1986 Rolex Submariner Date 16800 Black Tritium Dial Patina Vintage Tool Oyster

$9,397.00

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Product Description

Available for acquisition is a 1986 Rolex Submariner Date, reference 16800, featuring a 9.1 million serial number that places production squarely in one of the most important transitional periods in Submariner history.

The 16800 represents the bridge between vintage and modern Submariners. It preserves classic proportions, aluminum bezel construction, and tritium lume while introducing a sapphire crystal and the upgraded Caliber 3035 with quickset date. From a mechanical standpoint, this reference marked a decisive step forward, offering improved reliability and usability without abandoning the traditional Submariner character collectors value.

This example presents in very good vintage condition, showing visible, honest wear across the bezel, case, and bracelet—exactly what one expects from a professional dive watch that has lived a proper life. The black tritium dial remains clean with intact plots, and the sapphire crystal is clear, maintaining strong legibility and overall presence.

Full disclosure: the lume on the hour hand is missing. This is plainly stated and reflected accordingly—no surprises and no embellishment. Collectors familiar with tritium-era Rolex will recognize this as a common and manageable trait, whether left untouched for originality or addressed during future service.

Offered as watch only, this is an excellent opportunity for a collector seeking period correctness, mechanical significance, or a solid foundation for a sympathetic restoration.

Watch Specification
BrandRolex
ModelSubmariner Date
Reference16800
YearCirca 1986
ConditionVery Good Vintage (honest wear consistent with age)
GenderUnisex
Age GroupAdult
StyleProfessional Dive / Tool Watch
DisplayAnalog

Case

Case MaterialStainless Steel
Case ShapeRound
Case Size40 mm
Case ThicknessApprox. 13 mm
Case FinishBrushed with polished accents
BezelUnidirectional, black aluminum insert
CrystalSapphire
CasebackSolid stainless steel
CrownScrew-down Triplock

Dial

Dial ColorBlack
Dial TypeTritium
Hour MarkersTritium plots
HandsMercedes-style (hour-hand lume missing)
LumeTritium (dial intact)
FeaturesDate at 3 o’clock

Movement

MovementRolex Caliber 3035 (Automatic)
Escapement TypeSwiss lever
Frequency28,800 vph
FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, quickset date

Band

BraceletOyster stainless steel
Bracelet ConditionStretch consistent with age
ClaspFolding Oyster clasp
Lug Width20 mm

Additional Details

Water ResistanceOriginally rated to 300 m (vintage—pressure testing recommended)
IncludedWatch only (no box or papers)
Condition TypePre-Owned / Vintage
Seller WarrantyYes fully authenticated
  • Brand: Rolex
  • Model: Submariner Date
  • Reference: 16800
  • Year: Circa 1986
  • Condition: Very Good Vintage (honest wear consistent with age)
  • Gender: Unisex
  • Age Group: Adult
  • Style: Professional Dive / Tool Watch
  • Display: Analog

Case

  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Case Shape: Round
  • Case Size: 40 mm
  • Case Thickness: Approx. 13 mm
  • Case Finish: Brushed with polished accents
  • Bezel: Unidirectional, black aluminum insert
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Caseback: Solid stainless steel
  • Crown: Screw-down Triplock

Dial

  • Dial Color: Black
  • Dial Type: Tritium
  • Hour Markers: Tritium plots
  • Hands: Mercedes-style (hour-hand lume missing)
  • Lume: Tritium (dial intact)
  • Features: Date at 3 o’clock

Movement

  • Movement: Rolex Caliber 3035 (Automatic)
  • Escapement Type: Swiss lever
  • Frequency: 28,800 vph
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, quickset date

Band

  • Bracelet: Oyster stainless steel
  • Bracelet Condition: Stretch consistent with age
  • Clasp: Folding Oyster clasp
  • Lug Width: 20 mm

Additional Details

  • Water Resistance: Originally rated to 300 m (vintage—pressure testing recommended)
  • Included: Watch only (no box or papers)
  • Condition Type: Pre-Owned / Vintage
  • Seller Warranty: Yes fully authenticated

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