An excellent example of a Rolex 16800 with a dial that has turned from gloss to matt and has began to turn tropical brown.  The dial has aged very evenly and the hands match nicely.  The case is certainly never polished and has clear numbers at both lugs with a personal engraving on the caseback which can be removed if the buyer prefers.  The bezel pictured is not the original bezel however it is original rolex and gives the watch a very nice look.  The original black insert will be included in the sale.  The bracelet is original with full links and is in excellent shape and the movement is running strong and keeping excellent time however it appears this watch was never opened or serviced so it may need on in the near future.   The watch is accompanied by its original box and papers and some additional accessories 

Model Notes:

16800 is a vintage model from Rolex's Submariner collection. It was first introduced in the late 1970s and remained in production until the mid-1980s. The 16800 represents an important evolution in the Submariner line, introducing several notable changes and improvements compared to its predecessor, the Rolex 1680.

Here are some key evolutions and features of the Rolex 16800:

1. Increased Depth Rating: The Rolex 16800 boasted an increased water resistance rating of 300 meters (1,000 feet), compared to the 200-meter rating of the Rolex 1680. This improvement was achieved through the introduction of a Triplock crown seal system, which provided enhanced protection against water intrusion.

2. Caliber 3035 Movement: The 16800 was powered by the Rolex Caliber 3035 automatic movement. This movement featured a quickset date function, allowing the wearer to independently adjust the date without having to cycle through the hours manually. It also introduced a higher frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH) for improved accuracy.

3. Updated Dial Design: The dial of the 16800 underwent some changes compared to its predecessor. One of the most significant updates was the dial. Early examples  of the 16800 featured a matte black dial with luminous hour markers and hands, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The last iterations had white gold surrounds on the hour markers and hands on the later iterations.  

4. Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal: The 16800 was the first Submariner model to feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This upgrade provided improved durability and resistance to scratches compared to the acrylic crystals used in earlier models

5. Transitional Model: The Rolex 16800 is often considered a transitional model in the Submariner lineup, bridging the gap between the vintage era and the modern Submariner models. It retained some design elements from the earlier 1680 while incorporating updated features and technologies.

Overall, the Rolex 16800 represents an important evolution in the Submariner series, offering improved water resistance, enhanced movement, updated dial design, and other refinements. It is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts for its historical significance and classic aesthetics.