Rolex
1981 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 16808) 18k YG
During the late 1960s, 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.
The Submariner ref. 16808 in 18k YG is very much like the 16800 reference of the same era, the 16808 possesses a sapphire crystal, quick set date, and click spring unidirectional bezel. This specific model from 1981 remains in exceptional condition, perfect for the collector that likes the dressiness of a gold watch but the utilitarianism of a sports timepiece.
| Stock # | RLXSM16808-5 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner | |
| Model | 16808 | |
| Serial | 70XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K YG | |
| Dial | Glossy Black | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | 2pc Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case has been previously light polished retaining even and thick lugs that show light wear from use. The original bezel insert remains dark black in coloration showing little to no wear and retains its original tritium pearl. The sapphire crystal has been recently replaced for a "non-cyclops" crystal that presents the dial in a unique and attractive fashion. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc leather strap of your choosing.
DIAL & HANDS
The glossy black dial is in excellent vintage condition, there is subtle patina that is consistent around the lume plots. The original tritium lume has taken on a warm creamy patina, under U.V. light inspection the 9 o'clock marker exhibits some degradation, all other lume plots remain fully intact. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the sweep-seconds hand shows minor cracking, the hour and minute hands remain fully intact. 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.