The Rolex Submariner ref. 16800 stands as one of the most historically significant Submariner references, acting as the bridge between vintage and modern generations. Introduced in the late 1970s, it was the first Submariner Date to feature both a sapphire crystal and a 300-meter water resistance rating, while still preserving many beloved vintage Rolex design traits.

This example, produced during the 1980s and bearing a 7 million serial number, features the highly sought-after matte black dial with oversized tritium indexes, commonly referred to by collectors as “maxi” or “pallettoni” indexes. The warm creamy patina developed over time on both the dial and hands gives the watch exceptional vintage charm and authenticity.

The 40 mm stainless steel Oyster case appears well preserved with strong proportions and honest signs of wear consistent with age. Completing the watch is the correct Oyster bracelet reference 93150. A perfect combination of vintage aesthetics, durability and modern reliability.

Case: the 40 mm Oyster case preserves the iconic round Submariner profile, featuring strong lugs and integrated crown guards. The reference 16800 introduced the sapphire crystal, replacing the earlier acrylic crystal and significantly improving durability and water resistance. The screw-down caseback ensures waterproofness up to 300 meters.

Dial: the matte black dial with oversized tritium indexes is among the most desirable configurations for collectors. These “maxi” indexes develop an attractive creamy patina over time. The dial layout includes a date display with Cyclops magnifier and a unidirectional rotating diving bezel.

Movement: the Rolex automatic caliber 3035 marked a major technical advancement for Rolex thanks to the introduction of the quickset date function. COSC-certified, it beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, delivering enhanced precision, reliability and smoother seconds-hand motion compared to previous generations.