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Lot #1093

Rolex 16800 Matte Dial Submariner

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Introduction

Debuting in 1953 and released to the public the following year, the Rolex Submariner has undoubtedly become one of the most iconic timepieces of all time, thanks to its legendary status as Rolex's flagship dive watch. Used extensively by the British Royal Navy and professional diving operations like COMEX, the Submariner set the bar for all dive watches to follow. Featuring a genuinely timeless design that has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history, the Rolex Submariner has become the archetypal sports watch. With very few large-scale aesthetic upgrades made to it over the years except for timely advancements like introducing a date function to the collection in the late '60s, and its modern cerachrom bezels, the Submariner is seen as the prototypical dive watch thanks to its consistency. As a result, the Submariner has earned its status as a legendary watch, with it still remaining as one of the most sought-after timepieces around.

Released in 1979, the Submariner ref. 16800 represented a major upgrade to the previous Submariner, the ref. 1680. Considered a transitional model between the first Submariner Date and its modern counterparts, the ref. 16800 featured the new cal. 3035 movement which introduced a quick-set date function and thus made it much easier to cycle through the date. This particular one has the much coveted matte dial, which was only found in the early examples.

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Grade

V 9

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$10,000 – $12,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

40mm

Model

Submariner

Movement

Rolex Automatic cal. 3035

Reference

16800

Bracelet

Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet

Year

1983 (7.4m serial number)

Condition

Near-Mint

Material

Stainless Steel

Included

Watch Only

Dial Color

Matte Black

THE DIAL

Sporting a matte black dial with gorgeously aged soft yellow tritium lume plots and original hands featuring consistent aging, this timepiece is placed as a shining example of the watch collectors love to add to their collections.

THE CASE

With thick bevels and its original factory finish, the example we have here is in such pristine condition it even features its original caseback sticker.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

The overall condition of the watch is near-mint. Dial is flawless, with strong even patina. Hands are matching, however there is some oxidation on the hands. Bezel is very sharp with no signs of previous polish. Caseback retains the full original caseback sticker from the time it was new, and case presents as overall near-mint with minor surface wear albeit strong original chamfers. Light surface abrasions visible throughout the band. There are currently 10 links in the bracelet, with one additional link on the side.

Our Perspective

The ref. 16800 is an important piece of the Submariner's evolution from utility-focused dive watch to the robust luxurious timepiece we know and love it as today.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder