- 9/7/12
- 22,580
- 17,999
- 113
Launched in 1979 the 16800 Submariner superseded the 1680, and is often referred to as a 'transitional Sub', because it was the first Rolex sport model to have a sapphire crystal along with a high beat movement.
From its introduction in 1979, up until 1984, Rolex continued to use the matte dials with painted hour markers.
On later 16800's - from 1983 and until 1987 - the matte was replaced with a gloss dial and hour markers surrounded with white gold - the indices were only surrounded by gold, not like modern indices which are 'cups' filled with lume.
Whereas previous Submariners were rated water-resistant to 660 feet, the 16800 was the first Sub to be rated down to 1000 feet.
The 16800 came with a 93150 bracelet and 593 end links
Toward the end of the production of the 16800, and for only about nine months, Rolex produced the 168000, in which the stainless steel was upgraded from grade 316 to grade 904. The Rolex Submariner 168000 used the same case as the later 16610, but with the movement and dial of the earlier 16800.
The 16800 and 168000 Submariners are often overlooked by collectors - they either go for the pure vintage 1680 or its replacement, the 16610. In my opinion the 16800 Submariner combines the best of both worlds, they’re perfect examples of modern-meets-vintage
The paint on the glossy dials of this period start to breakdown quite quickly, first becoming mottled then completely matte, and in some cases they will turn tropical ( tropical is the term used to describe a change of color brought about by time, heat and sunlight whereby the paint of the dial or insert turns a chocolate brown).
This 16800 Submariner has a tritium dial, with white gold surrounds. Originally a glossy dial, it has now turned completely matte, and is starting to turn 'tropical'. The lume has taken on an almond patina that matches the hands, which have some corrosion visible to the naked eye. The bezel insert is a 'flat 4 ' fat font insert with serifs , originally black, it has turned a fantastic midnight blue/gun metal blue, the pearl is nicely aged with the same almond patina as the dial.
Thanks for looking.
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