Model Reference
PRE-OWNED ROLEX SUBMARINER 16800 WATCHES
Production Years:
Rolex Submariner Date 16800 was released somewhere towards the late 1970s and early 1980s. The watch would continue to be in production until the emergence of the short lived 168000. This era was important for Rolex because they were changing the technical specifications of the Submariner without changing its distinctive features.
The 16800 did not mark the arrival of a completely new design but rather bridged two generations as it came after 1680 and included such features as sapphire glass, increased water resistance and a new movement with quick set date. Changes in the structure of the dial at the latter stages of production further aligned it with the subsequent models of the Submariner.
Defining Features
One of the major changes brought into this watch was the replacement of the acrylic crystal with a sapphire crystal. Previously, Submariner Date models had been fitted with acrylic crystals, and thus, the change made the watch more resistant to scratches, as well as changed one of its components. As usual, the date aperture was located at 3 o'clock under the magnifying cyclops lens from Rolex.
Also, the diving function was enhanced. Since the Oyster case was waterproof up to 300 meters, it was an improvement on the Submariner Date from the previous series, where waterproofness was limited to 200 meters. The unidirectional rotating bezel with an aluminum insert allowed for tracking the elapsed dive time. Moreover, the black dial with luminous hands and indexes could be read in dim water.
Calibre 3035 automatic mechanism was employed in the watch. It allowed time indication for hours, minutes, seconds, date and had a quickset feature for date setting independently of the hour hand movement in a 24 hour cycle. The rate of the mechanism was 28,800 vibrations per hour, which was a technical advantage over the calibre of the older model.
About Rolex Submariner Model Number 16800
The term transitional is apt in this case because there were differences within the reference itself. Older models had matte dials with hour markers painted on them and therefore retained many of the visual elements of the earlier Submariner models.
By the 1980s, Rolex switched to gloss dials with hour markers in white gold settings. The reference can thus be said to cover two distinct styles of Submariner dials.
However, beneath all these visual changes was a specification that was getting closer to the modern Submariner. Sapphire crystal glass, 300 meter water resistance capability and quick set date movement Calibre 3035 were significant steps forward but the aluminium bezel and restrained case design preserved the link with previous references.
The 16800 must also be differentiated from the 168000 model that came next near the end of the decade. While both models bore many similarities to each other, the 168000 was linked with Rolex’s switch to using 904L grade steel cases for the Submariner. The 168000 in turn was soon superseded by the 16610, which had the Calibre 3135 and ushered in another long running era of the Submariner line.
At a Glance
- 40mm Oystersteel case
- Oyster bracelet
- Date window
- Rolex 3035 calibre with automatic movement
- Water-resistant to 300M
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Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner 16800 Watches
There’s no better place to go than BQ Watches, as the top watch dealership in London, UK, when you’re looking for a particular luxury timepiece. Our comprehensive sourcing services are available whenever you need them. We know that our extensive inventory may not always have the specific second-hand Rolex Submariner 16800 timepiece you have in mind. When that happens, just let our team know the make and model of the watch you want. We’ll get to work sourcing it for you.
In the meantime, it’s always worthwhile to see what we currently have in stock. At BQ Watches, we carry the best brands in the world with pre-owned selections from Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Bremont, Patek Philippe and many more. You can always come to BQ Watches for your sourcing needs.
Why Buy a Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner 16800?
The pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16800 is an appealing choice for collectors because it bridges the gap between vintage and more modern Submariner models. Introduced around 1979, it brought several important upgrades, including a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, increased water resistance to 300 metres and the Rolex calibre 3035 with a convenient quick-set date function.
Buying a pre-owned Submariner 16800 also gives you access to a particularly interesting period in Rolex history. Earlier examples feature matte dials with painted tritium hour markers, while later watches moved to glossy dials with white-gold surrounds. This combination of vintage character and more practical specifications makes the 16800 an attractive option for both collectors and those looking for a classic Submariner that can still be enjoyed regularly.
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BQ Watches offers every luxury watch service you could need. Along with offering an incredible inventory of pre-owned watches to buy, you can also sell and exchange your used watches with us. We’re happy to provide cash and trade-in value after a valuation. We also offer professional services for repairs, cleanings and appraisals.
We always like to remind our customers about our sourcing services as well. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have a specific second-hand Rolex Submariner 16800 wristwatch. Our team is more than happy to source a watch for you.
You can find all of our services online, or you can come into our London showroom if you’re in the neighbourhood to try out your second-hand Rolex Submariner 16800 timepiece! Either way, you can expect top-notch customer service and a great experience. Fill out our contact form below when you know what service you need and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Why Choose BQ Watches for a Pre Owned Rolex Submariner 16800?
The variations found within the 16800 make specialist knowledge particularly useful when choosing one. At BQ Watches, our team can help you understand details such as production period, dial type, bezel, case condition and bracelet before you buy a pre owned Submariner 16800.
For existing owners, those same details can be important when establishing the position of an individual watch. BQ Watches provides a professional valuation that considers the particular timepiece, its condition and accompanying items rather than looking at the reference number in isolation.
If your collection is developing in another direction, our exchange service provides a way to move from your current Submariner towards another Rolex or luxury watch with assistance from our specialists.
When you are ready to sell, BQ Watches can assess your 16800 directly and provide a clear offer. Our experience with different generations of Rolex sports watches means you receive knowledgeable support whether you are acquiring a vintage reference or making changes to an established collection.
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