{"product_id":"rolex-18k-yg-puple-change-british-submariner-date-1973s","title":"ROLEX 18k YG “PUPLE CHANGE” Nipple Blue Submariner Date 1973s","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"56\" data-end=\"145\"\u003eA study in provenance—\u003cbr data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"81\"\u003eunfolding the history engraved into this purple-changed example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"147\" data-end=\"514\"\u003eThe caseback bears multiple hallmarks that trace the journey of this piece.\u003cbr data-start=\"222\" data-end=\"225\"\u003eThe import mark “T” indicates entry through the port of London in 1974.\u003cbr data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"299\"\u003eA square hallmark with an Ω inside confirms registration in Britain as solid 18k gold.\u003cbr data-start=\"385\" data-end=\"388\"\u003eThe “750” stamp, together with the horizontally placed “18” beside it, denotes British registration of 18k gold up until 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"696\"\u003eIn addition, the Swiss hallmark featuring the head of Helvetia, along with the “18K” and “0.750” markings, confirms that the case was manufactured in Switzerland in solid 18k gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"698\" data-end=\"843\"\u003eAll of these engravings are deeply set within the confined space of the caseback—\u003cbr data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"782\"\u003eeach carrying a specific meaning, forming a complete message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"1004\"\u003eThis piece was exported directly from Switzerland to the port of London,\u003cbr data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"920\"\u003eand as indicated by the “RWC Ltd” stamp, was imported by Rolex’s official UK branch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1006\" data-end=\"1159\"\u003eThe serial number engraved at the center of the caseback completes this narrative—\u003cbr data-start=\"1088\" data-end=\"1091\"\u003eserving as the final element that ties together its documented path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1164\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1388\"\u003eIn 1969, Ref.1680\/8 was introduced as the first professional diver’s model produced in solid 18k gold.\u003cbr data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1271\"\u003eInitially released with a black dial, it was followed in 1971 by a blue dial—clear and vivid, reminiscent of the sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1390\" data-end=\"1516\"\u003eThe model quickly became an object of admiration worldwide,\u003cbr data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1452\"\u003eand owning one came to represent a certain symbolic achievement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1668\"\u003eIn 1979, the first-generation model—\u003cbr data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1557\"\u003e“Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner 18k Gold Ref.1680\/8”—\u003cbr data-start=\"1618\" data-end=\"1621\"\u003epassed its role on to its successor, Ref.16808.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1670\" data-end=\"1673\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1675\" data-end=\"1825\"\u003eThe Ref.1680\/8 presented here was produced for a relatively short period,\u003cbr data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1751\"\u003eand today, its presence in the global market has significantly diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1827\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003eWith rising values in recent years, cases have been replicated with remarkable precision—\u003cbr data-start=\"1916\" data-end=\"1919\"\u003esome produced by British case makers, reaching a level of quality close to the original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2117\"\u003eThere have even been instances where such cases were assessed as genuine by Rolex customer service in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2279\"\u003eToday, Rolex service centers worldwide have introduced non-destructive material testing,\u003cbr data-start=\"2207\" data-end=\"2210\"\u003emaking the authentication of solid 18k gold cases far more stringent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2284\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2527\"\u003eWithin this context, the present example was specially commissioned for the UK market.\u003cbr data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2375\"\u003eAs a first-generation Oyster Date Submariner, it is powered by the Cal.1575—\u003cbr data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2454\"\u003ea movement known for its durability and precision within Rolex’s history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2529\" data-end=\"2577\"\u003eIts defining feature, however, lies in the dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2579\" data-end=\"2783\"\u003eCommonly referred to as a “blue Submariner,”\u003cbr data-start=\"2623\" data-end=\"2626\"\u003ethis model is known to develop a range of expressions over time.\u003cbr data-start=\"2690\" data-end=\"2693\"\u003eAmong them, examples that have shifted toward a purple tone are particularly sought after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"2906\"\u003eThis piece displays that purple transformation in a balanced and visually striking manner,\u003cbr data-start=\"2875\" data-end=\"2878\"\u003egiving it a strong presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"3001\"\u003eIt has also been previously submitted to Rolex for evaluation,\u003cbr data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"2973\"\u003econfirming its authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3003\" data-end=\"3101\"\u003eThe bezel insert is missing,\u003cbr data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3034\"\u003eyet the watch retains a presence that more than compensates for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3103\" data-end=\"3106\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3108\" data-end=\"3152\"\u003eRarity, provenance, and the effects of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3222\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eA piece where these elements converge—\u003cbr data-start=\"3192\" data-end=\"3195\"\u003ebest appreciated in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3222\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3222\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- wrist size in our picture is 17cm circumference -\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage Rolex Watches","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53252094656819,"sku":null,"price":11200000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0976\/1076\/0499\/files\/5E8D3523-1D56-49AB-AC5E-CCBB619F14F5.jpg?v=1776672409","url":"https:\/\/principe-prive-epocadoro.com\/products\/rolex-18k-yg-puple-change-british-submariner-date-1973s","provider":"PRINCIPE PRIVE - Epoca d'Oro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}