Rolex Submariner Date

Casual luxury: two words that might sound incongruous when paired together, and yet it’s something that Rolex does well. The Submariner is a perfect example of what we mean by this. We first saw it on the wrist of James Bond in 1962’s Dr. No. Whether Bond was wearing swim trunks, a polo shirt, or even a tux, the Submariner was always on his wrist, and looked perfect the whole time. Without a doubt, James Bond’s style is worth emulating, but those in search of the James Bond Sub might find themselves at a loss. “Big Crown” Subs like what Bond wore are hard to come by these days, due to their short production run. Moreover, those that can be had often come with a price tag that would make even Blofeld blush. Fortunately, Submariners from the 1980s, like the one we offer here, give you the look—with an added flair. In the late 1970s, Rolex rolled out the Reference 16800. With its slightly thicker Oyster case and uni-directional bezel—both new designs for the model—it was every bit the tool watch that men of action like James Bond had relied on for decades. And in its early years the dial was virtually indistinguishable from the 1680’s: matte black with tritium-coated indices. However, in the next decade, the Submariner took on a more rarefied air. The switch to glossy dials with white gold surrounds made it a watch that anyone, not just those on Her Majesty’s Secret Service, would want to pair with a suit. Moreover, the date window makes it a watch that can be worn every day—and, honestly, should. Dating from 1984, this 16800, complete with 93150/593 Oyster bracelet, boasts a fine even patina to the tritium elements of the dial. As elegant as it is refined, we can think of no better watch to channel your inner Bond.