1991 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 Blue 18K YG LNOS Full Set

When the Submariner hit the market in the 1950s, the watch was only produced in steel. It featured a time-only dial, a bi-directional bezel, and was water-resistant up to 100 meters. Of course, all this eventually changed, making way for the Submariner 16618 as we know it today.

 

The first Submariner to feature a date window on its dial was the ref. 1680. A variant of this model, the ref. 1680/8 was the first Submariner produced in all gold (not to be confused with reference 16808, which Rolex released a short time later). Just like the stainless steel version, it featured an acrylic crystal over the dial, an aluminum bezel insert, and water-resistance up to 200 meters. However, while the steel variant was fitted with a matte black dial, the ref. 1680/8 received either a gloss black or sunburst blue “Nipple Dial” with raised markers in matching 18k yellow gold.

 

Following the ref. 1680 is the transitional Submariner 16800 which was produced only in steel and featured a black dial and aluminum bezel.

 

The next stop was the Submariner 16808, which is the all-gold variant of the transitional ref. 16800. It featured all the same upgrades as its all-steel counterpart and was produced with a black or blue dial and bezel. While early examples of the ref. 16808 featured nipple dials just like its predecessor, later-production versions featured dials with applied markers that much more closely resemble those fitted to modern Submariner watches.

 

That brings us to the ref. 16618 in solid 18k yellow gold. Replacing the ref. 16808, which was the first all-gold Submariner to run on the caliber 3135 movement. Also produced during this era was the two-tone Submariner ref. 16613 and the all-steel ref. 16610 with white gold-trimmed luminous hour markers. The 1980s, with improved functionality and materials, marked the transition from the vintage Submariner to the modern generation. Even though Rolex released the Submariner 16618 during this time, some collectors consider it to be neo-vintage as it continues to make the transition towards becoming a vintage watch.

 

The Submariner 16618 remained in production until 2009 when it was replaced by the 6-digit reference 116618 with a ceramic bezel and larger “Maxi” dial. Rolex discontinued the original 6-digit gold Submariner in September 2020 and replaced it with the brand-new reference 126618.

The watch offered for sale here is a Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 from 1991 and we are proud to say it’s one of the best-preserved examples to have ever surfaced the market. This watch is in like New Old Stock (LNOS) condition, showing little to no signs of use. Hardly what it’s commonly known as “shop marks”.

 

The vivid blue dial presents no aging at all, except for the tritium hour markers that show a lovely creamy hue patina. The gold hands have a matching patina too.

 

The aluminum bezel is also preserved in perfect condition with no scratches at all.

 

The 18K yellow gold case remains unpolished and with hardly any signs of wear, featuring sharp factory bevels. The case back also remains untouched and crisp, preserving in almost new condition the original green factory sticker with the reference number. The Rolex hologram of the sticker which is, again, perfectly preserved, can be clearly seen through a side angle.

 

The sapphire crystal has a very thin, superficial scratch on the left side.

 

The original, fully linked 20mm Rolex Oyster 92908 18K 750 solid yellow gold bracelet with 46B end links and clasp code R10, preserves the diver’s extension for wetsuits and it also remains untouched and in stunning condition showing no stretch at all.

 

Furthermore, this example is presented as a full set which includes outer box, inner box, cleaning cloth, manual, calendar, and original stamped guarantee papers showing it was sold in 1997 by Brooking Joyero, S.L. which was the official registered company name of Unión Relojera Suiza in Madrid, an official Rolex Retailer in Spain. Unfortunately, this retailer, that was constituted in 1992, closed in 2013, having their most difficult period from their beginnings up to the early 80s, finally losing their Rolex concession in 2012, and probably leading to its closure the following year. An example of the mentioned Rolex retailers’ period of history is this watch offered here, which was probably one of the first Rolex watches they ever received, and that remained unsold for almost 5 or 6 years.

 

Macro pictures are available under request.