Why This Watch Matters As transitional Submariner to mark our transition into colder weather and the holiday season! The Full Story The ref. 16800 is considered to be a transitional reference for the Submariner. Under the same model number, Rolex made one of the most important switches in the overall design history of the Sub. This reference started its life in 1979 with a classically matte dialed version available until the early-to-mid-1980s. At that point, Rolex made the switch and began fitting the watch with a gloss dial marked by lume plots with white gold surrounds. This example is fitted with one of the last matte dials to ever grace the Submariner, free of white gold surrounds. At first glance, the overall design of this watch has a similar form factor and functionality to its predecessor, the ref. 1680. But as the dial indicates, the depth rating of the watch has been upgraded from 660ft/200m to 1000ft/300m. The crystal has also been upgraded from a plexiglass material to sapphire for added durability. The watch does, however, continue with the traditional Cyclops magnifying lens over the date window. On the inside, the movement was upgraded from caliber 1575 to caliber 3035. This transition allowed for the addition of a quick-set date and an increase in movement frequency from 19,800vph to 28,800vph, details that continue today in the current production Submariner. The example we have here is crisp overall and exactly how we like to find our 1980s Submariners. It has that bit of worn-in vintage flair while feeling thoroughly modern in the hand and on the wrist. The date wheel shows correct open 6 and 9s, a nice little vintage-esque detail, and the solid-link Oyster bracelet makes the watch wear stoutly. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: SubmarinerReference: 16800Year: 1983Case No: 7437700Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 40mm diameter; 12.5mm thicknessCrystal: SapphireLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 3035Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel, solid-link Oyster No. 93150 with No. 593 end-links and divers extension (Approximate max wrist size 7.0in / 178mm)Lug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: Yes, this is accompanied by its original punched guarantee, hang-tag with corresponding case number on it, one extra link, and later Rolex presentation box What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Original Punched Papers and Hangtag - Open sixes and nines on the date wheel- Nicely aged lume on the matte dial Things To Know: - Scratches on case and bracelet- Hands color corrected This Submariner is in overall great, honest condition. The case is in strong condition with scratches and appears to be lightly polished. The numbers are visible between both sets of lugs. The back of the lugs have some marks from the removal and placement of the bracelet. The dial has retained its matte finish with light patina throughout. The lume on the dial has developed patina, aging to an off-white or custard color. The handset has developed some patina. The lume on the hands has developed patina and have been color corrected to match the lume on the dial. The bezel insert is in honest condition with some light scratches and wear; it has remained dark black. The lume pip at 12 o'clock has developed a lighter patina than the rest of the lume. The Rolex Oyster bracelet is in good condition with scratches and some stretch. The clasp is marked "H," indicating it's from 1983, which matches the case number. The dial, crown, case, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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