Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16618 - 'Bluesy' Blue Dial The Rolex Submariner is a true icon - and the word icon does get thrown around a lot. If you were to ask 10 people to draw you their idea of a watch looks like - chances are they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Over its 70 year run there have been numerous changes made to the model, but this 16800 represents a very interesting period in the Submariner story.
The Ref. 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date, and had a long production run spanning close to 15 years - and was eventually replaced by the 16800 series of Submariner Date. During that 16800 era, the watch underwent a series of changes that saw the early models born with matte dials, while the later ones were born with glossy dials with white gold surrounds. As was the case with the Ref. 1680, the 5-digit also received the solid yellow gold treatment.
The example that we have here, neo-vintage Reference 16618, dates to circa 1991 and comes to us in fantastic overall condition and has been previously sold as a Rolex Certified Pre Owned watch. The case and bracelet have been professionally refurbished and exhibit only light signs of wear throughout with some usual scuffing to the solf gold surface, visible largely on the polished center links of the bracelet on the 12 o'clock (outer) side. The lugs remain thick and symmetrical and feature drilled-holes. The gorgeous sunburst blue 'bluesy' dial inside is seemingly mint, with no inconsistencies to its finishing and the Tritium-filled indices all even in color. The Tritium handset and pip in the blue aluminum bezel insert match perfectly.
To top it all off, this piece comes with its full set of Rolex CPO goodies!
It could be argued that a yellow gold GMT-Master makes sense, but a solid gold dive watch? There is no point. And that is exactly what makes it great.
Condition:
Case: Professionally refurbished, retaining thick, even lugs and showing very light signs of wear throughout with only light scuffing visible on the left profile.
Bezel: Outstanding, likely-unpolished. Blue aluminum insert is virtually-mint and shows no visible wear with Tritium pip.
Dial: Seemingly-flawless with no visible wear or inconsistencies in its texture and finishing. The applied Tritium-filled yellow gold indices are also virtually-flawless and show no patina. The handset matches perfectly to the naked eye and under UV inspection.
Bracelet: Correct Rolex 18k yellow gold Oyster Bracelet with 9 links and signed fliplock clasp stamped 'S5.' Professionally refurbished showing light signs of wear throughout that matches the case with some scuffs on the outer side and no stretch. Sized for ≈7.5" wrist.
Shipping:
All watches will be shipped via FedEx Insured Priority Overnight shipping. International shipping will be shipped via FedEx International Priority Express, always fully insured. This service is included in the listed price and will not incur any additional fees. All watches are shipped 1-2 business days after receiving payment confirmation by Chrono24. We are unable to ship watches on Saturday or Sunday.
Our Policy:
We service or perform necessary maintenance to the extent necessary to all of our watches, unless otherwise noted. All watches are listed and sold running and functioning as intended.
Our Guarantee:
Through rigorous vetting of each watch offered, we’re able to guarantee authenticity of our pieces. Ultimately, your satisfaction is our mission, as is helping you get YOUR perfect watch. If you have any questions at all, we will get back to you ASAP.
Each of our timepieces are vetted, evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our experienced team of experts and watchmakers prior to sale. We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise disclosed. We guarantee the authenticity of each watch in perpetuity.
