This Submariner Date Ref. 16800 (retailed in May 1981) was the first Submariner model to feature a sapphire crystal glass.

Very sought-after, the luminous Tritium on the dial of these early transitional models is applied directly to the matte black surface (as opposed to the white gold bicchierini on the shiny black dials of subsequent models). This pioneering Submariner is in excellent condition, has evenly aged ivory coloured hands and markers, and is fitted to its correct 93150 heavy link Oyster Fliplock bracelet.

Rolex in-house calibre 3035 with a 42 hour power reserve, 300m depth rating.

Offered as a complete set, including inner and outer Rolex boxes, numbered swing tags, original punched Rolex certificate dated May 1981, instruction booklets, Submariner 1000ft/300m anchor, and Rolex service history - an increasingly hard-to-find full set example of an early matte dial Sub.