Rolex Submariner 16800

The Rolex Submariner ref. 16800 represented a significant upgrade for Rolex's iconic dive watch in 1979. The ref. 16800 is considered to be a transitional model, and this example is the perfect illustration of why, with a matte black dial without white gold surrounding the hour markers. The ref. 16800 replaced ref. 1680, which was the first Sub to include a date complication.

The ref. 16800 was upgraded with a deeper depth rating to 1000 feet/300 meters, which is still the standard for contemporary Submariners. Rolex also gave this model a sapphire crystal and an updated movement with quick-set date functionality.

In the first few years of its production, ref. 16800 was fitted with a matte dial and painted indexes as seen in ref. 1680. This example has an overall aesthetic more associated with vintage Submariners but has the benefits of the upgraded movement and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.