Reference:16800 - Revision history

Klaudiusz: Deep audit: 16800 movement grounding, dial chronology, provenance and image layout

2026-09-28T23:47:09Z

Deep audit: 16800 movement grounding, dial chronology, provenance and image layout

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:47, 28 September 2026
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	\|-		\|-
	\| movement		\| movement
	\| caliber 3035 ~~with~~ quick-set date and hacking ~~(main production; some early examples carry 1575)~~		\| caliber 3035, quick-set date and hacking
	\|-		\|-
	\| bracelet		\| bracelet
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	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==

	The 16800 ran ~~for~~ roughly ~~eight to nine years, from~~ 1979 to 1988. The ~~main internal split is~~ the ~~movement~~ caliber.		The 16800 ran from roughly 1979 to 1988. The useful production divisions are the matte-to-gloss dial change and the short overlap with the 168000; auction catalogues describe the 16800 with caliber 3035.

	<span id="~~early-~~caliber-~~1575~~"></span>		<span id="caliber-3035"></span>
	=== ~~Early: caliber 1575~~ ===		=== Caliber 3035 ===

	~~The earliest 16800 examples carried over the caliber 1575 from the 1680. These watches wear the new sapphire crystal~~ and ~~300m rating but lack the quick-set date;~~ the ~~date advances only by running~~ the ~~hands past midnight. An early~~ 16800 ~~looks modern on the outside and operates like a vintage Submariner inside, which gives these transitional pieces their own collecting identity.~~		Auction catalogues and the specialist references checked for this page identify the 16800 with caliber 3035, which brought the quick-set date and hacking seconds to the Submariner Date. A watch described as a factory 16800 with caliber 1575 needs movement, case, and delivery evidence; the reference number alone does not establish that configuration.

	~~<span id="later-caliber-3035"></span>~~
	~~=== Later: caliber 3035 ===~~

	~~Later examples switched to~~ caliber 3035, which brought quick-set date ~~(advancing the date independently by pulling the crown to the first position)~~ and hacking seconds. ~~This is the main functional difference between documented early and later examples, while~~ caliber ~~3035 is the more common~~ movement ~~in the surviving record. The exact serial range of~~ the ~~changeover is~~ not ~~firmly established~~.

	<span id="end-of-run-transition-to-168000-and-16610"></span>		<span id="end-of-run-transition-to-168000-and-16610"></span>
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	== Movement notes ==		== Movement notes ==

	~~Some early examples are catalogued with caliber 1575, without quick-set date or hacking, at 19,800 vph. The serial cutoff and original-delivery status need individual movement evidence.~~ Caliber 3035 ~~was~~ the ~~new~~ movement for ~~this era, beating~~ at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) ~~with~~ quick-set date and hacking seconds, and a 42-hour power reserve.		Caliber 3035 is the movement identified for the 16800 in the auction and specialist material reviewed here. It beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), has a quick-set date and hacking seconds, and is generally described with an approximately 42-hour power reserve. The movement number and service history should be checked on the individual watch.

	The 3035 also appears in the Datejust 16000 series and other Rolex date references of the period, including the 16803 and 16808. The reference number does not establish interchangeability of cases or parts.		The 3035 also appears in the Datejust 16000 series and other Rolex date references of the period, including the 16803 and 16808. The reference number does not establish interchangeability of cases or parts.
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	The period-correct date wheel is silver with open 6s and 9s. RSC service replacements from about 1998 onward use a white date wheel with closed 6s and 9s. A closed-6/9 date wheel on a 16800 is a service indicator.		The period-correct date wheel is silver with open 6s and 9s. RSC service replacements from about 1998 onward use a white date wheel with closed 6s and 9s. A closed-6/9 date wheel on a 16800 is a service indicator.

	VRF threads also ~~flag a specific RSC pattern: the~~ service ~~centers have been swapping~~ matte dials for gloss ~~for about two decades~~. A 16800 wearing a gloss dial in the matte serial range ~~(below about 8.4M)~~ may have ~~had its original matte~~ dial ~~replaced during an authorised Rolex service~~. When evaluating an early-serial 16800, compare the dial type with serial context and documented service history. Originality and condition affect any market assessment.		VRF threads also document service replacements in which matte dials were exchanged for gloss dials. A 16800 wearing a gloss dial in the earlier matte serial range may therefore have a later service dial. When evaluating an early-serial 16800, compare the dial type with serial context and documented service history. Originality and condition affect any market assessment.

