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
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Hang Tag and Spare Links
Est. value range
$7,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Submariner Date
Movement
Automatic cal. 3035
Reference
16800
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1986
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch and hang tag
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a jet black dial with white gold surrounds for its gently-aged tritium indices, this ref. 16800's dial forms the archetype of how the modern Submariner's display still looks to this day.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring the Submariner's robust stainless steel construction and its iconic design, the ref. 16800 is considered a transitional model thanks to its sapphire crystal which marked the largest aesthetic change the Submariner had seen in a long time.
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
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case shows well defined lugs with chamfered edges showing some wear. There are various surface scratches and marks, including a pin-head ding on the lower right lug-side, as show in the images. The 10 links. 0 removable. 2 additional links included. adjustable clasp. The bezel insert is near-mint, with only minor signs for ear and a slightly discolored and cracked luminous pip. Original tritium glossy dial in excellent condition with no visible signs of aging. The luminous in the hands have aged slightly near the center post as seen in the images. Watch comes on an oyster band with 10 links, none of which are removable. Bracelet shows minor signs of stretch. There are 2 removable links included on the side, along with a hang tag.
case size: 40mm
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
