Rolex Submariner 16803

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In 1984, Rolex introduced the reference 16803, which was the first bicoloured Submariner. The dial displayed a small, subtle difference (in comparison to its predecessor) that meant a lot to the functionality of the watch. Namely, in the second line of the golden text right above the 6-hour position it said 1000ft=300m instead of 660ft=200m. This diving watch could go 100 meter deeper than its predecessors. Together with the 16800 this was the first Submariner with sapphire crystal instead of plexi crystal. The watch came in two different configurations; a blue bezel with a blue dial and a black bezel with a black dial. The example we have at Amsterdam Vintage Watches has the blue bezel inlay and dial. The stainless steel case houses the calibre 3035. Moreover, the dial has a tritium index with matching hands. The bezel, crown and centre links of the Oyster bracelet (which is in great condition) are from 18k yellow gold. This combination gives this professional tool watch instantly an upscale look. The watch dates back to '86 and comes with box and papers. After a production run of roughly four years, Rolex discontinued this reference in 1988.

Introduction

Rolex SubmarinerVisionary Hans Wildorf set out to make the world’s first waterproof and dust proof wristwatch and so in 1926 the ‘Oyster case’ was created. Then later on in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was born, with a water depth rating of 330ft/100M making it one of the world’s first wristwatches designed for the upcoming sport of scuba diving. The wristwatch was created for divers who needed a precise watch which could scale to such depths and be a reliable and accurate way of measuring (with the turning bezel) the time spent underwater. A major aspect of creating such a time piece was to make it easily legible yet aesthetically pleasing, hence the large contrasting white tritium hour markers and Mercedes hand on the black dial. The rugged look was adopted by no other than himself Mr Bond. (Sean Connory as Bond wore it in 1962’s ‘Dr. No’. The watch was also featured in the later ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Thunderball’ movie.) A legend was born and overtime it proved to be arguably one of the best, most desirable and iconic luxury watch of all time.1680The Submariner 1680 was produced between 1967 and 1979. It was the first Submariner which the date function. This reference has a calibre 1575 based on the calibre 1530. In the first 7 years of production the 1680 was printed with Submariner on the dial in red instead of white. The early models are extra desirable and feature a 'Meter First' dial, which refers to the 200 meters depth rating being displayed before the 600 feet depth rating.16800 After de Submariner reference 1680, Rolex introduced the reference 16800. This reference can be identified by the sapphire crystal, the newer calibre, quickset of the date and the uni-directional bezel. The first series (1979 – 1984) had the matte dial and tritium dots. Later on, this reference got the glossy dial and gold hour marker surroundings. 

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.