Rolex Submariner

Soldspan>
Sold
SKU AS02110
SKU AS02110

Why We Love it

After SCUBA diving became popular in the 1950s, it seemed only natural that Rolex would release a watch specially-designed for that purpose; thus, the Rolex Submariner was born.

Before long, the Submariner found its way on the wrist of amateur and professional divers alike, as well as undersea explorers. A special version of the Submariner with a large domed crystal was strapped to the exterior of the bathyscaphe Trieste as it made its record-breaking descent to Challenger Deep, the deepest point in the world’s oceans. In a telegram the bathyscaphe’s pilot, Jacques Piccard, sent to Rolex HQ in Geneva, he wrote, “Happy to announce that your watch works as well at 11,000 meters as it does on the surface.”

Released in the 1980s, the Rolex Submariner Reference 16800 also made waves.

Prior to the Reference 16800’s release, the Submariner was very much a tool watch, with a no-frills, form-over-function appearance: a matte black dial with large luminous hour plots and no date window. It was a watch that looked at home strapped to the exterior of a diving suit, but perhaps a touch incongruous when paired with a business suit. Unless the business suit in question was worn by James Bond, of course.

But with the Reference 1680, the 16800’s predecessor, the Submariner was given a date window—and an improved depth rating of 300 meters, just to bring the point home that, though it might have a more refined appearance, it's still a dive watch at heart. 

And with the 16800, the Submariner now had a sapphire crystal, and the luminous hour plots—still large, still tritium—were now surrounded by white gold. With these changes, the Submariner dove headlong into the luxury realm. Now it was a watch that one could wear every day, in all environments, whether leading a meeting in the boardroom of a Fortune 500 company or on commanding the deck of a yacht in Bermuda.

This watch is a gorgeous example of the reference, with the matte dial and tritium indices that collectors of vintage Rolex so love. The creamy patina of the hour markers and hands tell a tale of hours spent in sun and sea, doing what it was meant to do. Looking at it, you can practically taste the sea salt on your lips.

After all, isn't that what a Submariner is for?

A:S Guarantee

+

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

+

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

Soldspan>
Sold
Rolex Submariner

Inquire

Thank you for your interest in the Rolex Submariner. Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you shortly.