	<span id="spider-dials"></span>		<span id="spider-dials"></span>
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	The case retains the 40mm crown-guard Oyster form while adopting a flat sapphire crystal. Sapphire is more scratch-resistant than acrylic, but it can still be damaged or replaced.		The case retains the 40mm crown-guard Oyster form while adopting a flat sapphire crystal. Sapphire is more scratch-resistant than acrylic, but it can still be damaged or replaced.

	The bezel uses an aluminum insert, black with a luminous pearl at 12; the same insert style continued through the 16610 era. The depth rating reads 300m / 1000ft, printed on the dial. The 16800 predates the engraved rehaut ~~by nearly two decades, so~~ depth-rating-on-dial ~~is universal across the run~~. The crown is Triplock.		The bezel uses an aluminum insert, black with a luminous pearl at 12; the same insert style continued through the 16610 era. The depth rating reads 300m / 1000ft, printed on the dial. The 16800 predates the engraved rehaut; its depth rating is printed on the dial. The crown is Triplock.

	<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>		<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
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	Auction and specialist records describe approximately 300 numbered 16800s supplied to COMEX between 1982 and 1986. These watches carry COMEX dial and caseback markings; both matte and gloss configurations are documented.		Auction and specialist records describe approximately 300 numbered 16800s supplied to COMEX between 1982 and 1986. These watches carry COMEX dial and caseback markings; both matte and gloss configurations are documented.

	~~A known issue affects the gloss-dial~~ COMEX 16800~~. On tritium COMEX logo~~ dials~~, small pieces of the~~ applied COMEX ~~marking would detach from the dial surface~~. ~~Many affected~~ watches ~~received~~ a ~~[[Reference:16610\|16610]]~~ tritium ~~replacement~~ COMEX dial ~~during~~ service~~, meaning some COMEX 16800 watches now wear a dial from the successor reference~~. ~~The replacement dial is~~ period-correct ~~in style but~~ not original ~~to the~~ 16800~~, and the distinction matters for authentication~~.		Specialist and auction records describe COMEX 16800 dials with detached or damaged applied COMEX markings and later service replacements. Some watches now carry a tritium COMEX dial associated with the 16610; that possibility must be checked against the individual dial, case, movement, and service record. A period-correct replacement is not the same as an original 16800 delivery configuration.

	<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>		<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>

Klaudiusz: Deep correctness, grounding, image and anti-slop audit: qualify 16800 chronology, 1575/3035 transition, dial, bezel, bracelet, service, COMEX and 168000 claims; add gallery.

2026-09-28T16:38:15Z

Deep correctness, grounding, image and anti-slop audit: qualify 16800 chronology, 1575/3035 transition, dial, bezel, bracelet, service, COMEX and 168000 claims; add gallery.

Show changes

Admin: Convert 3 legacy image(s) to WebP

2026-09-14T01:20:05Z

Convert 3 legacy image(s) to WebP

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 14 September 2026
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	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:~~Ref 16800 hero 2~~.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 16800 Submariner\|Rolex 16800 Submariner]]		[[File:Ref_16800_hero_2.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 16800 Submariner\|Rolex 16800 Submariner]]
	</div>		</div>

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	<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>		<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
	== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==		== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==
	[[File:~~Ref 16800 detail~~.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Detail view\|Detail view]]		[[File:Ref_16800_detail.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Detail view\|Detail view]]

	The case carries over from the 1680 as the same 40mm crown-guard Oyster, but the crystal is the defining break with the past. Sapphire is flat and substantially harder than the old domed acrylic, so it does not develop the warm dome distortion that vintage collectors prize on the [[Reference:5513\|5513]] and 1680, and it does not scratch under normal wear.		The case carries over from the 1680 as the same 40mm crown-guard Oyster, but the crystal is the defining break with the past. Sapphire is flat and substantially harder than the old domed acrylic, so it does not develop the warm dome distortion that vintage collectors prize on the [[Reference:5513\|5513]] and 1680, and it does not scratch under normal wear.
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	== Special branches ==		== Special branches ==
	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
	File:~~Ref 16800 brochure~~-16808-16800.~~jpg~~\|alt=Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800\|Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800		File:Ref_16800_brochure-16808-16800.webp\|alt=Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800\|Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800
	File:Ref 16800 ad-breadalbane-1985.webp\|alt=1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search\|1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search		File:Ref 16800 ad-breadalbane-1985.webp\|alt=1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search\|1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search
	File:Ref 16800 ad-tim-severin.webp\|alt=Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition\|Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition		File:Ref 16800 ad-tim-severin.webp\|alt=Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition\|Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition

