The reference 16800, introduced in the late 1970s, represents an important transitional model in the Submariner lineage — combining vintage aesthetics with modern engineering. It was the first Submariner to feature a sapphire crystal and Calibre 3035 movement with quickset date, while retaining the vintage matte dial with painted luminous markers, offering a perfect bridge between the 1680 and the later gloss-dial 16800 models.

The present watch stands out for its beautifully aged matte dial, displaying warm and uniform patina on the tritium hour markers and hands. The rotating bezel retains its sharp definition, and the case shows full proportions with well-preserved edges.
What makes this example particularly special is its unique caseback engraving “JEUX OLYMPIQUES 1984 – LOS ANGELES” and full serial inside, suggesting a presentation piece or special order linked to the Olympic Games, a historically and thematically rare feature on a Submariner reference 16800.

A truly exceptional and historically significant example of the Rolex Submariner reference 16800, combining the desirable matte dial configuration with a rare commemorative Olympic caseback engraving, a remarkable collector’s piece uniting tool-watch heritage and cultural history.