Rolex
Unpolished 1981 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 1981 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16808 is absolutely incredible. The case and bezel are both completely unpolished, the original case back sticker is still intact on the back of the case, the dial and hands remain untouched. This is a truly remarkable "time capsule" timepiece as the condition is exaclty as it would be if you were to receive this watch back in the 1981.
| Stock # | RLXSM1680881 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner | |
| Model | 16808 | |
| Serial | 70XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Dial | Black Nipple Dial | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | Rolex 7206 18K YG Oyster Rivet Bracelet with 45 B End Pieces. |
CASE & BRACELET
The unpolished 18K yellow gold case is superb, displaying strong factory finishing and almost no wear from use. The 18K yellow gold bezel remains unpolished as well and shows no wear from use. The bezel insert remains deep black in coloration, showing no wear and retains its tritium pearl at the 12 o'clock position which has aged to a rich caramel coloration. The original case back sticker is still affixed to the caseback. The 18K yellow gold Rolex 7206 Oyster rivet bracelet with 45 B end pieces remains in excellent condition exhibiting little wear and only slight stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black "nipple" dial remains in incredible condition. The tritium lume plots have aged to a lovely creamy yellow coloration and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands have aged a shade darker than the dial which is common for nipple dial and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The date wheel is era correct with open 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time within spec, previous service history is unknown.