Submariner Tropical Dial

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner 
Reference Number: 16808
Movement: Automatic
Condition: Very good, beautiful patina built on the case
Gender: Men’s
Time Period: 1981
Box: No
Papers: No

THE CALIBER

Caliber: 3035
Jewels: 27

THE CASE

Case Material: 18K yellow gold
Case Diameter: 40 mm 
Thickness: 13 mm
Waterproof: 100 ft./ 30 m./ 3 ATM
Bezel Material: Yellow gold, bi-directional rotatable time-lapse diver’s bezel 60 minute graduated every 10 minutes
Glass: Sapphire Crystal
Caseback: Solid screw-down
Dial: Tropical, naturally aged from a blue to a purple-blue dial
Dial Numerals: Applied 18K yellow gold and chromalight luminescent plots hour indices, railway-track minute/second markers around the outer rim

THE BRACELET / STRAP

Bracelet Material: Brown Leather
Buckle: Tang
Buckle Material: Plated 

THE FUNCTIONS

Hours, minutes and center sweep seconds, date aperture at 3 o’clock, 50-hour power reserve

FURTHER READING

ROLEX SUBMARINER: A LEGENDARY LEGACY

The Rolex Submariner, born in 1953, stands as a timeless blend of elegance and exploration in watchmaking history. Initially conceived for diving, its inception paralleled an era fixated on adventure and discovery.

Picture Rolex's collaboration with diving pioneers, birthing features like the ingenious rotating bezel and a robust waterproof casing, earning acclaim for its endurance and precision. This icon evolved over time, preserving its core design while undergoing refinements.

Enter the late '60s, the epoch of the Submariner Date's debut, transcending utility to embody luxury and precision. Its luminous markers, distinctive dial, and enduring structure made it a coveted collector's piece, fetching astounding prices at auctions.

The Submariner’s appeal extends beyond its technical mastery, weaving into the fabric of cultural milestones by accompanying iconic figures. Picture Sean Connery's James Bond, setting a trend by adorning the Submariner, or the legendary Steve McQueen and Jacques Cousteau, effortlessly embodying rugged sophistication with this iconic timepiece. Their affiliation enhanced the Submariner’s image, solidifying it as a symbol of elegance and adventure.

Amid military feats and underwater odysseys, the Submariner emerged as a steadfast companion, weathering extreme conditions with unwavering reliability.

Rolex's innovation persisted—2020 ushered in a facelift, a larger 41mm case, sleeker lugs, and refined crown guards—a nod to its timeless evolution.

KEY MILESTONES IN SUBMARINER HISTORY

1953: Rolex unveils the Submariner, an automatic diver's watch with 100 meters (330 feet) water resistance.

1959: The case size grows to 40mm, introducing crown guards, a benchmark maintained until 2020.

1967: Evolution marks the shift from radium to tritium luminescence and diverse dial designs.

1969: The date complication debuts, alongside the introduction of the first gold Submariner.

1979: Innovations endure—scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, unidirectional rotating bezels, and improved water resistance to 300 meters (1,000 feet).

1984: Matte dials make way for gloss dials with white gold markers, and the first two-tone (steel and gold) Submariner emerges.

1988: Construction shifts to robust 904L stainless steel from standard 316L.

2003: Enter the Kermit 16610LV—the green-bezeled Submariner. Cerachrom bezel, Super Case, and Maxi Dial design follow in 2010.

2020: The Submariner undergoes a facelift—a larger 41mm case, longer lugs, and refined crown guards, celebrating its timeless legacy.

ROLEX SUBMARINER 16808 – A VINTAGE GEM

Step into the realm of the Rolex Submariner Reference 16808—a pinnacle from the late '70s to '80s (1979-1987), blending opulence and functionality. Crafted meticulously from 18k yellow gold, this timepiece beckons collectors seeking timeless luxury, offering a spectrum of dial choices, from classic black to captivating blue or chic champagne.

But it's more than aesthetics—the 16808 packs a punch. Its 18k gold bezel, adorned with 60-minute graduations, is as functional as it is stylish, ideal for divers even when sporting gloves. Housed within a 40mm Oyster, safeguarded by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it embodies both resilience and sophistication.

Diving deeper into its core—the caliber 3035. Precision? Check. Reliability? Absolutely. With a 50-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it's a paragon of accuracy. Waterproof? A remarkable thousand feet—an aquatic marvel!

Now, the pièce de résistance—the dial's evolution from original blue to a rare, mesmerizing purple hue—a coveted tropical patina for collectors. This transformation isn't just a change; it's a saga spanning decades, radiating an unparalleled allure.

