Rolex Ref 16800 Submariner

Rolex Ref 16800 is classifed as one of the most beautiful submariner in terms of Size proportion of cases to strap, the layout of the dial design, and the size of the index, it is a classic Submarine, It is the first Submariner using sapphire crystal.

Normal Prce for Excellent condition Ref 16800 is about HKD$30,000.00 to HKD$42,000.00
Mint Condition goes up to min. HKD$52,000.00!

Attached below is the model of Rolex Submariner,

Ref.         Model                                           Calibre                     Production Yrs   

6204         First Submariner                          9 3/4'" A.260             1953 - 1954
6205         First Submariner                          9 3/4"' A.260             1954 - 1955
6200          Mercedes Hands - Coroncione  10 1/2"' A.296            1954
6538         Big Crown                                    1030                          1954 - 1959
6538A       Military Submariner                     1030                          1954 - 1959
6536         Small Crown                                1030                          1955 - 1959
6536/1      Chronometer                               1030                          1955 - 1959
5508         Small Crown                                1530                          1957 - 1961
5510         Small Crown                                1530                          1958
5512         Chronometer- The Cornini          1530-1560-1570        1959 - 1978
5513         First Crown Guard                       1520-1530                 1962 - 1989
5514         Comex Submariner                     1520                           1969 - 1977
1680/8       First DATE in Yellow Gold          1575                           1969 - 1978
1680         First Submariner Date                 1575                          1969 - 1979
5517         Military Submariner                      1520                           1977
16808        DATE  Sapphire crystal Gold      3035                          1979 - 1987
16800        DATE  Transitional model            3035                         1979 - 1988
16803        DATE  Sapphire crystal SS/YG    3035                         1983 - 1988
16610        DATE  Superluminova Dial           3135                         1986** - 2008
16613        DATE  Superlum. Dial SS/YG      3135                         1986** - 2008
16618        DATE  Superlum. Dial Gold          3135                          1986** 2009
14060        First with Sapphire crystal            3000                          1988*- 2001
14060M     Updated Automatic Movement      3130                           2001 - Today

Auction Price Ref. 16800 Transitional Model
Christie's $4,828 29 May 2008 Sale 2612
Sotheby's $4,828 13 November 2007 Lot 56

Worth Buying?
Most collectors feel 16800 is not attractive probbaly they can't tell the difference between a 16800 and a later 16610 so they would rather have newer 16610.

Ref  16800 is what is commonly referred to as a transitional Submariner because it was the first Rolex sport model to have a Sapphire crystal along with the introduction of high beat movement. All the added new features while retaining the original matte dial. Later 16800's were less transitional because the matte dial were replaced with a glossy finish and hour markers surrounded with white gold.

Personally, I prefer the very early 16800's (79-83) with matte dial and tritium hands.

If you found one for a good price, Buy it. It is a great watch and has significance in the evolutionary history of the Submariner development as well as being a great all around watch.

Attached one is some friend offering at HKD$38,000.00
(Sold!)
HK Snob