ROLEX | AN EXTREMELY RARE YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, LAPIS LAZULI DIAL AND BRACELET REF 16618 CASE X706637 SUBMARINER CIRCA 1992

• cal. 3135 automatic movement, 31 jewels • lapis lazuli dial, applied luminous dot, dagger and baton indexes, center seconds, magnified aperture for date • 18k yellow gold case, rotating bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down  crown and case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

The movement is running, the dial is intact and in excellent condition. The bezel is very crisp and excellent. The case is in equally good condition with crisp edges, strong gold marks. There is some minor signs of the bracelet being removed under the lugs. The case back with very crisp mill edge. the bracelet with light surface wear that can be seen with the naked eye. overall, the watch is in very excellent and very appealing condition. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information.**
"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."

Accompanied by a Rolex instruction manual and presentation box. 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 precious stone dial, be it onyx or lapis lazuli, should be considered the most elusive ones as only a handful of them were produced in the 1990s.

The present reference 16618 is equipped with a stunning lapis lazuli dial, showcasing a stunning ultramarine blue tone with subtle hue of purple shades and gold pyrites. 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.

With the intact dial and strong condition of the case, the present watch is extremely rare to find.