infos needed on 16800

[spirotechnique]

To all the Rolex experts, I would be very interested to collect more informations on my latest catch a Submariner model 16800 serial 7063XXX



Form what I have collected from the web I understand that :
- this watch is from 1981 which is the first year of production of the 16800
- Early 16800 share the same case as the last 1680 : smaller crown guard compared to later 16800
- the matt dial was only installed on the 3 first year of production (1981-1983)

I would like to know if thoses infos are correct and if you can give me some other inputs on this watch
cheers
JM

[mike]

Hi JM, That is a stunning example you have.

The reference 16800, sometimes known as the "transitional" Submariner made it's debut circa 1980-81.

It was the first diver to use the 3xxx fastbeat movement, introduced a true quick-set date feature, and for the first time was a diver to incorporate a 120 click unidirectional bezel. (it should also be noted the 16800 was the first to use a metal cup for the tritium pearl on the bezel).

As the first of the Rolex divers to incorporate a sapphire crystal the pressure capasity of the Submariner was increased to 300m as opposed to the lesser depths of the previous acryllic versions.

As you state, the first versions incorporated a matt dial (tritium) sans WG surrounds. That combined with the upgrade in the movement and sapphire crystal lends some collectors to feel it is the best of both worlds.

As Rolex progressed to the gloss WG dials circa the mid 80s later 16800s found their dials going this way as well.

Today the matt version is the ticket for collectors.

Many congrats on an excellent example of a reference that can be worn everyday and can be serviced by the mothership with ease due to the modern movement.(Though at all costs the dial and hands must be maintained)

Here's mine bearing a 7.2 mil. serial number,

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by mike

Hi JM, That is a stunning example you have.

The reference 16800, sometimes known as the "transitional" Submariner made it's debut circa 1980-81.

It was the first diver to use the 3xxx fastbeat movement, introduced a true quick-set date feature, and for the first time was a diver to incorporate a 120 click unidirectional bezel. (it should also be noted the 16800 was the first to use a metal cup for the tritium pearl on the bezel).

As the first of the Rolex divers to incorporate a sapphire crystal the pressure capasity of the Submariner was increased to 300m as opposed to the lesser depths of the previous acryllic versions.

As you state, the first versions incorporated a matt dial (tritium) sans WG surrounds. That combined with the upgrade in the movement and sapphire crystal lends some collectors to feel it is the best of both worlds.

As Rolex progressed to the gloss WG dials circa the mid 80s later 16800s found their dials going this way as well.

Today the matt version is the ticket for collectors.

Many congrats on an excellent example of a reference that can be worn everyday and can be serviced by the mothership with ease due to the modern movement.(Though at all costs the dial and hands must be maintained)

Here's mine bearing a 7.2 mil. serial number,

Do you have any info as to from what serial# they adopted the gloss WG dials?

[buz-lh]

You got the answer from the best source on this forum JM. Man I want one of those bad. Beautiful combination for an everyday wearer.

[onkyo]

Great info Mike. Thank you. And beautiful 16800!!

[spirotechnique]

Thank you very much for your answer Mike : thoses are very usefull
cheers
JM

[Lion]

Glad to see this thread revived. The PICS of this classic watch are awesome.
Now all I need to do is stop drooling!!!