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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Submariner
Movement
Rolex self-winding cal. 3035
Reference
16800
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1983
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black

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

THE CONSTRUCTION
Offered in great condition, this example's bevels are still pronounced and its black anodized aluminum bezel features very few marks and is pitch black, just like its dial.

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
This Submariner ref. 16800 has been retained in very original condition. The matt dial with some very light spotting, the lumes have aged to an appealing yellow consistently that also matches the hands. Some of the lumes with some minor discoloration. The hands with some minor oxidation. The case is very well preserved with nice proportions and beveled edges. These is some surface wear to the bands and minor pin head dings to the outside of the lugs and case back. The insert with some minor wear. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp and easy to read. The bracelet with surface wear and with 11 links, 1 removable.
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.