Meet the exceptional Rolex Submariner Reference 16808 with a twist—its original blue dial has taken on a fascinating makeover, morphing into a striking uniform purple, a rare and sought-after transformation known as a tropical patina. This watch isn't just about telling time; it's about telling a story. With its iconic Submariner features and this stunning color evolution, it's a blend of luxury, durability, and a captivating charm that's truly one-of-a-kind.
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner
Reference Number: 16808
Movement: Automatic
Condition: Very good, beautiful patina built on the case
Gender: Men’s
Time Period: 1981
Box: No
Papers: No
THE CALIBER
Caliber: 3035Jewels: 27
THE CASE
Case Material: 18K yellow goldCase Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Waterproof: 100 ft./ 30 m./ 3 ATM
Bezel Material: Yellow gold, bi-directional rotatable time-lapse diver’s bezel 60 minute graduated every 10 minutes
Glass: Sapphire Crystal
Caseback: Solid screw-down
Dial: Tropical, naturally aged from a blue to a purple-blue dial
Dial Numerals: Applied 18K yellow gold and chromalight luminescent plots hour indices, railway-track minute/second markers around the outer rim
THE BRACELET / STRAP
Bracelet Material: Brown LeatherBuckle: Tang
Buckle Material: Plated
THE FUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes and center sweep seconds, date aperture at 3 o’clock, 50-hour power reserveFURTHER READING
ROLEX SUBMARINER: A LEGENDARY LEGACY
The Rolex Submariner, born in 1953, stands as a timeless blend of elegance and exploration in watchmaking history. Initially conceived for diving, its inception paralleled an era fixated on adventure and discovery.
Picture Rolex's collaboration with diving pioneers, birthing features like the ingenious rotating bezel and a robust waterproof casing, earning acclaim for its endurance and precision. This icon evolved over time, preserving its core design while undergoing refinements.
Enter the late '60s, the epoch of the Submariner Date's debut, transcending utility to embody luxury and precision. Its luminous markers, distinctive dial, and enduring structure made it a coveted collector's piece, fetching astounding prices at auctions.
The Submariner’s appeal extends beyond its technical mastery, weaving into the fabric of cultural milestones by accompanying iconic figures. Picture Sean Connery's James Bond, setting a trend by adorning the Submariner, or the legendary Steve McQueen and Jacques Cousteau, effortlessly embodying rugged sophistication with this iconic timepiece. Their affiliation enhanced the Submariner’s image, solidifying it as a symbol of elegance and adventure.
Amid military feats and underwater odysseys, the Submariner emerged as a steadfast companion, weathering extreme conditions with unwavering reliability.
Rolex's innovation persisted—2020 ushered in a facelift, a larger 41mm case, sleeker lugs, and refined crown guards—a nod to its timeless evolution.
KEY MILESTONES IN SUBMARINER HISTORY
1953: Rolex unveils the Submariner, an automatic diver's watch with 100 meters (330 feet) water resistance.
1959: The case size grows to 40mm, introducing crown guards, a benchmark maintained until 2020.
1967: Evolution marks the shift from radium to tritium luminescence and diverse dial designs.
1969: The date complication debuts, alongside the introduction of the first gold Submariner.
1979: Innovations endure—scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, unidirectional rotating bezels, and improved water resistance to 300 meters (1,000 feet).
1984: Matte dials make way for gloss dials with white gold markers, and the first two-tone (steel and gold) Submariner emerges.
1988: Construction shifts to robust 904L stainless steel from standard 316L.
2003: Enter the Kermit 16610LV—the green-bezeled Submariner. Cerachrom bezel, Super Case, and Maxi Dial design follow in 2010.
2020: The Submariner undergoes a facelift—a larger 41mm case, longer lugs, and refined crown guards, celebrating its timeless legacy.
ROLEX SUBMARINER 16808 – A VINTAGE GEM
Step into the realm of the Rolex Submariner Reference 16808—a pinnacle from the late '70s to '80s (1979-1987), blending opulence and functionality. Crafted meticulously from 18k yellow gold, this timepiece beckons collectors seeking timeless luxury, offering a spectrum of dial choices, from classic black to captivating blue or chic champagne.
But it's more than aesthetics—the 16808 packs a punch. Its 18k gold bezel, adorned with 60-minute graduations, is as functional as it is stylish, ideal for divers even when sporting gloves. Housed within a 40mm Oyster, safeguarded by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it embodies both resilience and sophistication.
Diving deeper into its core—the caliber 3035. Precision? Check. Reliability? Absolutely. With a 50-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it's a paragon of accuracy. Waterproof? A remarkable thousand feet—an aquatic marvel!
Now, the pièce de résistance—the dial's evolution from original blue to a rare, mesmerizing purple hue—a coveted tropical patina for collectors. This transformation isn't just a change; it's a saga spanning decades, radiating an unparalleled allure.
This isn't merely a watch—it's Rolex's finesse and sophistication encapsulated in luxurious gold—a cherished relic in the vintage Rolex lineage.
THE SET
This exquisite Submariner 16808, certified authentic, comes embraced in a Twain Time presentation box and is backed by a 12-month Twain Time warranty. It's not just a timepiece—it's an heirloom waiting to be cherished.