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We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
An ideal companion for weekend escapes and smart city evenings, this vintage Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800 from 1984 adds understated sophistication to a tailored dinner or a relaxed seaside stroll. Its 40mm stainless steel case, black bezel and 'Pallettoni' dial on an Oyster bracelet bring classic style to business meetings and celebratory gatherings.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is the Rolex Submariner 40mm Ref. 16800 “Pallettoni” (1984)? A: It’s a transitional Submariner Date in stainless steel with a 40mm Oyster case, originally rated to 300 metres, featuring Rolex’s first sapphire crystal on the Submariner line and the automatic Calibre 3035 with quickset date. The “Pallettoni” dial refers to the early matte dial variant with oversized painted tritium hour plots (no white‑gold surrounds), prized for its vintage character and patina.
Q: What makes the “Pallettoni” dial different from later 16800 dials? A: “Pallettoni” indicates a matte dial with large, painted tritium lume plots. Later 16800s transitioned to glossy dials with white‑gold surrounds around the hour markers. The matte Pallettoni look is more overtly vintage, often showing warm patina and a softer, tool‑watch aesthetic.
Q: Which movement does it use and what is the power reserve? A: The Submariner Date 16800 typically houses the COSC‑certified automatic Rolex Calibre 3035 (28,800 vph) with quickset date. Power reserve is around 42–48 hours depending on condition and service history. We can confirm the movement in this specific watch on request.
Q: Does it have a sapphire crystal and Cyclops magnifier? A: Yes. The 16800 introduced a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal to the Submariner, and it features Rolex’s Cyclops lens over the date for improved legibility.
Q: Is it water‑resistant and suitable for diving? A: When new, the 16800 was rated to 300 metres with a unidirectional timing bezel. However, water resistance on vintage watches cannot be guaranteed without recent gasket replacement and professional pressure testing. If you intend to swim or dive, have it serviced and tested first, and always ensure the crown is fully screwed down.
Q: How do I set the time and quickset date safely? A: Unscrew the crown anti‑clockwise. Position 1: wind (20–30 turns if stopped). Position 2: quickset the date. Position 3: set the time. Avoid changing the date between roughly 8pm and 2am to protect the mechanism. When finished, push the crown in and screw it down firmly to help maintain water resistance.
Q: What bezel and lug width does the 16800 use? A: It uses an aluminium bezel insert with a luminous “pearl” at 12 o’clock and a unidirectional rotation. The lug width is 20mm, so straps and bracelets should match 20mm for correct fit.
Q: Will the tritium lume still glow on a 1984 dial? A: Tritium ages and typically no longer self‑illuminates strongly after decades; many vintage Pallettoni dials show little to no glow. Its value is primarily aesthetic—the creamy patina and period‑correct originality—rather than night‑time brightness.
Q: What bracelet fits, and can it be resized? A: The 16800 commonly pairs with the Oyster bracelet (e.g., 93150 with diver’s extension). We can size the bracelet before dispatch, and additional links may be sourced subject to availability. Share your wrist measurement and we’ll advise options. Strap changes should respect the 20mm lug width and correct end‑link fit.
Q: How does the 16800 compare to the 1680 and 16610? A: Versus the 1680, the 16800 adds sapphire crystal, a 300‑metre rating and the quickset Calibre 3035. Versus the later 16610 (Calibre 3135), the 16800—especially Pallettoni—retains the vintage matte dial aesthetic while offering many modernised features, making it a sought‑after transitional reference.
Q: How can I verify the reference and production year? A: The reference is stamped between the lugs at 12 o’clock and the serial at 6 o’clock (the bracelet must be removed). A Retro Tale can help verify these details for this watch and provide close‑up photos upon request.
Q: Is it authentic, and what warranty/shipping do you offer? A: A Retro Tale rigorously authenticates every item and guarantees 100% originality. All watches include a 12‑month movement guarantee. We offer free, fully insured DHL shipping, a 14‑day return policy, and 0% customs fees for EU buyers. Accessories included are as stated in the listing—contact us for any specific delivery or documentation questions.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
10 813 £
• Stainless steel case, 40mm
• Black unidirectional rotating bezel
• Black 'Pallettoni' dial with a date display
• Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
• Automatic movement
• Vintage
