Rolex Submariner 16618
Discover pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16618 watches, an ultra-luxurious yellow gold version of the iconic dive watch, at exceptional prices here. Shop online and in-store.
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About Rolex Submariner 16618
The Rolex Submariner is an illustrious dive watch, equipped with a rotating bezel to track time underwater and adorned with luminescent details for enhanced visibility in the dark. The Submariner 16618 is a remarkable full-gold edition of the famed Rolex Submariner released in the late 1980s, and it shows the perfect balance between vintage and modern Rolex design.
Bearing all the characteristics of Rolex’s iconic diver’s watch, the Submariner 16618 has a 40mm Oyster case waterproof to 300m. It features the older-style case outfitted with an unidirectional graduated aluminium insert diving bezel, a screw-down crown, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a magnified date window with the signature Cyclops lens, a dial with large luminescent hour markers and Mercedes hands, and a sporty Oyster bracelet made of solid yellow gold.
As a full 18ct yellow gold model, the Rolex 16618 is an ultra-luxurious Submariner, offered with mutiple dial and bezel configurations. From the black dial and bezel reference (16618LN) to the blue dial with a yellow gold bezel equipped with a blue bezel insert (16618LB), each variant is a bold statement piece that looks exceptional both on land and on water.
There’s also the popular “Serti” variant of the Submariner 16618 featuring diamond and sapphire gemstones set around the dial as hour markers. An even more precious edition is the 16618 with a rare ‘lapis lazuli’ dial (only a few were produced in the early 1990s).
Powered by the Rolex Calibre 3135 movement, which is Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, the watch offers a 48-hour power reserve, hacking seconds and a Quickset Date feature.
Discontinued in 2010, the Submariner 16618 remains a sought-after vintage yellow gold Rolex model, serving as a high-value investment piece for collectors.
Key Features of the Submariner 16618
The Rolex Submariner 16618 is an iconic gold watch beloved for its attractive features, comfortable sizing and reliable movement. Here’s a closer look at the features and specifications that define this outstanding gold dive watch.
Oyster Case
The Submariner 16618 features a durable Oyster case in 18ct yellow gold with polished and satin finishes. The Oyster case of the Rolex 16618 also guarantees water resistance of up to 300m via a secured case back and screw-down Triplock crown.
Bezel
It has a unidirectional rotating 18ct yellow gold bezel with matching golden 60-minute graduation on the aluminium bezel insert, allowing divers to accurately track dive time and decompression stops. The ridged edges provide a secure grip in the water, helping divers utilise this feature fully. While originally designed for underwater use, the bezel is also quite functional on land, allowing easy tracking of events up to 60 minutes.
Dial
The main visual element of the Submariner Ref. 16618 is its dial. The dial of this model is specially designed with legibility in mind and thus, ensures a luminous display set in gold surrounds. Appealing to the divers and adventurers, the dial design ensures high visibility at all times, with the time represented by the iconic Mercedes hands. The dial is topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and has a Cyclops lens over the date window.
Oyster Bracelet
The Rolex Submariner 16618 comes fitted with an Oyster bracelet made of solid 18ct yellow gold to match the case. It is equipped with a folding Oysterlock clasp, featuring a wetsuit extension. The Oyster bracelet ensures comfort, safety and durability at all times, both on land and in the sea. The clasp prevents accidental opening while the wetsuit extension allows wearers to conveniently expand the bracelet without any additional tools.
Movement
Inside the 16618 beats the self-winding automatic Rolex Calibre 3135 perpetual movement. The movement is also COSC-certified, ensuring thehighest level of reliability and accuracy. The newer editions of the Submariner 16618 (those produced after 2000) also have Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring, increasing the watch’s shock resistance and temperature fluctuations. The Calibre 3135 offers a notable 48-hour power reserve.
Notable Submariner 16618 Dial Variations
The Rolex Submariner 16618 is a luxury dive watch with several distinct dial variations, ranging from classic styling to high-end opulence.
Submariner 16618LB: Affectionately referred to as the “Bluesy”, this version features a vibrant blue sunburst dial matching the blue bezel. It has yellow gold applied hour markers and hands.
Submariner 16618LN: This version features a glossy black dial and a black bezel, offering a more subtle aesthetic than the all-blue variant.
Stone Dials: One of the rarest and most coveted dial variants is the Lapis Lazuli (stone dial). Produced in the early 1990s, this dial is made from semi-precious blue Lapis stone with a unique texture and is considered extremely valuable.
Gem-Set Dials: The ‘Serti’ dial variety features diamonds and sapphires or sometimes just diamonds as markers in yellow gold surrounds. The term ‘Serti’ is derived from French sertissage, meaning gem-setting.
Tropical Blue Dials: Due to ageing or a chemical reaction to UV light, the paint on early blue sunburst dials fades to a distinct purple or violet hue, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Investment Potential Of The Rolex Submariner 16618
The Rolex Submariner 16618 is no longer available at retail, and with the ever-rising price of gold, this all-gold Submariner is always a sound investment. The watch is expected to hold its value quite well and potentially appreciate over the years.
Over the past few years, the Rolex 16618 has shown positive growth, outperforming several watch market indexes. Moreover, as the 16618 was produced in low numbers, there’s strong demand for the model, making it an excellent investment opportunity.
However, factors such as condition, documentation, and specific dial configuration also affect the value, with unique variants commanding significantly higher prices.
How to buy a pre-owned Rolex 16618 safely in the UK?
A pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16618 requires a significant investment, and it’s important you know where and how to shop for a competitive deal.
Here’s what to do:
Do the research: It’s important to arm yourself with knowledge about the watch before you buy it. Research about the watch’s average market price and its most distinguishing characteristics to ensure you’re getting a genuine deal.
Choose the right seller: Finding the right seller is incredibly important. Not only will it ensure you’re buying a real watch, but it will also guarantee that you get the best deal when buying pre-owned.
Ask for adstional information: Don’t be shy about asking questions about the watch. Ask about the original box and papers; whether the watch was serviced before, etc., as all these factors can significantly affect the value. A trusted seller never hesitates to provide additional information upon request.
Why Buy Pre-Owned Submariner 16618 From The Luxury Hut?
The Luxury Hut is the most trusted name in second-hand Rolex watches. Every used Submariner 16618 listed for sale is fully certified to guarantee it is 100% authentic and also includes a 12-month warranty, a 14-day easy return policy, and our Authenticity Certificate. This way, you can be confident that you’re getting nothing but a genuine gold Rolex with original and genuine Rolex parts.
We have an impressive selection of pre-owned Submariner 16618 models at various stages, with different dial combinations, including the rare and most coveted ones. The watches are competitively priced, making them easier to access and have been thoroughly inspected by in-house experts, ensuring they are in excellent condition.
If you prefer to shop in person, visit us in-store with a prior appointment, and we’d be happy to assist. However, for convenience, you can shop directly on our safe, secure website and enjoy free, insured shipping. We’ll ensure a smooth and hassle-free process either way.
For further details, get in touch on 0207 242 9160.
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