'85 Submariner 16800 advice

[ReGMiLLa31]

Hi Guys,

I'm seeking some advice on a 1985 Sub 16800. I came across a Mint/Brand New condition full set even with anchor. It is unpolished and not a scratch on it. The green hologram on the case back is still in perfect condition. The man bought it for his son back in '85 and his son didn't like it so it just sat in a safe for 30 years, except for when it was being serviced.

I did a search on the forum and checked chrono24 and found some stuff, but there is nothing I have seen that is even close to this condition.

The price is $7000. Is that a reasonable price considering the condition? If not, what should I pay for this?

Thanks in advance!

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!

Is there a personal significance with this year of production (birth, etc)?

If there isn't - IMO - a transitional model with the white gold surrounds, it is too much $$$. You could buy a new (near new) 116610 for less than that amount...

[stmoore]

Matte dial or no? That's the first price point. Did rolex polish it? That's that second price point. If not a matte dial and if polished by rolex then pass and find another. If unpolished and matte dial then it's still a high by maybe a grand.

[swish77]

Please post some photos. For an NOS, time-capsule Sub with boxes and papers, I actually don't think the price is that unreasonable. (Always try to bargain, of course.) However, I would want to make sure it is what the seller says it is. Also, patina would play a big part for me, and whether a matte dial or not. A tritium dial and hands Sub that has been in a safe for 30 years could have outrageous patina that could make the deal worth it. Remember, vintage Rolexes are about condition and appearance/patina with the dial/hands and case, assuming everything is original and in order. If this is truly "brand new," I'd consider it. Again, we need photos! Good luck either way.

[Michael M.]

If the watch is truly unpolished, full set, and near NOS, $7,000 is not a bad price. Is the dial matte or gloss?

[MATCH1969]

Like mine from 82 ?

[ReGMiLLa31]

Thanks for all the replies! I am really in the market for an 84 since that's my birth year but I came across this 85 randomly so the year doesn't mean much to me. I can't remember if it's a matte dial or not but the patina was really nice in my opinion.

I'll try to get some pics and post them up for you guys soon.

[shane0mack]

Originally Posted by ReGMiLLa31

Thanks for all the replies! I am really in the market for an 84 since that's my birth year but I came across this 85 randomly so the year doesn't mean much to me. I can't remember if it's a matte dial or not but the patina was really nice in my opinion.

I'll try to get some pics and post them up for you guys soon.

If it's got the original dial, it's likely a gloss with WG surrounds. I'll echo the sentiment that in this case, $7K is a bit rich. Even with a great even patina, that's too much. I would say it's even too much for a matte dial, with an exception of it having some sort of external provenance.

[jfmiii]

im an '84 bday too. forget that nonsense and get a matte. the 16800 mattes develop really amazing patina, imo. here's mine. as a reference point, i paid $5800 for mine last april but it has B&P (and original oyster that isnt shown). it has barely been polished and the patina is drool worthy.

[Daytona4130]

Just buy a nice 16610. That's too much money IMO.