Rolex
Submariner 16800
Ref. 16800
The Rolex Submariner 16800 is a transitional reference that bridges vintage and modern Submariners, introduced in the late 1970s. It is notable for replacing the acrylic crystal with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and upgrading to the Cal. 3035 movement with a Quickset date function. The matte black dial with applied markers and 300-meter water resistance make it a collectible piece.
crystalSapphire
movementAutomatic, Cal. 3035, 42-hour power reserve
functionsDate
dial colorMatte black (early models) / Glossy black with applied white gold-trimmed markers (post-1984)
case diameter40 mm
case materialStainless Steel (316L)
water resistance300 meters
year1979–1988
A registered Rolex 16800 carries a permanent RGATT passport: origin, history and owners, verifiable by anyone, and a documented history makes a watch easier to sell.