1982 Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16800 with ‘WGS’ dial

$9,400.00

The Submariner reference 16800 arrived in 1978 as the bridge between the classic 5513/1680 era and the modern Submariner that would follow — the first Submariner to feature a sapphire crystal, updated case proportions, and the calibre 3035 with quickset date, all while retaining the matte and early gloss dial vocabulary of its predecessors. It ran until 1984, a relatively short production window that has given it a transitional significance collectors have come to appreciate with increasing seriousness. The ‘WGS’ dial — white gold surrounds encircling each tritium plot on a glossy lacquered surface — represents the more modern of the 16800’s two dial generations, and the finest surviving examples carry tritium patina of a depth and character that the reference’s brief production window concentrated rather than diluted.

This 1982 example has aged all the way. The gloss dial is flawless — no spidering, no crazing, the lacquered surface entirely intact — and the WGS plots have developed a heavy, rich patina that reads with immediate authority against the dark ground. The original handset has darkened a few shades beyond the markers, that slow divergence between dial and hands that accumulates inside a sealed case over decades and signals an untouched watch as clearly as any document. The bezel insert is mint, tritium pip present and correct. The case is strong and clean — thick lugs, factory finishes, light wear only for its age. On its original 93150 Oyster with 593 end links, G clasp, and diver’s extension, light wear and stretch consistent with genuine use.

A 16800 WGS that went all the way and never needed help getting there.

Brand: Rolex

Model: Submariner

Reference: 16800

Serial: 7128xxx

Year: 1982

Case material: All stainless steel

Case dimensions: 40mm excluding crown

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date

Caliber: Rolex cal. 3035 Automatic

Bracelet: Rolex Oyster 93150 solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 593 end links, clasp code G, and divers’ extension

Crystal: Sapphire