Submariner Date "Nipple Dial"
Ask about this piece.
Condition report.
Overall condition: Used. Condition is Very good (minor signs of wear) - The item shows minor signs of wear, such as small, intangible scratches..
Detailed report
- Case
- Barely visible - a few barely visible scratches; no signs of polishing.
- Dial
- None - like new; no scratches or other signs of wear; unpolished.
- Bezel
- Barely visible - a few barely visible scratches; no signs of polishing.
- Crystal
- None - like new; no scratches or other signs of wear; unpolished.
- Case back
- Barely visible - a few barely visible scratches; no signs of polishing.
The Rolex Submariner Date "Nipple Dial", reference 16808, is one of the most coveted and historically significant vintage Submariner references ever produced, combining the iconic Submariner design with an 18k yellow gold case and the distinctive "nipple" dial configuration that collectors have been pursuing for decades. This certified pre-owned example from 1988 is offered in good condition and comes with its full original set, including box, papers, and all original accessories.
Crafted entirely in 18k yellow gold, the 16808 features a commanding 40mm Oyster case water resistant to 300 metres, paired with a unidirectional rotating dive bezel in matching yellow gold. A precious metal Submariner from the era when Rolex produced these references for a clientele that demanded both professional credentials and uncompromising luxury, in a combination that has never been replicated in quite the same way.
The blue dial is the defining and most collectible feature of this example, with the signature "nipple" indexes, so named for their distinctive round raised surrounds, delivering a depth and three-dimensionality that flat printed dials simply cannot replicate. Mercedes hands, a date display at 3 o'clock, and the overall patina of a dial that has developed naturally over three and a half decades complete a dial that is the very reason serious Submariner collectors never stop searching.
Powering the watch is the Rolex Calibre 3035, the movement that powered the 16808 throughout its production run, a proven in-house automatic chronometer with quickset date function and exceptional long-term reliability.
Available now at Minty Watches, this certified pre-owned luxury watch is a singular opportunity for collectors of pre-owned luxury timepieces in Geneva seeking one of the most historically significant Submariner references ever made.
A pre-owned watch in Geneva where gold meets the deep blue, and collector history is made.
CPO · WORKSHOP
Hand-checked, before it ever reaches your wrist.
Every watch passing through the showroom is opened, inspected, timed and pressure-tested by our watchmaker. We document the condition honestly and price it accordingly. If a watch has been polished, serviced or has aftermarket parts, we say so.
What's included.
12-month coverage.
International warranty on every watch we sell. Movement, water resistance and authenticity.
Flexible & private.
SEPA, SWIFT, card or cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, USDC). Financing up to CHF 20,000 for Swiss resident.
Tax-free.
Buying from outside Switzerland? You leave with your tax refund forms in hand and get back 8.1%.
Insured worldwide.
Fully-insured express delivery via DHL or FedEx. You can also pick-up the watch from our location.
Try it on, in Geneva.
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