Rolex Submariner

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SKU AS01861
SKU AS01861

Why We Love it

From its inception, the Rolex Submariner was intended to be a robust tool watch, designed with one mission in mind. The clean, sparse black dial and symmetrical hour plots was the hallmark of sub-aquatic form-meets-function design, able to be read in the murky depths. From 1954 to 1966, the model didn’t bear a date.

However, that all changed when Rolex released the Reference 1680 in 1966. For the first time, a dive watch from the revered manufacture was equipped with a date function. This change was remarkably divisive because, according the diehards, a date on a dive watch is as useless as a screen door on a submarine. 

But the first question you should ask yourself when considering a Submariner is: what’s required of a good tool watch? To us, it should be sturdily built from stainless steel. The movement should be robust, capable of withstanding shock, dust, and (in the case of diver watches) the increased rigors of crushing water pressure. Further, a good tool watch should be versatile, capable of accompanying the wearer through any walk of his or her life.

This is where the 1680 shines. The inclusion of a date function was an invitation to Rolex buyers to wear their watches longer and in a larger variety of environments. Effectively, the date function turned a simple dive watch into a timepiece capable of everyday wear.

In the late 1970s, Rolex improved upon the original Submariner date models, releasing the Reference 16800. The 16800 was in essence a transitional model, and throughout its lifecycle came to be a testbed for a number of innovations that ultimately led to the modern day incarnations of Submariners. Chief among these innovations was an increased depth rating (300m, an increase of 100m over the rating of the 1680) and a higher beat movement. They were also fitted with uni-directional ratcheting bezels,quick-set date functions, and a sapphire crystal with a lower profile than its acrylic predecessors. Late models were fitted with the glossy dials and raised hour plots with white gold surrounds that have since lived on Subs for over 30 years.

In its final "glossy" configuration, the Reference 16800 helped launch Rolex into the luxury realm for good. However this early example, dating from roughly 1981, is an earlier earlier execution, and while it comes replete with the modernized features of a sapphire crystal and unidirectional bezel, it retains the matte dial with tritium markers that fans of vintage Rolex could never live without. 

Furthermore, this amazing single owner example shows very little wear to its unpolished case, and includes all of its original accessory items; boxes, papers, hangtags, calendar cards, and even the classic Rolex anchor! 

This excellent example makes for an entirely wearable contemporary-era Sub with all of the hallmarks of a vintage model, and a full kit to boot.  Don't miss it!

 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Rolex Submariner

Rolex Submariner

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Rolex Submariner

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