Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16800 'Matte' Dial 1983

$17,250.00 NZD

The Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16800 occupies a singular position in the Submariner's long history — a transitional reference produced from 1978 to 1984, bridging the matte dial era of the 5513 and 1680 with the gloss dial period that would follow. It was the first Submariner to receive the sapphire crystal, and it was offered across both matte and gloss dial configurations. Of the two, the matte dial is the more historically resonant — closer in spirit and aesthetic to the great Submariners that preceded it.

This 1983 example presents the matte dial configuration at its most characterful. The dial has developed a warm patina across its surface, with a visible fade that speaks to four decades of undisturbed ageing. A genuine vintage Submariner, offered honestly and without apology and ready for its next life.

Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16800 'Matte' Dial 1983

The Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16800 occupies a singular position in the Submariner's long history — a transitional reference produced from 1978 to 1984, bridging the matte dial era of the 5513 and 1680 with the gloss dial period that would follow. It was the first Submariner to receive the sapphire crystal, and it was offered across both matte and gloss dial configurations. Of the two, the matte dial is the more historically resonant — closer in spirit and aesthetic to the great Submariners that preceded it.

This 1983 example presents the matte dial configuration at its most characterful. The dial has developed a warm patina across its surface, with a visible fade that speaks to four decades of undisturbed ageing. A genuine vintage Submariner, offered honestly and without apology and ready for its next life.

Details
- Maker
  
  Rolex
- Model
  
  Submariner Date
- Reference
  
  16800
- Year
  
  1983
- Serial
  
  827XXXX
- Box & Papers
  
  No
- Movement
  
  Caliber. 3035, automatic w/ 48-hour power reserve & quickset date
- Dial & Hands
  
  Black matte dial w/ tritium lume plots; Mercedes hands w/ tritium lume
- Bezel
  
  Unidirectional, black Aluminium
- Crystal
  
  Sapphire
- Bracelet/Strap
  
  Oyster 93150 bracelet w/ 12 links & diver's extension, stainless steel
- Performance
  
  Watch is fully functioning and running at +7 seconds per day
Dimensions
- Diameter: 40mm
- Lug-to-lug: 47.5mm
- Thickness: 12.5mm
- Lug width: 20mm
Materials

Stainless steel

The matte dial configuration places this Ref. 16800 within the more historically significant and collectible half of the reference's production run — closer in character to the 5513 and 1680 that preceded it than to the gloss dial 16800s and 16610s that followed. The pumpkin patina and natural fade present on this example are the result of four decades of undisturbed ageing, and are among the most sought-after dial characteristics in vintage Submariner collecting
The Ref. 16800 was the first Submariner to receive the sapphire crystal — a detail that distinguishes it from its matte-dial predecessors and makes it a more practical daily wearer while preserving the aesthetic character of the earlier references
The Ref. 16800 occupies an increasingly well-regarded position in the vintage Submariner market — a reference that for years sat in the shadow of the 5513 and 1680, but which has attracted sustained collector attention as the matte dial variant's scarcity and historical significance have become more widely understood. A clean matte dial example in this condition, with matching patina across dial and hands, represents the reference at a compelling point in its collecting trajectory

Minor hairline scratches throughout the case and bracelet
Minor scratches on the bezel
Minor wear on the dial at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock
Minor bend in clasp

All watches are shipped free of charge by New Zealand Post (overnight), Urgent Couriers (same day) within New Zealand, or DHL Express (2-7 business days) for the rest of the world.

Packages strictly require a signature for delivery and are insured for their full value unless otherwise stated. Visit Shipping & Postage for more information.

Bank/Wire Transfer:
Please contact us for our bank details if you would like to pay via bank transfer for international or domestic transfers. You can also complete your purchase via our online checkout and select 'Bank/Wire Transfer'.

Cash:
For all cash payments in-person you will be asked to provide proof of address as well as a valid form of identification in accordance with local AML laws.

Credit Card:
Via our online checkout or e-invoice we accept a range of cards from Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

Our Principles

Servicing Warranty

Buy in confidence with our 3-month servicing warranty on all watches that have been listed on the website for sale.

Insured Shipping

No need to worry, we fully insure all parcels to arrive safe and sound to your doorstep.

After Sale Service

If you need the watch to be serviced, want to add on a strap or have any questions, we are always here to help.