View full screen - View 1 of Lot 172. Reference 16618 Submariner | A yellow gold automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1990.

Property of an Important Rocky Mountain Collector

Rolex

Reference 16618 Submariner | A yellow gold automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1990

Live auction begins on:

December 8, 03:00 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Dial: sunburst blue

Caliber: cal. 3135 automatic, 31 jewels

Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back

Case number: E'556'882

Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190 mm

Signed: case, dial, and movement 

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Rolex presentation box with outer packaging, Warranty paper (undated), booklets, polishing cloth, and hang tags

The Rolex Submariner is arguably one of, if not the most recognizable watch models in history since it joined Rolex’s lineup. While the Submariner is currently known as a luxury timepiece, they were originally designed to be tool watches that fulfilled a specific criteria in order to serve the wearer’s professional or recreational pursuits. 


Created in 1953, the Submariner was the first wristwatch designed specifically for scuba diving. To capitalize on this new sport that at the time was quickly gaining popularity, Rolex dived deep into their waterproofing know-how and technological capabilities to create the first professional dive watch. 


While not the first solid gold Rolex Submariner — that title goes to the Reference 1680 — the present Reference 16618 embodies the same extravagance and presence that defined the Submariner model. The 16618 was introduced in the late 1980s and is considered one of the first 'modern' Submariners featuring upgrades such as a sapphire crystal and a higher frequency movement the caliber 3135.


We are pleased to offer the present 16618, a bridge between older vintage and modern Submariners, in very good condition complete with its original presentation box and papers.