{"product_id":"rolex-submariner-date-as03185","title":"Rolex Submariner Date","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOnce the quintessential sports watch, the Rolex Submariner has transcended its own history to be widely regarded as the most popular luxury watch in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBut before the maxi-case madness of the mid 2000's brought the Submariner more solidly into the realm of a widespread status symbol, Subs were tool watches first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis particular example, a Reference 16800 straddles a transitional period in the Submariner's history with a rugged elegance. Its once glossy dial has developed a rich character and depth of texture typically seen on much older- and much more expensive- references. The character-heavy dial is punctuated by Tritium-filled white gold indices which have developed a creamy patination up there with the best of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith prices of 551's and 1680s continuing to explode, collectors are beginning to turn an eye to the 'Neo-Vintage' references which offer tremendous value - and which still posses characteristics of vintage watches that will also age and develop unique charm with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Reference 1680, released in 1966, deviated from previous iterations of the Submariner--like the beloved Ref. 5513--by including a date window. This change was remarkably divisive because, according the diehards, if you need a date on your dive watch, you're kind of screwed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the divided opinions on the Ref. 1680, from a non-purist's standpoint, it ticks all the boxes for a tool watch. A sturdy stainless steel case? Check. Robust movement that is dust-proof, shock-proof, and waterproof? Check, check, and check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ref. 16800, successor to the Ref.1680, is viewed as a transitional model because it's the first Submariner reference to have a sapphire crystal. Another slightly polarizing change is the inclusion of white gold surrounds to the hour plots. It was also fitted with a uni-directional ratcheting bezel, a glossy (rather than matte) dial, a high-beat Rolex Cal. 3035 movement, and a quick-set date function.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":28316703490135,"sku":null,"price":9000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/qa4BcP8k.jpeg?v=1559852334","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-submariner-date-as03185","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}