Rolex Submariner 16800

Rolex Submariner 16800 Matte "Pumpkin" Dial

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. Additionally, it was also the first Submariner to come fitted with a sapphire crystal instead of the previously used plexiglass. THE DIAL Featuring a gorgeous jet-black matte dial, this example boasts beautifully aged deep "Pumpkin" orange tritium paint on its hands and hour markers with an even patina throughout. Additionally, this example's bezel lume pip is also a darkened shade of orange, a thoroughly desirable trait in vintage Rolex sports models where lume pips often fall out and need to be replaced. THE CONSTRUCTION Retaining the essence of the Submariner's burly charm, the ref. 16800 boasts a robust stainless steel construction along with its upgraded movement and sapphire crystal - upgrades that make it feel remarkably modern compared to its older siblings. 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.