A great looking first generation vintage Rolex SS/18K YG Submariner ref 16803 circa 1984 with an original naturally faded tropical nipple dial. Featuring a naturally weathered and aged tritium lume dial that was originally cobalt blue which has faded from a glossy cobalt blue color to a evenly faded and aged blue denim color. With an equally faded unidirectional elapsed time bezel that is just lovely to behold! In our ongoing quest of naming our tropical dial models, we are going to refer to this model as our “stone wash” denim Sub!

Featuring a 40mm diameter SS/18K YG case with sapphire crystal, patina’d tritium lume dial and hands, and unidirectional elapsed time bezel with faded blue insert. With original tight for it’s age Rolex SS/18K YG 93150 Oyster bracelet 493 end pieces and matching date code I6 with flip lock clasp.

It is well known that the blue paint on vintage Rolex dials is not very stable, and we see many lightly faded blue dials. This dial shows a rich aged look, with patina’d tritium lume indexes, original aged tritium lume hands, and matching aged pearl in the aged elapsed time bezel. The case of this watch appears to be never polished, with especially beefy lug case. The bracelet has been lightly detailed. Bracelet contains 11 links plus diver’s extension and will comfortably fit a 7 1/4″ wrist.

Powered by Rolex caliber 3035 movement with quick set date. Recently serviced and in excellent mechanical condition.

The 16803 is a scarce reference # marking the introduction and first generation of 2 tone Submariners in 1984. Production of this model continued for only a few years before being replaced by the 16618 reference powered by the 3135 movement. These models all used tritium as the lumimous material until replaced in 1999 with luminova. As with the current example, the tritium is subject to age to a warm and rich vintage patina.

Guaranteed genuine as described, and offered with our one year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation. Your purchase includes one of our beautiful Italian leather watch travel pouches, a $55 value!