In many ways, the 16800 is considered the best of both worlds in terms of the balance between vintage charm and modern fit.
Known as the “Transitional Sub” by most collectors, the new model arrived in 1980 to replace its brother ref. 1680 and mounted the “buckshot” dial until about 1985. It mounts a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and an updated quick-action date movement.
Toward the end of its production, ref. 16800 did away with the matte dial altogether and adopted a truly modern aesthetic, complete with a polished dial surmounted by white gold hour markers.
This “transitional Submariner” was also the first reference in the series to offer water resistance to 300 meters, compared to the 200-meter depth rating offered by ref. 1680.
Decades have passed since the 16800 came on the market, but 300 meters remains the Submariner’s standard depth rating. The unidirectional bezel also made its debut along with the ref. 16800, replacing the bidirectional bezel and offering divers a safer way to measure elapsed time while underwater.
The transitional Rolex is the definition of cool. This is truly the best of both worlds: a vintage watch with modern Rolex performance. Wear it, enjoy it, and don’t worry about it.

Brand: ROLEX
Model: Submariner Date Ultra Rare
Reference: 16800
Serial 734XXXX - Year 1982
Movement: mechanical self-winding made by Rolex, caliber 3035, regulated in five isochronism positions and at different temperatures
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: oyster, entirely in steel
Bezel: black, unidirectional rotating with sixty-second scale for calculating dive times
Crown: original screw-down, with protective shoulders
Lugs: drilled and curved
Dimensions: 40 mm excluding crown, 47 mm at the lugs
Glass: sapphire
Caseback: screw-down
Dial: matte black, with bullet indexes turned to hazelnut, Mercedes steel hands also turned to hazelnut, seconds in the center, date display at 3 with magnifying glass and quick return to the crown, sixty-second scale, Rolex logo at 12
Bracelet: Oyster, original Rolex, reference 93150, ends 593
Closure: clasp with safety flip lock, original Rolex, serial G perfectly coeval with the year of production of the watch


The watch you see for sale is a truly rare and fascinating piece, it is in excellent condition, it works perfectly, it is precise and reliable. It's completely original.

It will be delivered to you with its box, its outer box showing the reference number, its calendar from the year 1983, its perforated guarantee, its document holder showing the serial number of the watch, its price tag and seal. original Rolex, plus our 12 month warranty!!!

It's in the photo. Stratospheric!!!