ROLEX | A RARE YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH LAPIS LAZULI DIAL, DATE AND BRACELET REF 16618 CASE X706579 SUBMARINER CIRCA 1991

Movement: cal. 3135 automatic lever, 31 jewelsCase: 18k yellow gold Oyster, blue bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown and back Dial: lapis lazuli, applied luminous dot, dagger and baton indexesBracelet/Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding claspDiameter: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 165mmSigned: case, dial, and movement Accessories: presentation case

DIAL: dial and hands in very good condition. The hands have been replaced at service. CASE: With signs of wear and gentle polishing. Scuffs and light scratches. slightly deeper scratching to the lug at 1. Bracelet is good condition, minimal warping, with light scratching consistent with wear. MOVEMENT: Running at the time of cataloguing. Quick change functioning. BRACELET: 92908 The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The reference 16618 Submariner was in production from 1988 to 2008.
Over its lifespan, numerous types of dials and bezels colours were introduced, including black dial, champagne dial, and also diamond or sapphire-set indexes. But without a doubt, reference 16618 with lapis lazuli or onyx dial should be considered the rarest as only a handful of them were produced in the early 1990s. The present reference 16618 is equipped with a stunning lapis lazuli dial, showcasing a stunning ultramarine blue tone. It is extremely difficult to manufacture dials with lapis lazuli due to the delicate nature of the material, and it also took arduous work to carve the stone into appropriate sizing.

The 16618 with lapis lazuli dial is not only a rare and highly collectible piece, it is also considered by many enthusiasts as the most beautiful version of the gold Submariner.