1984 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 16800) Matte Dial

The Rolex Submariner ref. 16800 is a transitional piece that combines the best elements of both the vintage and modern Rolex Submariners into one complete package. The most coveted of the ref. 16800 is the matte dial variant that was in production from 1979-1984. Apart from a short production run, the early ref. 16800 was the only matte dial Rolex sports watch to also feature a sapphire crystal, before the reference changed to be equipped with a glossy dial with white gold surrounds in late 1984. These early matte dial versions of the ref. 16800 has the vintage aesthetic of the Rolex Submariner models of the 70s, but with massively upgraded cases and movements, and for that reason, the ref. 16800 is one of the most sought-after standard production Submariners Rolex has ever produced.

The Rolex Submariner ref. 16800 was first introduced in late 1979 and was the first Rolex Submariner model to include a sapphire crystal, a unidirectional click-spring bezel, and the Rolex cal. 3035 quickest movement, all of which cumulate to one of the most drastic technical updates in Submariner history, model to model.