This isn't merely a watch—it's Rolex's finesse and sophistication encapsulated in luxurious gold—a cherished relic in the vintage Rolex lineage.

THE SET

This exquisite Submariner 16808, certified authentic, comes embraced in a Twain Time presentation box and is backed by a 12-month Twain Time warranty. It's not just a timepiece—it's an heirloom waiting to be cherished.

Authentication

At Twain Time, trust and authenticity define our collection. With a rich history dedicated to the luxury watch industry, our Swiss-trained watchmakers meticulously authenticate each piece. This assurance is backed by our 1-year Twain Time Warranty, ensuring a seamless and reliable experience with every pre-owned watch.

Our experts not only authenticate but also preserve the craftsmanship of each luxury watch with meticulous care, utilizing factory-sourced parts for repairs. This commitment to excellence solidifies our reputation for quality and reliability. Our dedication and heritage have earned trust through curated timeless experiences, while our rigorous vetting process guarantees confidence in our ever-evolving collection.

Additionally, we offer a unique complimentary evaluation service, affirming our commitment to your confidence. Whether you choose to ship or bring a watch purchased elsewhere to our boutique, we thoroughly authenticate it, reinstating trust in your timepiece.

Discover our blog, team stories, and collector testimonials, unveiling a trusted partnership built on authenticity, expertise, and the seamless care embedded in our reputation at Twain Time.

Ordering & Shipping

At Twain Time, our ordering and shipping experience is designed with your ease in mind.

When you place an order, anticipate a prompt email confirmation including an estimated delivery timeline. Whether it's domestic or global, our swift and insured shipping ensures your item reaches you securely. Rest assured, if an item happens to be out of stock, there's no charge, and we'll promptly inform you.

Before each watch embarks on its journey, it undergoes a meticulous inspection, guaranteeing its accuracy and flawless functionality upon arrival at your doorstep.

We partner with renowned carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL for global shipping. Domestic orders benefit from complimentary insured express shipping, while international charges may vary. While delivery times are approximations, domestic orders typically arrive within 1-2 days, whereas international shipments take approximately 7 days, accounting for customs clearance.

To safeguard your purchase, all shipments require an adult's signature and are fully insured. Please note, we dispatch to the address registered with your credit card company.

For international orders, customers are responsible for customs charges, import/export duties, applicable fees, or taxes. Additionally, New York clients are accountable for NY sales taxes on taxable orders shipped to NY State addresses. Should you seek further details, our extensive ordering & shipping policy offers comprehensive insights.

Once your order is en route, expect a tracking number for real-time monitoring of your delivery.

Any queries or feedback? Feel free to reach out to us at info@twaintime.com. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Warranties & Repairs

At Twain Time, trust is our timepiece's best friend. Our commitment to quality spans every pre-owned watch and mechanical marvel in our collection. Should the unexpected occur, count on us to swiftly make things right. We treasure our clients' satisfaction and trust above all else—this ethos echoes through every member of our team.

Each pre-owned watch undergoes meticulous, non-invasive mechanical scrutiny and servicing if needed. This ensures they not only meet but exceed our stringent standards for accuracy and functionality.

Rest easy knowing that unless otherwise noted, our pre-owned watches come with a robust warranty—either full or limited—spanning twelve months. However, this doesn't cover damages from misuse or accidents. Given their age, some watches may require gentler treatment than when they were brand new.

For those watches serviced by their original manufacturers, they bear the manufacturer's guarantee, surpassing our standard warranty. To delve deeper into warranties & repairs, check out our dedicated section. And if there's any doubt, drop us a line at info@twaintime.com for absolute clarity. At Twain Time, trust isn't just a promise—it's our guiding principle.

Returns & Exchanges

At Twain Time, ensuring your satisfaction drives our return and exchange policy. You have a 5-day window for hassle-free returns from receipt, provided the product is unworn, undamaged, and retains its original tag. We offer exchanges or full refunds via the original payment method for qualifying returns.

Exceptions include personalized, worn, or damaged items, as well as missing accessories. Exchanges allow exploration of our diverse pre-owned and luxury watch selection. Return items should be unworn with all original packaging intact, and jewelry returns must maintain their original condition.

Special order items and certain criteria are exempt from the standard return policy. Our comprehensive returns and exchanges policy, available for full information, applies to in-stock items and excludes consigned, special, or custom orders. Contact us for special order exchange details.

In case of difficulty meeting return conditions, contact us for discussion and authorization before initiating the process.

Notify your Twain Time Client Advisor within 3 days of receipt to request authorization for returns. International returns are accepted with buyers responsible for return shipping, customs fees, and taxes.

For queries or guidance, reach out to us at +1 (212) 256-0303 or info@twaintime.com. We're here to assist promptly.