Rolex Submariner 16800 mk1

The reference 16800 was introduced by Rolex in 1979 and was the very first Submariner to feature a sapphire crystal, a unidirectional, ratcheting bezel and an upgraded water resistance. The 16800 replaced the reference 1680 and ushered in a new generation of Submariner dive watches. Because of this, the 16800 Sub is often referred to as the ‘Transitional’ Submariner.

This particular 16800 MK1 Sub with its 6 million serial is a watch produced in 1980, therefor it is a very early MK1 execution that features a wonderful matte black dial with large Tritium plots that show a wonderful vanilla patina. The same applies to the Tritium pearl inside the triangle of the black insert and the Tritium inside the hands, all show the same warm tone of off-white/vanilla patinated Tritium. However, it does appear as if the Tritium in the seconds hand has been reworked or retouched in the past, but we chose to keep this as is because the hand looks very much original to the rest of the watch. She’s worn on the original 93150 bracelet with 593 end-links which remains in a very good and near stretch free condition! Overall, this is a bad-ass and very good looking Toolwatch and a piece of Rolex history at that. Don’t sleep on these neo-vintage Rolex sports watches, they’re a great buy at the moment and forebode to be a nice investment for the future.

This transitional Submariner 16800 MK1 was fully serviced according to the Rolex specs (we stayed away from any polishing and brushing) the watch will be sold with a 12 month warranty.

reference: 16800 MK1
case number: 64XXXXX
year of production: 1980
case diameter: 40mm
movement: automatic, caliber 3035
box and papers: accompanied by original Rolex box

SOLD