Rolex Submariner Date Transitional

Why We Love It  In the early 1980s, Rolex improved upon the original Submariner Date model, releasing the Reference 16800. Improvements over the original 1680 model included a sub a uni-directional ratcheting “click” bezel, a sapphire crystal with a lower profile and a quick-set date function. It was also given an increased depth rated to 300m, up from the 200m depth rating of the 1680. A high beat movement was also added, offering additional accuracy. Early 16800 models featured a matte dial, while later variants became some of the first Submariner’s to feature the now ubiquitous glossy dials with applied luminous indices framed with white gold surrounds.  The white gold indices which house a gently patinated tritium lume stand out from the soft black dial. The handset, which appear entirely untouched, are about a half a shade lighter than the indices- quite common for the time, as different batches and thickness of tritium aged in different ways. Indeed, in many ways this is the epi