Film director Robert Redford spotted wearing a Rolex

In 1976, Robert Redford wore his personal Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 on set during the filming of All the President's Men, the political thriller in which he played Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward. The stainless steel dive watch became inseparable from the character's image—a tool born of necessity rather than affectation. Visible prominently throughout the film, the Rolex 1680 grounded Woodward's relentless pursuit of the truth in tangible, unpretentious hardware. Redford's decision to wear his own watch rather than a prop underscored the authenticity he demanded of the role.

The Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680, produced from 1966 to 1980, is powered by the automatic Calibre 1570 movement, which beats at 28,800 vph and offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The 40 mm stainless steel case features a unidirectional rotating black bezel calibrated for dive timing, a matte black dial with applied tritium hour markers that develop rich tropical patina over decades, and a red line denoting the 300-metre depth rating—the hallmark of the 'Single Red' variant. The Oyster bracelet is brushed steel, fitted with a folding safety clasp. Water resistance reaches 300 metres (1000 feet), making the 1680 suitable for serious underwater work. The date window sits at 3 o'clock.

Among vintage Submariner references, the 1680 occupies a singular place in collector consciousness. The 'Single Red' dial—featuring only one red line, as opposed to later 'Double Red' variants with red depth text and red GMT hand—represents the earliest and most austere expression of the modern Submariner Date line. Tropical dial examples, in which the black lacquer has oxidised to warm brown tones, command premium prices. Redford's association with All the President's Men has made 1680 references still more desirable, though his specific watch remains a private holding.

Redford's choice of the 1680 reflected the watch's reputation among working professionals—journalists, divers, military personnel—who valued its precision and durability over fashion. The pairing of the dive watch with Redford's rolled sleeves and tailored blazer established an aesthetic template: the professional tool watch worn not as decoration but as evidence of serious intent. Unlike modern luxury divers, which often appear on yacht decks and in boardrooms, the 1680 on Redford's wrist signified action and investigation, not status.

Vintage Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 examples in strong condition trade between USD 35,000 and 55,000 on the secondary market, with exceptional tropical dial or rare-dial variants commanding significantly more. Original 'Single Red' 1680 watches remain in steady demand among collectors seeking authenticity and historical provenance. Waitlists for modern Submariner Date references often exceed two years at authorised dealers; by comparison, the vintage 1680 offers immediate availability through specialist dealers, though rarity and condition variation require careful authentication.