1983 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 16800) Matte Dial

Beloved by both the vintage enthusiast and neo-vintage aficionados, the reference 16800 Submariner is one of the most important Rolex dive watches produced. The transitional foundation of the ref. 16800 makes this watch special, as it is both the last of the truly vintage Submariners and the platform for the modern submariner we see today.

Role

Introduced in late 1979, the ref. 16800 brought us a litany of improvements to the Submariner line. First of which is a sapphire crystal, which helped bring the depth rating from 660ft to an impressive 1000ft. The uni-directional click-spring bezel made its first appearance on the Submariner line as well, making the Submariner a more secure and safe timing apparatus for divers. Along with these external enhancements, the movement was drastically upgraded to the Cal. 3035, which featured a quickset function for the first time in the Submariner line.

The first iteration of the ref. 16800 featured a matte black dial similar to that of the acrylic crystal Submariner ref. 1680 that preceded it. These early matte dial examples were only produced for a brief period, about 4 years total until early 1984. In late 1984 Rolex switched the dial design to the more recognizable by modern standards glossy dial with white gold surrounds markers. Both executions are cherished by collectors, but it is the earlier matte dial version that offers a vintage aesthetic with modern functionality that is the most desirable amongst this transitional reference.

Stock #		RLXSUB1680083-2
Brand		Rolex
Style		Submariner
Model		16800
Serial		74XXXXX
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Matte Black
Millimeters		40
Bracelet		Rolex 93150 Oyster Bracelet W/ 593 End Pieces

CASE & BRACELET

The impressive case retains defined factory chamfers down the extremely thick and symmetrical lugs that show honest signs of light use, the case appears to have only been gently polished once on the case sides. The original bezel insert is beautiful, showing minimal signs of previous use and a handsome navy blue coloration in sunlight, the bezel also retains its tritium pearl which has achieved a striking orange patina. The original Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 593 end pieces retains 11 links that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The matte black dial is simply exceptional and in flawless original condition. The tritium lume plots have taken on a charming creamy patina with no degradation present when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The white date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.