Submariner Date 16808 - 18K Yellow Gold Blue Nipple Dial - Watch Only

Rolex Submariner Date 16808 - 18K Yellow Gold Blue Nipple Dial - Watch Only

The Submariner Date 16808 is the first sapphire-crystal generation of the gold Submariner, an opulent late-1970s evolution that paired Rolex's professional diver heritage with full 18K yellow gold construction. This example presents the highly desirable blue "nipple" dial with matching blue aluminum bezel insert, the configuration that came to define the gold Sub before the ceramic era.

Details:

• Reference: 16808
• Case Size: 40mm, 18K yellow gold (Oyster case)
• Bezel: Unidirectional rotating, blue aluminum insert with 60-minute dive scale
• Dial: Blue sunburst with raised gold-bordered hour markers (the "nipple" dial), Mercedes hour hand, date at 3 o'clock with Cyclops
• Movement: Rolex Caliber 3035, automatic, 50-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, 27 jewels, Quickset date, Superlative Chronometer (COSC)
• Bracelet: Oyster three-link, 18K yellow gold with Fliplock-style folding clasp
• Crystal: Sapphire with Cyclops magnifier
• Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1,000 ft

Set Includes:

• Watch only

Condition:

• Good overall condition with honest signs of use
• Case appears polished with light surface marks on the case sides and lugs
• Bracelet shows visible scratches and stretch consistent with age
• Dial and hands present beautifully with no visible damage; tritium-era markers and hands evenly toned
• Blue bezel insert clean with full graduations
• Sapphire crystal free of meaningful scratches
• Caseback still carries remnants of its protective sticker
• Running and all functions operating

The 16808 represents the transitional gold Submariner that introduced sapphire and the higher-beat Caliber 3035 while retaining the classic aluminum bezel and tritium nipple dial - a configuration prized today for its warm vintage character paired with everyday wearability.