16800 rolex history | Rolex submariner 16800 for sale

First introduced in 1979, the reference 16800 Submariner replaced the reference 1680 and ushered in a new generation of Submariner dive watches. The reference 1680 was the first Rolex Submariner to ever feature a date, and the 16800 built upon this legacy while introducing significant advancements, solidifying its place as a crucial transitional model in the Submariner's storied history. The Rolex 16800, though not always lauded as the most iconic Submariner, represents a pivotal step in the model's evolution, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern reliability. This article will explore the history of the 16800, delving into its production years, price, market value, comparisons with other models, and what to consider when looking to buy one.

The Significance of Transition: Why the 16800 Matters

Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand why the 16800 holds such a unique position. Rolex is known for its incremental improvements and evolutionary design philosophy. The 16800 perfectly exemplifies this. It wasn't a radical departure from its predecessor, the 1680, but it incorporated key upgrades that significantly improved its functionality and durability. These improvements laid the groundwork for the subsequent generations of Submariners, including the highly popular 16610.

The 16800 represented a move towards greater water resistance, a more robust movement, and overall enhanced reliability, making it a more practical and dependable tool watch for divers and everyday wearers alike. It was a bridge between the tritium-lumed, acrylic-crystal vintage Submariners and the sapphire-crystal, luminova/super-luminova-lumed modern iterations.

Rolex 16800 Production Years: A Timeline of Evolution

The Rolex 16800 was in production for roughly nine years, from 1979 to 1988. This relatively short production run contributes to its desirability among collectors. Within this period, there were subtle but important variations, making the 16800 a fascinating model to study.

* Early Models (1979-1984): These early 16800s are characterized by their matte dials with painted hour markers. These dials are often referred to as "transitional" dials, as they were a holdover from the 1680. They feature a slightly warmer, more vintage aesthetic than the later gloss dials. These early models also featured the less robust caliber 3035 movement.

* Later Models (1984-1988): Around 1984, Rolex transitioned to a gloss dial with white gold surround hour markers. This is a key difference and a visual marker for identifying later 16800 models. At the same time, Rolex also upgraded the movement to the Caliber 3035. This movement, with its higher beat rate of 28,800 vph, offered improved accuracy and reliability compared to the earlier 3035 iteration.

These subtle variations in dial and movement contribute to the variations in value and collectibility of the 16800. Collectors often seek out specific dial variations and production years.

Key Features of the Rolex 16800:

* Caliber 3035 Movement: This movement was a significant upgrade over the 1575 movement found in the 1680. It featured a quickset date function, allowing the wearer to independently set the date without having to advance the hands. It also included a higher beat rate for improved accuracy.16800 rolex history

* Sapphire Crystal: A major upgrade over the acrylic crystal used in the 1680, the sapphire crystal offered superior scratch resistance and clarity. This was a crucial step towards modernizing the Submariner.

* Unidirectional Rotating Bezel: The 16800 retained the unidirectional rotating bezel, a critical feature for divers to track elapsed time underwater. The bezel insert was typically made of aluminum.

* Water Resistance: The 16800 boasted a water resistance of 300 meters (1000 feet), making it a capable dive watch.

* Stainless Steel Case: The 40mm stainless steel case remained largely unchanged from the 1680.

* Tritium Lume: Early 16800 models used tritium lume on the dial and hands. Tritium is a radioactive material that glows without needing to be charged by light. Over time, tritium lume loses its luminosity and develops a characteristic patina, which is often highly prized by collectors. Later models still used tritium, though the amount was likely reduced.

Rolex Submariner 16800 Price: Factors Influencing Value

The price of a Rolex Submariner 16800 can vary widely depending on several factors:

* Condition: The overall condition of the watch is paramount. Watches with minimal wear and tear, original parts, and unpolished cases command a premium.

* Dial Type: As mentioned earlier, the dial type (matte vs. gloss) significantly impacts the value. Generally, matte dials are considered more desirable by collectors due to their vintage appeal and relative rarity.