Admin: Layout: remove duplicate hero-style image floating above Core facts (kept in lead only)

2026-09-07T01:49:28Z

Layout: remove duplicate hero-style image floating above Core facts (kept in lead only)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:49, 7 September 2026
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	<span id="core-facts"></span>		<span id="core-facts"></span>

	~~[[File:Ref 16800 hero.jpg\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800]]~~

	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==

Admin: Layout: duplicate lead image removed

2026-09-06T23:07:35Z

Layout: duplicate lead image removed

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:07, 6 September 2026
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	File:Ref 16800 ad-breadalbane-1985.webp\|alt=1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search\|1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search		File:Ref 16800 ad-breadalbane-1985.webp\|alt=1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search\|1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search
	File:Ref 16800 ad-tim-severin.webp\|alt=Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition\|Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition		File:Ref 16800 ad-tim-severin.webp\|alt=Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition\|Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition
	~~File:Ref 16800 hero 2.jpg\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800~~
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Admin: Layout: hero inserted

2026-09-06T22:28:34Z

Layout: hero inserted

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:28, 6 September 2026
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	<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] › '''16800'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] › '''16800'''</small>

			<div class="rp-lead">
			[[File:Ref 16800 hero 2.jpg\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 16800 Submariner\|Rolex 16800 Submariner]]
			</div>

	The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.		The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.

Admin: Layout: 2 gallery plate(s)

2026-09-06T22:21:07Z

Layout: 2 gallery plate(s)

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:21, 6 September 2026
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	<span id="general-dial-notes"></span>		<span id="general-dial-notes"></span>
	=== General dial notes ===		=== General dial notes ===
	[[File:Ref 16800 matte-dial-late-83M-detail.webp~~\|thumb\|right\|220px~~\|alt=Late 8.3M matte dial detail\|Late 8.3M matte dial detail]]		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
	[[File:Ref 16800 matte-dial-late-83M.webp~~\|thumb\|right\|220px~~\|alt=Late 8.3M serial matte dial\|Late 8.3M serial matte dial]]		File:Ref 16800 matte-dial-late-83M-detail.webp\|alt=Late 8.3M matte dial detail\|Late 8.3M matte dial detail
	[[File:Ref 16800 matte-dial-variation-chart.webp~~\|thumb\|right\|220px~~\|alt=Matte dial variations across serial ranges\|Matte dial variations across serial ranges]]		File:Ref 16800 matte-dial-late-83M.webp\|alt=Late 8.3M serial matte dial\|Late 8.3M serial matte dial
			File:Ref 16800 matte-dial-variation-chart.webp\|alt=Matte dial variations across serial ranges\|Matte dial variations across serial ranges
			</gallery>

	Lume is tritium throughout. Dial markings show T SWISS T or T<25 depending on production date. Hands on this reference commonly age to a different color than the dial lume plots, a characteristic tritium-era aging pattern.		Lume is tritium throughout. Dial markings show T SWISS T or T<25 depending on production date. Hands on this reference commonly age to a different color than the dial lume plots, a characteristic tritium-era aging pattern.
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	<span id="special-branches"></span>		<span id="special-branches"></span>
	== Special branches ==		== Special branches ==
	[[File:Ref 16800 brochure-16808-16800.jpg~~\|thumb\|right\|250px~~\|alt=Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800\|Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800]]		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
	[[File:Ref 16800 ad-breadalbane-1985.webp~~\|thumb\|right\|250px~~\|alt=1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search\|1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search]]		File:Ref 16800 brochure-16808-16800.jpg\|alt=Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800\|Rolex brochure — 16808 and 16800
	[[File:Ref 16800 ad-tim-severin.webp~~\|thumb\|right\|250px~~\|alt=Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition\|Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition]]		File:Ref 16800 ad-breadalbane-1985.webp\|alt=1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search\|1985 Rolex ad — Breadalbane Arctic search
	[[File:Ref 16800 hero 2.jpg~~\|thumb\|right\|250px~~\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800]]		File:Ref 16800 ad-tim-severin.webp\|alt=Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition\|Rolex ad — Tim Severin expedition
			File:Ref 16800 hero 2.jpg\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800
			</gallery>

	<span id="comex"></span>		<span id="comex"></span>

Admin: site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

2026-09-05T01:20:35Z

site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 5 September 2026
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	}}		}}

