Sub 16800 dial question..

[Tri-National-Man]

Hi forum members, I've just picked up a 1985 (865xxxx serial) Sub 16800 today..Just checking it out and I have a dial query...This one has the gold appliques hour markers which have a gorgeous cream patina, but the dial is matte...Is this possible or should it be gloss? I'm feeling slightly nervous, but case looks largely in original shape with sharp edges, the bracelet is correct and clasp has "I10" code good for a Sub of this age..I'm hoping its correct and original..
Please help!

[rmlovett1]

I'm not an expert...I believe it should be glossy, but these dials had a tendency to matte over time.

[U5512]

Nice thick case and correct date wheel!

My old Sub 16800 has a matte dial with 7.299 serial number.

[madonofrio]

Don't the WG surrounds indicate it was originally a glossy dial?

[NKflyer]

Yes, you do have a "gloss" dial as defined by the white gold circles surrounding the lume plots. The original gloss finish has simply faded over the years. A true matte dial has the lume material applied directly to the dial without any trim. For the reference 16800, the switch from matte to gloss dials was right around 8.5 or 8.6 million so everything checks out.

[schaumburgla]

Nice watch btw.
Enjoy
JS

[Tri-National-Man]

Thanks for your answers guys, I'm still not convinced its a "gloss gone matte" dial..The dial is textured as in the true matte dial variant..Check out very similar watch to mine here; http://www.watchcollectinglifestyle....he-wrist-since

[madonofrio]

Originally Posted by Tri-National-Man

Thanks for your answers guys, I'm still not convinced its a "gloss gone matte" dial..The dial is textured as in the true matte dial variant..Check out very similar watch to mine here; http://www.watchcollectinglifestyle....he-wrist-since

The author of that piece acknowledges that the piece, "appears to have more of a matte look to it and is not as glossy as most Submariner dials from this era" The current matte appearance likely due to fading.

I was considering a 16800 and ran into this as well. There are reports of later serial 16800s that are fitted with true matte dials, but many also question whether they are original or period correct service dials. As far as I know there was never a true matte dial with WG surrounds.

[The Duke]

That looks just like the service dial Rolex put in my 16800 about 5 years ago. I believe they stopped putting the Matte dials like U5512's above around 8.3 mil.

[The Duke]

I'm still on the hunt to get my 16800 back to Matte dial and hands.