1) While gilt/gloss dials many times suffer from crazing, spidering, peeling, and hand drags, the matte dials are by contrast very well preserved for the most part. However, the one area where these dials are prone to damage is where the edge of the dial and larger minute markers meet the mid case. During a service, as the dial and movement are placed in the case and rotated into position, it's not uncommon for the larger minute markers to break or chip. Consequently, it's not uncommon to see some Submariners, especially the earliest 1680s to have three or four broken minute markers. Keep an eye out for this.

2) With few exceptions, collectors want their watches to be all original or at least period correct. So, it's important to make sure that the dial in the watch is consistent with the serial number between the lugs and the year the watch was made. This might seem like common sense; however, there are nine different 5513 matte dials produced between 1966 and 1984, and because the same 1520 movement was used, it's not uncommon to find a dial from the late 70s having replaced the original dial from a watch from the mid '60s. Make sure everything checks out before buying.

3) While the gilt/gloss Rolex Submariners produced prior to 1965/66 have garnered the spotlight for many years, some of the later produced matte dial versions have reached grail status as well. The 1680 began its life as a matte dial Submariner, separating itself from its 5512 brother with the addition of a date function. An unmolested Mark I, meters-first Red Sub from the first year of production would certainly qualify as a grail matte dial Submariner given the aforementioned parameters, as would an 18k 1680/8 with a meters-first dial.