Just in Rolex 16800 opinions?

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Hi guys just received a new to me Rolex 16800 would the below be correct matt dial and white gold indexes?, i am new to rolex and any info would be appreciated.

Also its losing around 1 minute per 24 hours is a service required!

[77T]

You'd need to tell a bit more to get a good answer - what is the s/n first 3 digits?

For example, a watch from the '80s would have had plain tritium plots on a matte dial...
But a dial swap made later on could have yielded one with WG surrounds...

Also, do you have sharp close-up pics of the inside of the clasp where codes are stamped?

[bluemartinifan]

Originally Posted by 77T

You'd need to tell a bit more to get a good answer - what is the s/n first 3 digits?

For example, a watch from the '80s would have had plain tritium plots on a matte dial...
But a dial swap made later on could have yielded one with WG surrounds...

Also, do you have sharp close-up pics of the inside of the clasp where codes are stamped?

x2
and from that single pic - the case lugs and grown guards look nice

[Old Expat Beast]

Re the one minute per 24 hrs, yes it probably needs a service.

[crowncollection]

Need more info but looks nice

[shane0mack]

From my understanding, 1984ish is when the gloss dial with WG surrounds came into play. A 16800 before that should have left the factory with a matte dial. As someone else said, we need the first 3 digits of the serial to have a better idea. I see some aging on the indices and bezel pearl, so it's possible this is an original dial. The handset, however, seems to be a replacement.

I would definitely get it serviced if it's running that fast.

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Thanks guys serial starts 978 and clasp serial is K12.

Cheers Mark

[azguy]

that's not a matt dial, it's a 16610 with a different model #...

Looks super clean, and the open 9 is slick.....congratulations...

[shane0mack]

Originally Posted by azguy

that's not a matt dial, it's a 16610 with a different model #...

Looks super clean, and the open 9 is slick.....congratulations...

A 16610 with a different model #...eh? Maybe it went over my head, but was this a joke?

An open 6/9 date wheel should indicate that the watch is from the mid 80s at the latest, therefore, not a 16610.

[John in MA]

Originally Posted by shane0mack

A 16610 with a different model #...eh? Maybe it went over my head, but was this a joke?

An open 6/9 date wheel should indicate that the watch is from the mid 80s at the latest, therefore, not a 16610.

Just a joke. A gloss dial 16800 is merely a 16610 with a different movement. And the early 16610's also came with open 6 and 9 date wheels.

Here is an early 16700 I owned with one. It had the 31XX movement in it just like the 16610.

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Thanks the dial looks matt and not gloss though.

[shane0mack]

Originally Posted by John in MA

Just a joke. A gloss dial 16800 is merely a 16610 with a different movement. And the early 16610's also came with open 6 and 9 date wheels.

Here is an early 16700 I owned with one. It had the 31XX movement in it just like the 16610.

Interesting, must have been the really early ones. I'm not sure I've seen a 16610 with open 6/9. Thanks!

[landroverking]

16800 I think was only made in 87 and 88.

[shane0mack]

Originally Posted by landroverking

16800 I think was only made in 87 and 88.

I don't think that's true. The 16800 started in the late 70s and went to the mid 80s.

[blassy]

7.2 M series from 84.

[John in MA]

Originally Posted by landroverking

16800 I think was only made in 87 and 88.

168000 was 88-89 I think. Matte 16800 was from around 78-83. Early gloss dials have turned matte over the years.

[autofiend]

Originally Posted by landroverking

16800 I think was only made in 87 and 88.

Not correct. Replaced the 1680 around 1979 and was produced well into 1985. You may be thinking of the 168000 that only had a 9 month production span preceding the 16610 introduction.

[subtona]

I believe White gold surrounds would come with gloss dial.

1 minute a day would call for service.

[autofiend]

Originally Posted by John in MA

Just a joke. A gloss dial 16800 is merely a 16610 with a different movement. And the early 16610's also came with open 6 and 9 date wheels.



Here is an early 16700 I owned with one. It had the 31XX movement in it just like the 16610.

May not mean much, but a 16610 case is made of 904L steel while a 16800 is made from 316L.

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Thanks guys its going into the Local Ad to be sent of for a service today.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by M4rkg4rd3n

Thanks the dial looks matt and not gloss though.

nice, congrats - these transitional models (SD as well), had gloss dials, some of which have turned 'matte', which is pretty cool

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

nice, congrats - these transitional models (SD as well), had gloss dials, some of which have turned 'matte', which is pretty cool

I agree i dropped it into the Ad this evening and had a look at the dial through the dealers loupe the dial has definately turned matt over the years now its going to be away for 7-9 weeks.

[autofiend]

Originally Posted by M4rkg4rd3n

I agree i dropped it into the Ad this evening and had a look at the dial through the dealers loupe the dial has definately turned matt over the years now its going to be away for 7-9 weeks.

7-9 weeks? Going to the service center for a full overhaul? Personally I would just get it serviced by a local or send to ABC. Are you going to have them change out parts? They will unless you specify not to.

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Hi yes thats the current lead time according to the AD i have asked for a full inspection and estimate before they proceed they did tell me it will require a crystal due to a tiny chip near the cyclops cost around £90-£110.

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Just had a call from the Ad in Glasgow the RSC in london have completed the estimate on my watch as below.

Quote to service and renew worn parts £1900

Bracelet worn £800
Dial blistered £450
Handset £55
Bezel insert £37
Crystal £108
Service £430

I am awaiting feedback on wether they will renew the crystal and bezel insert without the other work they have told me they cannot guarentee the security of the bracelet as it is worn and will not polish my original Bracelet as it is scratched .

[azguy]

This is a matt dial 16800...no surrounds on the hour plots..

dialcloseup.jpg

dialnpatina.jpg

open6.jpg

[Shade]

Whitegold surrounds will always come with a gloss dial to my knowledge.. But as many have stated, theres a "defect" on Rolex's paint back then that may turn the gloss to matte over the years..

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Hi i know they have described it as blistering and quoted £450 to replace it

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Hi all the watch is being returned to me due to the RSC refusing to carry out the service unless i pay for a new dial hands and crystal, happy to pay for the crystal but in my opinion the dial and hands are fine.

[Swearengen]

Try William Rice in Hull, he may be more accommodating

Originally Posted by M4rkg4rd3n

Hi all the watch is being returned to me due to the RSC refusing to carry out the service unless i pay for a new dial hands and crystal, happy to pay for the crystal but in my opinion the dial and hands are fine.