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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800 Matte Dial

Partially verified

This Rolex Submariner reference 16800 is a stainless steel dive watch manufactured in 1982. It features a matte black dial with tritium lume plots that have developed a golden yellow patina. The watch is powered by the Caliber 3035 movement, which incorporates a quickset date function. Notable construction elements include a sapphire crystal, which increased the depth rating of the model to 1000 feet, and a unidirectional click-spring bezel. The case, measuring 40mm, is accompanied by a Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 593 end pieces. The date window displays white numerals, including open 6 and 9 characters. The watch is identified by the serial number 72XXXXX. This specific configuration, with the matte dial and sapphire crystal, represents a transitional period in the Submariner line produced between 1979 and early 1984.

Front view of the 1982 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800 showing the matte dial, golden yellow tritium patina, and unidirectional bezel.
Front view of the 1982 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800 showing the matte dial, golden yellow tritium patina, and unidirectional bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16800
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXSUB1680082-7
Source-reported date
1982
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
72XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The 40mm stainless steel case is described as featuring factory chamfers on the lugs. The auction description reports that the case is believed to remain unpolished. The case back retains its original factory finish and shows light wear.

The watch is fitted with a Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 593 end pieces, marked with a "G" date code. The bracelet consists of 12 links, which the source describes as having minimal stretch, and is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 7.5 inches. The unidirectional bezel insert is noted for its deep black color and minimal wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “The impressive case is believed to remain unpolished”
  • “The original Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 593 end pieces has a "G" date code”
  • “The original bezel insert is in exceptional condition, remaining deep black in color with almost no wear present”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a matte black dial with tritium lume plots. The source states that the lume plots exhibit a golden yellow patina and show no degradation under UV light. The original tritium hands also feature patina that matches the dial, although the steel of the hands shows evidence of oxidation.

The dial includes the date function with a cyclops lens over the aperture. The white date wheel contains open 6 and 9 numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original matte black dial is in virtually flawless condition”
  • “The tritium lume plots have achieved a vivid golden yellow patina”
  • “The original tritium hands feature some oxidation on the steel”
  • “The white date wheel is original with "open" 6 and 9 numerals.”

Movement and Functionality

The reference 16800 utilizes the Rolex Caliber 3035 movement. This movement introduced the quickset date function to the Submariner line. The adoption of the sapphire crystal in this reference allowed the model to increase its depth rating from 660 feet to 1000 feet.

The bezel mechanism on this reference is a unidirectional click-spring system, introduced to improve timing security for diving operations. The auction description reports that the watch has been serviced and is maintaining time.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement was drastically upgraded to the Cal. 3035, which featured a quickset function for the first time in the Submariner line.”
  • “The unidirectional click-spring bezel made its first appearance on the Submariner line”
  • “First of which is a sapphire crystal, which helped bring the depth rating from 660ft to an impressive 1000ft.”

Open research questions

  • Does the 'G' clasp code correlate definitively with a 1982 production date for the bracelet?
  • Are there distinct indicators of professional polishing versus factory-finish chamfers that can be identified on this specific case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800 Matte Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandRolex“Brand Rolex”
Reference16800“Model 16800”
Serial72XXXXX“Serial 72XXXXX”
MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
Year of manufacture1982“1982 Rolex Submariner”
Bracelet modelRolex 93150“Rolex 93150 Oyster Bracelet”
Date wheel numeralsOpen 6 and 9“The white date wheel is original with "open" 6 and 9 numerals.”
MovementCaliber 3035“the movement was drastically upgraded to the Cal. 3035”

Visible details

  • Tritium lume plots exhibit golden yellow patina
  • Bezel insert features a caramel-colored pearl
  • Date wheel displays open 6 and 9 numerals
  • Oyster bracelet retains 12 links

Research qualifications

  • Unverified if case remains unpolished
  • Tritium hands show oxidation

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Submariner رفرنس 16800 با صفحه مات (۱۹۸۲)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 549f4f7935

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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