In 1979, Rolex introduced a technological upgrade to reference 1680 with the launch of the transitional reference 16800. While carrying the aesthetical DNA of its predecessor, the new reference 16800 series is not only fitted with sapphire crystal for the first time, the introduction of the new movement cal. 3035 is truly a blessing thanks to the quickset date feature that made life a whole lot easier. Furthermore, incorporating a new unidirectional bezel, the practical feature provides enhanced security. The reference was produced in both stainless steel and yellow gold with a black dial and black bezel insert or a blue dial with a blue bezel insert that is exclusive to the 18k yellow gold variant models.
Boasting a stunning masculine appeal with a rich black dial against the deep yellow gold case, the present example bears yet another reason for collectors to fall in love with, the coveted “nipple dial”, nicknamed from the round applied gold hour indexes with smaller tritium marker. Extremely collectible and masterfully executed, the present example is furthermore preserved in an extremely attractive overall condition with a strong case with sharp contour. Bearing a 6.6 million case number, the present ref. 16808 indicates it as an example from circa 1981 and is accompanied by a later associated guarantee. The reference was discontinued in 1987 for gold models whilst stainless steel examples were discontinued in the following year. A perfect representation of luxury classics, the ref. 16808 blends both greatness of vintage appeal and modern advancement into one.
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.