Rolex Submariner 16800

Rolex Submariner 16800 Matte Transitional Dial Retailed by Tiffany & Co.

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. Brand : Rolex Dimensions : 40mm Model : Submariner Movement : Automatic cal. 3035 Reference : 16800 Bracelet : Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Year : 1983 Condition : Excellent Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Black THE DIAL Boasting a jet-black matte dial, this example features evenly aged luminescent tritium paint on its hour markers that give this timepiece's display a vintage aesthetic. Co-signed by Tiffany & Co., the famed American jeweller and watch retailer, this timepiece was originally sold by Tiffany to one of their VIPs, and is part of the rare cohort of watches that collectors seek with retailer's branding. 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.