Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 16800 Luxury Watch Review

Transitional Rolex is the definition of cool. First, because auction hype hasn't soullessly commercialized this era of vintage Rolex (yet). Second, because these watches tell the story of Rolex that links its tool-watch past to its prestige present. In doing so, watches like this Rolex Submariner 16800 embody the best of both eras. From the old-school, this Submariner retains the classically cool aged tritium "patina" dial that takes effect when an original survives the ravages of time (and foolhardy factory service replacements). This example features the highly-desirable "matte" dial with printed tritium indexes; most Rolex Submariner 16800 survivors feature the latter applied indexes and gloss dial. As a bonus, the vintage bezel on this example exhibits outstanding patina that complements the dial to stunning effect. Fine tapered lugs, minimalist case and crown guards, and easy-wearing lightweight Rolex Oyster bracelet ensure that this veteran sports watch wears with the comfort and discretion of a top tier dress model when black ties beckon. But change can be good. Consider the scratch resistant sapphire crystal, unidirectional "safety bezel," and high-beat (4hz) movement - the Submariner's first - keeps the experience contemporary. Rolex's chronometer-grade caliber 3035 was COSC-spec in the early 1980s when this 16800 rolled out of Geneva; the movement continues to beat the COSC's exacting tolerance on our timing machines... in all six positions. So, this really