s.
While Peru officially denied direct military involvement, a select group of its armed forces personnel—approximately 150—received these specially issued Submariners. Each timepiece bears a distinctive “Fuerza Aerea Del Peru” (FAP) caseback stamp, confirming its military provenance.
A Watch with Unique Historical Significance
What sets this particular Submariner apart is its connection to a Mirage pilot, making it a coveted artifact for both horology enthusiasts and military historians. The “Red Submariner” 1680 is already a sought-after model due to its red-text dial, produced only between 1967 and 1975.
“A Red Submariner is rare, but one with military stampings is even rarer,” Altieri noted. “These FAP-issued models command a premium in the vintage market because of their unique backstory.”
Pristine Condition Enhances Rarity
The watch’s value is further elevated by its impeccable condition, retaining all original components. “Condition is everything with vintage Rolex watches, and this one is exceptional,” Altieri emphasized.
Though WatchGuys currently has nearly 50 Submariners available, Altieri views this military-issued 1680 as a potential auction highlight or private collector’s piece. “Its worth depends on what a buyer is willing to pay, but for now, it’s staying in my safe,” he said.
The Legacy of the Rolex Submariner 1680
As the first Submariner model to feature a date function, the reference 1680 holds a pivotal place in Rolex’s dive watch history. The “Red Sub” variants, distinguished by their red dial text, remain among the most collectible iterations.
Interestingly, since production of the Red 1680 ceased in 1975, the FAP-awarded watches were likely old stock repurposed for the Falklands War era—adding another layer of intrigue to their story.
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