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Old 29 August 2017, 05:43 AM   #1
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Found a 16808 nipple dial. Need info!

Hey guys. Was browsing around today and found what is apparently a 16808 with a 4 million serial number. The sales woman said it was from 1998, but it didn't seem right with the nipple dial. Wondering what the vintage gurus think! Just took one picture. I could get more.




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Old 29 August 2017, 05:53 AM   #2
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I would want to look that one over carefully. Bracelet appears aftermarket, 4. million is in the late 70's, dial is Luminova.

Could be a replacement case considering it is not likely a 70's watch, replacement dial, and replacement bracelet.
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Old 29 August 2017, 06:17 AM   #3
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In my searching for nipple dials I have discovered that there was actually an aftermarket/knock off dial at some point that was very well made with nipple markers that look identical to the original Rolex ones. The key tell-tale of this dial is the triangle marker is slightly shorter than the real ones. It looks like this dial has a shorter triangle marker like these fake ones.
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Old 29 August 2017, 06:17 AM   #4
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Thanks for the info.

The sales woman just called and said they had it in the system wrong and was from 1976. It is at a reputable dealer, but the history is fuzzy. The watch is on consignment. It is a lady who's husband past away. I asked if everything was original and she said yes....

I may go back and take more pictures. No box or papers btw.


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Old 29 August 2017, 06:20 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saskmh View Post
In my searching for nipple dials I have discovered that there was actually an aftermarket/knock off dial at some point that was very well made with nipple markers that look identical to the original Rolex ones. The key tell-tale of this dial is the triangle marker is slightly shorter than the real ones. It looks like this dial has a shorter triangle marker like these fake ones.


Interesting! Thanks for the info.


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Old 29 August 2017, 08:00 AM   #6
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This nipple dial configuration (300m depth rating) is seen in the early 80s and fit the 3035 movement. A 1976 Submariner would have a 1570 movement and 200m depth rating. As mentioned above, it may be or service case, or worse a "put-together watch".
Thread carefully with this one. Ask for pictures of serial/reference numbers and perhaps a picture of the movement.
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Old 29 August 2017, 08:05 AM   #7
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Interesting! Thanks for the info.


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I have a NOS luminova nipple dial put away waiting for a watch and the lume looks a lot whiter than this one. Also, my luminova dial (which was a short run of service dials - now long since discontinued) is marked "SWISS"
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Old 29 August 2017, 08:13 AM   #8
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Here is Jocke's two tone nipple build:

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/sw.htm

He has a mint blue nipple dial on this watch. Take a look for comparison.
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Old 29 August 2017, 08:16 AM   #9
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I have a NOS luminova nipple dial put away waiting for a watch and the lume looks a lot whiter than this one. Also, my luminova dial (which was a short run of service dials - now long since discontinued) is marked "SWISS"


Would like to see a picture of that if possible.

I got an update. The watch was serviced November 2015. Rolex service center replaced the dial, stem and crown. Everything else is apparently original. I will check the bracelet out in more detail.


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Old 29 August 2017, 08:27 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by Lamone View Post
This nipple dial configuration (300m depth rating) is seen in the early 80s and fit the 3035 movement. A 1976 Submariner would have a 1570 movement and 200m depth rating. As mentioned above, it may be or service case, or worse a "put-together watch".
Thread carefully with this one. Ask for pictures of serial/reference numbers and perhaps a picture of the movement.


Quote:
Originally Posted by saskmh View Post
Here is Jocke's two tone nipple build:

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/sw.htm

He has a mint blue nipple dial on this watch. Take a look for comparison.


Thank y'all for the info!!! Huge help!!


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Old 29 August 2017, 08:47 AM   #11
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They are going to take pictures of everything and send them soon hopefully. Determined to get to the bottom of this. Seems like a "put together" watch like saskmh said.


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Old 29 August 2017, 09:21 AM   #12
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Found a 16808 nipple dial. Need info!

Turns out it's an 8 million serial. Completely changes things! What do you guys think? They want $16k for it. Very firm. I'm thinking a big ole pass.






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Old 29 August 2017, 10:26 AM   #13
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I think the gold nipple subs were made up until the switch to the thin gold surrounds which I believe was about 1983. But that's just from my minimal research. Maybe some early gold sub owners can comment.


Do you still want a shot of that Swiss dial?
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Old 29 August 2017, 10:31 AM   #14
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Patchwork quilt for big dollars. And a "reputable" seller who doesn't seem to be highly informed about what they're peddling. Simply my .02: Get with an indisputably amazing vintage seller here, and get shopping! They'll know what they are selling you, and be candid about what the watches.


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Old 29 August 2017, 11:36 AM   #15
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I think the gold nipple subs were made up until the switch to the thin gold surrounds which I believe was about 1983. But that's just from my minimal research. Maybe some early gold sub owners can comment.


Do you still want a shot of that Swiss dial?


I looked it up, but thank you for offering!!


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Old 29 August 2017, 11:36 AM   #16
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Patchwork quilt for big dollars. And a "reputable" seller who doesn't seem to be highly informed about what they're peddling. Simply my .02: Get with an indisputably amazing vintage seller here, and get shopping! They'll know what they are selling you, and be candid about what the watches.


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I agree. Definitely passing.


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Old 29 August 2017, 12:14 PM   #17
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Good luck, bro! As you know, the hunt is half the fun.


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Old 29 August 2017, 01:03 PM   #18
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Good luck, bro! As you know, the hunt is half the fun.


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Thx!! Agreed.


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Old 29 August 2017, 01:36 PM   #19
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Great thread! I learned a lot and a happy ending... to this chapter. I look forward to the next Matt!
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Old 29 August 2017, 02:16 PM   #20
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Great thread! I learned a lot and a happy ending... to this chapter. I look forward to the next Matt!


Thanks Tom! I learned a lot also. Cheers


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Old 29 August 2017, 06:20 PM   #21
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Pass. The dial doesn't look quite right, compares to my 16808. The depth rating text on my dial extends farther in wideness beyond the Submariner text. Good luck on your search. That's 90% of the fun
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Old 29 August 2017, 06:21 PM   #22
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Also, the S on the Submariner writing is different. All of the nipple dials ive seen have the same proportions and font. I could be wrong, though.
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