1985 Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16800 8.88M Serial - SOLD
Rolex's Submariner is synonymous with the concept of a tool watch, and at the same time a classic design icon and one of the most important watches ever made. It's nearly unparalleled versatility and rugged quality has made it a legendary watch for both diving as well as every day wear.
The Submariner's evolution took an important step with the reference 16800, which was the first Submariner with a quickset date feature, a ratcheting unidirectional bezel, and a sapphire crystal. The 16800 reference ran from 1978 to 1987, when the 168000 was introduced for a short period of time. This example of the 16800 is in excellent condition with a thick case with its original blemish free tritium dial. It's also got a lucky 8.88 million serial number.
Take a look at the photos and our condition description below:
Case: 40mm stainless steel case with a an 8.88M serial number dating production to approximately 1985. The case is in excellent condition with minor surface wear as pictured.
Bezel: 120 click unidirectional bezel in excellent condition as pictured. The bezel insert is an OEM service replacement with a luminova pearl and is in excellent condition as shown.
Dial/Hands: Dial is original tritium and in excellent condition, free from any marking or damage. Hands are Rolex service hands that have been repainted to better match the tritium dial markers (hands do not glow). Date disk has open 6's and 9's.
Crystal: Crystal is a Rolex OEM service replacement sapphire crystal in good condition as pictured, free from any scratches, chips, or cracks. Crystal has the modern laser-etched crown at 6.
Caseback: Original caseback in very good condition as shown.
Movement: Original Caliber 3035 movement in excellent condition that winds, runs, and sets time as it should. Timekeeping is excellent although service history is unknown.
Strap: Rolex 93150 bracelet with "VC" clasp code and 593 end links with 11 links. Bracelet shows minor surface wear consistent with use and has only very light stretch. The clasp code indicates this is an earlier productionbracelet but both 93150 and 593 end links are correct for this reference.
Accessories: None, sold as watch only.