	<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''16800'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] › '''16800'''</small>

	The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.		The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.
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	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable rp-facts"
	\|-		\|-
	! detail		! detail

Admin: site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

2026-09-05T00:36:44Z

site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:36, 5 September 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 16800 Submariner}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 16800 Submariner}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Submariner 16800 (1979–1988) — Production & Dial Guide \| ~~BezelBase~~		\|title=Rolex Submariner 16800 (1979–1988) — Production & Dial Guide \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date — the watch that carried the line from its vintage roots into the modern era. Introduced around 1979 as…		\|description=The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date — the watch that carried the line from its vintage roots into the modern era. Introduced around 1979 as…
	\|keywords=Rolex, 16800, Submariner, specifications, reference guide		\|keywords=Rolex, 16800, Submariner, specifications, reference guide

Admin: Fix: flatten 2 self-link(s) that MediaWiki was rendering as bold text (hard rule #8)

2026-08-09T23:53:32Z

Fix: flatten 2 self-link(s) that MediaWiki was rendering as bold text (hard rule #8)

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:53, 9 August 2026
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	<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''16800'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''16800'''</small>

	The ~~[[Reference:~~16800~~\|16800]]~~ is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.		The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.

	The sapphire crystal is the change that matters most. Every prior Submariner wore acrylic, the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], [[Reference:5513\|5513]] and [[Reference:6538\|6538]] included. The 16800 broke that continuity, and every Submariner since has used sapphire.		The sapphire crystal is the change that matters most. Every prior Submariner wore acrylic, the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], [[Reference:5513\|5513]] and [[Reference:6538\|6538]] included. The 16800 broke that continuity, and every Submariner since has used sapphire.
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	* [[Reference:1680\|1680]] (1966–1979): acrylic crystal, 200m, caliber 1575/1570		* [[Reference:1680\|1680]] (1966–1979): acrylic crystal, 200m, caliber 1575/1570
	* ~~[[Reference:~~16800~~\|16800]]~~ (1979–1988): sapphire crystal, 300m, caliber 3035 (this reference)		* 16800 (1979–1988): sapphire crystal, 300m, caliber 3035 (this reference)
	* 168000 “Triple Zero” (1986–1987, transitional): first 904L steel, 501B end links		* 168000 “Triple Zero” (1986–1987, transitional): first 904L steel, 501B end links
	* [[Reference:16610\|16610]] (1989–2010): caliber 3135, fully modern		* [[Reference:16610\|16610]] (1989–2010): caliber 3135, fully modern

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:53, 9 August 2026
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	<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''16800'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''16800'''</small>

	The ~~[[Reference:~~16800~~\|16800]]~~ is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.		The 16800 is the transitional Submariner Date. Introduced around 1979 as the successor to the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], it arrived with three changes that would define the modern Submariner: a sapphire crystal (the first ever fitted to a Submariner), a 300m depth rating up from 200m, and a quick-set date via caliber 3035. Production ran until about 1988, when the [[Reference:16610\|16610]] took over for the next 23 years, with the brief 168000 “Triple Zero” slotted in between.

	The sapphire crystal is the change that matters most. Every prior Submariner wore acrylic, the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], [[Reference:5513\|5513]] and [[Reference:6538\|6538]] included. The 16800 broke that continuity, and every Submariner since has used sapphire.		The sapphire crystal is the change that matters most. Every prior Submariner wore acrylic, the [[Reference:1680\|1680]], [[Reference:5513\|5513]] and [[Reference:6538\|6538]] included. The 16800 broke that continuity, and every Submariner since has used sapphire.
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	* [[Reference:1680\|1680]] (1966–1979): acrylic crystal, 200m, caliber 1575/1570		* [[Reference:1680\|1680]] (1966–1979): acrylic crystal, 200m, caliber 1575/1570
	* ~~[[Reference:~~16800~~\|16800]]~~ (1979–1988): sapphire crystal, 300m, caliber 3035 (this reference)		* 16800 (1979–1988): sapphire crystal, 300m, caliber 3035 (this reference)
	* 168000 “Triple Zero” (1986–1987, transitional): first 904L steel, 501B end links		* 168000 “Triple Zero” (1986–1987, transitional): first 904L steel, 501B end links
	* [[Reference:16610\|16610]] (1989–2010): caliber 3135, fully modern		* [[Reference:16610\|16610]] (1989–2010): caliber 3135, fully modern