• cal. 3035 automatic nickel lever movement, 27 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to five positions and temperature • black dial, luminescent triangular, dot and baton indexes, luminescent Mercedes-style hands, sweep center seconds, magnified aperture for date at 3 o'clock • tonneau case, sapphire crystal, rotating bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown with protective shoulders, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with flip-lock clasp 

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. It is numbered 0828673. The dial is nice and shows no visible marks. The luminescent indexes and hands have aged nicely to a rich cream color and the dial has a very nice look to it. The case shows light wear with some surface scuffs to the outside of the back, but overall the case is very nice and clean. The numbers inside the lugs are 16800 and 7447161 and the number inside the back is 16800. The bracelet is in nice condition with light wear. It is numbered 593 to the ends, 93150 to the end links and buckle. The bracelet has an overall length of roughly 180MM.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Rolex released this model, Ref. 16800, in the early 1980s as a replacement for Ref. 1680. The main improvement in the watch was a sapphire glass which replaced the previous synthetic plastic crystal. With the stronger glass, the depth rating was raised from﷽ 660 feet to 1000 feet. In addition, the earlier cal. 1575 movement was replaced by the more highly-jeweled cal. 3085.

By 1984, the dial on the model would have 👍luminescent indexes 💟within metal rims rather than painted indexes.

Examples such as the present lot are frequently referred to a🌠s 'transitional' models, as they feature the new-style sapphire glass and movement with the old-style dial. Such pieces are unusual and very collectible in the market today.

For a similar example of this model with this dial variation, see Skeet, M. & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, p. 45.