What insert variation is this common early 16800 insert?

[pk552502]

Hi All, I'm having trouble identifying this variation of insert that was common for early matte dial 16800s. I looked at the VRF guide and it doesn't quite fit in that list to my eye.

Based on the year, it should either be a Mark 7 or a Flat Four. However, it doesn't have the tall font like a Mark 7 and the pip extends outside of the triangle unlike the Mark 7. Also, it's doesn't have as pronounced of a flat four and appears earlier than the flat four. I don't think it's a service insert because I see it on most early expensive all original 16800s on chrono.

Some key features of this insert are: 1) darkened aged lume pip, 2) gold surround of the pip goes outside of the triangle, 3) the font on the 4 doesn't extend all the way to the edge of the insert (shorter font), 4) closely resembles the flat four insert, but not as pronounced flat top on the 4, and 5) found on early matte dial 16800s.

Maybe this is considered to be a flat four?

I included a few links to chrono 24 that have a similar insert, so it appears very common for the early matte dial 16800s.

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/rolex...c_8xryfq&pos=1

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/rolex...c_VOGf0m&pos=2

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/subma...c_RtpGCP&pos=4

Is this insert missing from the VRF post? Any help would be much appreciated.

[pk552502]

Here's the link to the submariner insert VRF Guide:

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...r-t266367.html

[swaini3]

that guide is 4 digit models (not sapphire crystal models like the 16800, 16600 etc.) so it does not apply.

[pk552502]

Originally Posted by swaini3

that guide is 4 digit models (not sapphire crystal models like the 16800, 16600 etc.) so it does not apply.

OK good point...I do see the title of that article is for the acrylic era. I guess if the guide is referring to inserts from the early to late 80s it would only apply to the 5513 during that time frame (and maybe tudors if they had acrylic) and not the 16800. Thanks for clarifying.

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by pk552502

OK good point...I do see the title of that article is for the acrylic era. I guess if the guide is referring to inserts from the early to late 80s it would only apply to the 5513 during that time frame (and maybe tudors if they had acrylic) and not the 16800. Thanks for clarifying.

[OmegaAlpha]

To my untrained eyes, this is a Mark 7 (Straight 4) and period correct for an early 80s matte 16800.

To me, a Flat 4 insert has a more noticeable horizontal inner border at the roof of the 4, which does not seem to be the case here.


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[Swearengen]

Looks similar to mine

[TuRo]

They're in the bank safe, so can't get better photos, but a photo of eight of my matte 16800's here. They are MK1 and 2 if any use to you to peruse (think a service insert there as well).

Poor photo I know, sorry.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...624296#p624296