Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1983
    Reference No: 16800
    Movement No: 0’992’002
    Case No: 8’272’833
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal.3035, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “593”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped “VD”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Duty Free Shoppers, Hong Kong dated 2nd January 1984, green card holder, hang tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Following the success of the reference 1680, the reference 16800 is noteworthy for being the first Submariner to be fitted with a sapphire crystal. Requiring a redesigned bezel, the enhancements significantly increased the Submariner’s water resistance, rising from a depth rating of 200 meters to 300. Considered a transitional model, the earlier versions of the 16800, like the present lot are fitted with matte dials with luminous markers, whereas later versions were fitted with glossy dials with luminous, white gold markers.

    Reference 16800 is the last of matte dial for modern case with the combination of vintage features and modern wearability, it is known as the “Transitional Submariner”. Well-preserved with pleasing vintage appeal, the luminous plots on the dial have aged evenly into an attractive warm buttery hue and is accompanied with its original guarantee, hangtag and presentation box.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

1093

Ref. 16800
A fine and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with date, center seconds, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1983
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$118,000 - 230,000 
€15,000-29,300
$15,100-29,500

Sold for HK$151,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022