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