Rolex Submariner 16808 Yellow Gold

Vintage Watch Condition Examination:

Pre-owned Rolex Submariner ref 16808, Circa 1983, is in great vintage condition throughout consistent with age. The case is in overall good condition with normal signs of wear. The hallmarks on the back of the lugs are clearly visible. The bezel insert is in great condition with normal signs of wear (one scratch of note near 40). The pip has aged to a lovely warm caramel color and matches the lume on the dial. The date-wheel is a later, service replacement. The dial is in great condition with light patina. The hour markers and hands have developed patina. The lume on the dial and in the hands has aged to an even and matching dark yellow, pumpkin color.

Description: Rolex Submariner 16808 18k Yellow Gold

Pre-owned Rolex Submariner Ref. 16808 (circa 1983) has its predecessor the ref. 1680 to thank for its fascinating design set. The ref. 1680 was the first model to sport a date mechanism on the dial. It was also the first all-gold Submariner and was produced with the same distinctive nipple-style hour markers you see on the ref. 16808 we have here. In addition to being the second-generation gold Submariner, ref. 16808 also serves as a transitional model, bridging the gap between the vintage Rolex 1680 and the modern generation.

Ref. 1680 was outfitted with an acrylic crystal, while the later ref. 16808 has a tougher, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Additionally the depth rating on the ref. 16808 is 1,000 feet, compared to ref. 1680 which was only 660 feet. The ref. 16808 is also equipped with the higher-beat caliber 3035 Perpetual movement with a Quickset date, a feature that is always handy! Furthermore, both watches were offered with a black dial or a blue dial with matching bezel color. The example we have here is the black version, which exhibits many fascinating signs of patina. For instance, the nipple hour markers almost appear to be solid gold but are filled with Tritium that has since aged over time to a dark yellowish pumpkin color to match the gold surrounds. The pip at 12 o’clock and the hands feature a similar patina, giving the watch a remarkable and cohesive aesthetic.