Submariner 16808

The Submariner, introduced in 1953, is the watch that defined the dive watch category and arguably the most influential wristwatch design of the twentieth century. Its 300-metre water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezel, and luminous dial established the template that every subsequent dive watch has followed — from the cheapest homage to the most expensive complication. The Submariner's influence extends far beyond diving: it became the default watch of military special forces, film protagonists, world leaders, and eventually the broader luxury market. Its proportions — 40mm to 41mm, with a case profile that sits flat on the wrist — have never needed fundamental revision because they were correct from the beginning.

The Submariner 16808 is a interesting watch since it combines the best of the vintage gold Sub with a few notable modern touches - the sapphire glass and the caliber 3035. In its present configuration with nipple dial, the Submariner 16808 was available from around 1979 to approx. 1984, when the larger surroundings were fitted to the dial. The example posted has an additional 'Tiffany' mark. It was part of November 2013 auction by Christie's