Rolex Submariner

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SKU AS01897
SKU AS01897

Why We Love it

There is no denying it, Rolex is a different beast than it was in 1982. While revered the world over by adventurers and the common man alike, Rolex today is seen by most as the epitome of luxury.

This wasn't necessarily so when the original owner of this 16800 Submariner left the boutique with the watch on his wrist. Rolex was surely a household name, but this watch was a tool first, a piece of gear. It was made to dive, and dive deep. It was made to be worn, and worn hard. While it could be said of modern Rolex, vintage examples were designed with work in mind, and so, carry a charm that is nearly impossible to duplicate.

The Submariner has changed in many ways over the years. But those changes have been evolutionary, never revolutionary. It is small things like matte tritium dial 5513’s morphing into glossy dials with white gold markers. It’s an increase in case thickness and lug size, it’s a morph of crown guard shapes. All of these changes happen while no one notices Rolex shift from being a manufacturer of pure tool watches to the crown jewel of luxury.

Released in 1979, the Rolex Submariner Reference 16800 was truly a refined version of the 1680, the first Submariner with a date function, and was a large step forward technologically for Rolex. The 16800 was the first time that Rolex used a sapphire crystal on a Submariner, and marked the beginning of the updated 3035 caliber with higher beats per hour, while also adding the quick-set date feature. It is these features that really excites wearers of vintage subs (as opposed to collectors). With its robustness, better time keeping, owing to the high-beat movement, and quickset, the 16800 is reminiscent of the good ol' days of Rolex.  

The matte black dial is indicative of its early 1980’s birth, and is a hard one to tear your eyes from - the subtle patination, creamy lume and thick case - and serves as a reminder; dive watches are a token of adventure, not the destination. And when it comes to a reliable, enjoyable sidekick, there are few alternatives to a Submariner. 

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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