Rolex Submariner 16800

Rolex is famous for constantly improving the functionality of its watches. Towards the end of the 1970s, the company started to implement the date function on its watches, introducing the rapid date click via the crown. And it was the reference 16800 that marked this step forward by adopting this convenient functionality. Moreover, Reference 16800 is noteworthy for being the first Submariner equipped with a sapphire crystal. With a redesigned bezel, these improvements significantly increased the Submariner's water resistance from a nominal depth of 200 metres to 300 metres. Considered a transitional model, early versions of the 16800, like the current example, featured matt dials with luminous indices applied directly to the surface, while later versions showed polished dials with luminous indices in white gold.