Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2007 Reference No: 16618 Case No: F’922’093 Model Name: Submariner Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “CL8” Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Karnig Co. Ltd. Jordan and dated 28th January 2007, product literature, leather card holder, hang tags, 2006-2007 calendar, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Submariner ref. 16618 was in production between 1988 and 2008 as an opulent version of the world’s most coveted divers’ watch. Dressed in a fully yellow gold livery, the model was tightly based on its stainless-steel counterpart, the ref. 16610, using the same newly introduced calibre 3135 equipped with a convenient hacking seconds function and quick date setting. Not to mention, the ref. 16618 is also the last generation of gold Submariner models to feature the thinner traditional case and the nostalgic aluminum bezel insert. The successor, ref. 116618, displays the maxi-case design with a ceramic bezel insert in addition to a non-metallic homogeneous blue dial.
A last of its kind, the present example was manufactured in 2007. The blue dial, blue bezel combination on this reference is undoubtedly striking, giving a beautiful contrast that enhances the luxuriousness of the yellow gold case and bracelet. Exceptionally well-preserved, this ref. 16618 is offered with its original accessories, making this lot a rather compelling opportunity to add a testament of Rolex’s quest for luxury to any collection.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.