Rolex
1986 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 16808) 18k YG
During the late 1960's Rolex began producing the immensely Submariner dive watch in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold thus creating a dressed up variant of a notably sporty watch. The addition of a yellow gold submariner variant offered a watch that could shift effortlessly from adventuresome events in the ocean to classy occasions on land.
This 1987 Submariner ref. 16808 in 18k YG is very transitional because it possesses an earlier nipple dial variant that is more common in earlier examples of the 18k Submariner references, but very much like the 16800 reference of the same era, the 16808 possesses a sapphire crystal, quick set date, and click spring unidirectional bezel.
| Stock # | RLXSM-16808 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner | |
| Model | 16808 | |
| Serial | 96XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K YG | |
| Dial | Black Nipple Dial | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | 18k YG Rolex Oyster Flip Lock W/ SEL |
CASE & BRACELET
The previously lightly polished case possesses full and even lugs, showing little wear. The bezel remains in excellent condition, showing signs of previous light polishing. The black insert retains the original pearl which matches the dial perfectly and is free from any wear or fading. Case back is stamped 16800 which is very rare and transitional for a YG reference. The solid 18k YG 92908 bracelet with solid 46 end pieces shows minimal wear and exhibits minimal stretch.
DIAL & HANDS
The stunning black "nipple" dial is in excellent vintage condition, free of any blemishing. The original tritium lume has taken on a warm ivory patina, under U.V. light inspection the lume plots exhibit no lume degradation. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and exhibit no lume loss under U.V. light inspection. The date wheel is era correct with open 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec backed by a 1-year warranty on the accuracy of timekeeping.
