The History of the Rolex Submariner Reference 16618

October 22nd, 2020

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most famous and iconic watches that set a golden standard for all luxury diving timepieces. It has a vital place in the history of watchmaking as it was the first-ever diver watch with water-resistant ability up to 100m (330ft).

The watch featured a 60-minute rotating bezel to track decomposition stops precisely. Moreover, the luminous detailing offered visibility in the vast darkness of the ocean.

However, Rolex has made many upgrades to the Submariner over the years, thereby offering in different design details, colours, and materials.

So the particular model that we will be exploring here today is the 18ct yellow gold Rolex Submariner Reference 16618. So continue reading to know about it.

Regardless, if you want to sell a Rolex Submariner for the best price, call us on 07828 750705 for a free competitive quote instantly.

The Rolex Submariner 16618: Early Days

In the 1950s, the Submariner made its debut in the market, featuring a steel body, bi-directional bezel, and a time-only dial. It was water-resistant to a depth of 100m.

The stainless steel versions during the first few generations underwent several updates, eventually paving the way for the Submariner 16618 that we know today.

Rolex increased the case size, added crown guards and a date window accompanied by Cyclops lens. Also, the watches were fitted with chronometer-certified movement.

The Reference 1680 was the first Sub to flaunt a date display. However, Rolex produced another variant of this watch (the Reference 1680/8) in all gold.

• This watch sported an aluminium bezel, acrylic crystal and was water-resistant up to 200m.
• Moreover, the Rolex equipped the Reference 1680/8 with a sunburst blue or gloss black “Nipple Dial” with 18ct yellow gold raised markers.

Next, the watchmaker unleashed the transitional Submariner Reference 16800, offering a high beat Calibre 3035 movement for the first time.

• This Perpetual movement offered a frequency of 28,800bph.
• Additionally, the Reference 16800 was the first Submariner to feature the sapphire crystal, prized for its ultra-sheen and scratch-resistant ability.
• The water-resistant ability also increased to a depth of 300m.

However, Rolex produced this transitional Submariner version only in steel, and it featured a uni-directional aluminium bezel and a black dial.

Following the Reference 16800 is an all-gold Submariner 16808. Rolex introduced the watch with a blue or black dial and bezel.

However, early versions of the Reference 16808 were offered nipple dials.

On the other hand, later versions sported dials with applied hour markers that resemble the ones present in contemporary Submariner references.

Moreover, Rolex furnished the Submariner Reference 16808 with “Serti Dials”, featuring sapphire and diamond hour markers on champagne or a dark rhodium-coloured dial.

The Inception of Rolex Submariner 16618

The Reference 16808 made way for the 18ct yellow gold Rolex Submariner 16618. This first all-gold Submariner was powered by the Calibre 3135 movement.

• The Calibre 3135 comes with 31jewels and offers a longer power reserve up to 50hours.
• Moreover, the watchmaker upgraded the Calibre 3135 movement in 2000 by adding its patented blue Parachrom hairspring.
• While Rolex launched the Submariner 16618 in the 1980s, it is often considered as neo-vintage Sub.

Rolex continued to produce the watch until 2010. Later, the six-digit Submariner 116618 replaced it that featured a bigger “Maxi” dial and a ceramic bezel.

Thus, the Key Features of the Rolex Submariner 16618 are –

• Made of 18ct yellow gold and feature a 40mm case
• The functions include Time with Running Seconds and Date Display
• Comes with a blue or black dial and aluminium bezel
• Features flat Sapphire crystal and Cyclops Lens
• Powered by the Rolex Calibre 3135 movement
• Water-resistant to a depth of 300m(1000ft)
• Fitted with Oyster Bracelet.

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Fill up our online form, providing all details on your Rolex watch and receive a free valuation shortly. Or call on 07828 750705 now to book an appointment at our Hatton Garden office in London.

Whether it is a Submariner or a Datejust, we will determine a fair and accurate price, based on its current market value and other essential factors like its condition and age. Sell your Rolex watch to us and get paid instantly.