Gold Submariners are a class of its own, equipped with professional capabilities enhanced with a touch of flamboyance and elegance, early gold Submariners are in demand. Introduced in 1979, the Rolex Submariner ref. 16800 series replaced the iconic ref. 1680 series, the first to ever feature a date function. While its aesthetics remain largely unchanged, a few updates separated the old and the new. Replacing its former Plexiglas is the incorporation of a sapphire crystal, a major milestone for the watch industry. Furthermore, the ref. 16800 series was equipped with Rolex’s newly developed cal. 3035 presenting a practical quick-set date function adjusted via the crown. Another notable feature was the implementation of a unidirectional rotating bezel, which only rotates counter-clockwise providing extra security while in use. The ref. 16808 was launched in two different variants, blue dial with a blue bezel insert or black dial with a black bezel insert. The reference was discontinued in 1987 and its stainless steel counterpart the following year.

The present Rolex Submariner ref. 16808 in blue with a 9.6 million serial belongs to an example from circa 1987, possibly one of the last to have ever left the factory before it was discontinued. An attractive transitional example with a mesmerizing deep ocean blue dial, the present lot is accompanied by its original guarantee.