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, this Rolex 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. The Submariner has earned its status as a legendary watch, with it today remaining as one of the most sought-after timepieces around.

Launched in 1969 as the very first precious metal Submariner variant ever, the ref. 1680 marked a significant change for Rolex and their Submariner alike. While a toolwatch through and through, the use of 18kt yellow gold marked the alteration of the Submariner’s original rugged usecase into a luxury watch that showcased Rolex’s uncanny ability to create watches from whatever materials they pleased. While the ref. 1680 was met with negative reactions from Rolex’s typical demographic at the time, Rolex stayed the course and eventually launched the ref. 16808 that we have here in 1979 in all of its 18kt yellow gold glory with an upgraded sapphire crystal. Fitted with an appropriately distinctive blue dial and blue bezel, the resulting combination flew in the face of the Submariner’s traditionally reserved aesthetic and allowed the Submariner to continue its journey into the world of modern horology where it exists now at the apex of luxury sports watches.