Question about Gold Sub ref 16808

[Subexplorer]

Hello friends.

Just a question to owners (or fans) of gold Subs.

I was offered a c.1988 reference 16808 full gold Sub with matching Oyster bracelet. Blue dial & matching blue bezel.

Watch is completely original, and dial very similar to my TT 16613 Submariner blue dial... except, this full gold has a subtle violet hue on the blue, which is viewed when light reaches the dial in certain angles.

I have seen some vintage Subs in which their blue dials have changed to violet, so this is not strange thing.

My question is: seller told me an strange story, assuring me that these dials were painted in a short period by Porche at the request of Rolex!
Also that reference 16808 was made during a short period of time.

These concepts will not influence the purchase or not of this watch, as the watch is original, in good shape, and a very nice piece, it´s only matter of getting (or not) a satisfactory deal from the seller.

But I would like to know if these asseverations are truth, as I am rather skeptical about the Porche story. Never heard something like that before!
Also would like to know if true that reference 16808 had a short period of production.

Thank you in advance for your kind attention and answers!
Best cordial regards, Abel.

[Puffy]

abel,

i do know that Rolex gets inserts and other parts made by third parties like end-manufacturers who speclise in doing X to Y kind of metal at a good price, but never heard they would get a high-end car manufacturer like porsche to produce dials...

i would have thought producing these magnificient dials is a skill they would have kept in-house and let other EMs create parts like inserts, screws, bracelets etc as that's a bit more monkey work...

from what i've been told almost everything is being produced in-house these days..

[Subexplorer]

Hello Puffy!

Thank you so much for your kind answer.
I agree with you.
I know Rolex sourced their dials in some different dial makers specialists, like Singer, and that they had some trouble in certain periods of times, giving place to those sought after by collectors variants with color changes in their dials.

So I was rather skeptical about this story about Porche. Anyway, I thought TRF would be a good source to get some info, taking account the many knowledgeable friends who participate in this wonderful place.

Thank you again for writing, and have a nice week end!
Very cordially, Abel.

[pdoukas]

PM Ken, if I recall he has a really nice one.

[kyle L]

First time I've ever heard of that...

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by pdoukas

PM Ken, if I recall he has a really nice one.

Thank you Pete! Regards, Abel

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by kyle L

First time I've ever heard of that...

Hello Kyle, my young friend!
Yes, first time for me too! And a very funny story it seems to be.
Felt there is no sustent for this story, but wished to confirm with our more knowledgeable friends here.

Nobody here answered anyway showing a photo of his own 16808 with the blue dial with a violet hue as I was shown.

Receive my best cordial regards, young friend!
Abel.