Rolex Submariner Date Reference 16618
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1991
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Submariner Date, identified as reference 16618, is a self-winding wristwatch featuring a yellow gold case and bracelet. Often referred to by the moniker 'Bluesy', this neo-vintage timepiece is distinguished by its sunburst blue dial and matching blue aluminum bezel insert.
The watch displays a date aperture at 3 o'clock with a Cyclops lens and incorporates Tritium-filled indices and handset. The case is equipped with drilled lugs and the bracelet comprises solid yellow gold links. According to the provided information, the watch was produced circa 1991. The vendor reports that the watch has undergone professional refurbishment of its case and bracelet and was previously sold through the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program.
The timepiece functions as a dive watch rated to a depth of 300 meters, as indicated by the '1000ft=300m' text on the dial.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1991
- Dial
- Sunburst blue
- Type
- Dive watch
- Model
- Rolex Submariner Date
- Reference
- 16618
- Luminescence
- Tritium
- Case Material
- Yellow gold
- Refurbishment
- Professional
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
- Previous Certification
- Rolex CPO
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The watch features a sunburst blue dial, commonly identified by the vendor as the 'Bluesy' dial. The indices are applied and filled with Tritium, appearing even in color across the dial. The indices are framed by white gold surrounds. The handset also contains Tritium material, which matches the luminous pip located on the blue aluminum bezel insert. The dial includes the standard date window at the 3 o'clock position, magnified by a Cyclops lens mounted on the crystal.
- Visible features
- • Sunburst blue dial with white gold surrounds on markers • Drilled lug holes in the case • Yellow gold link bracelet with polished center sections • Date display with magnifying Cyclops lens
- Case and Bracelet
- The Rolex Submariner Date reference 16618 is constructed with a solid yellow gold case and matching oyster-style bracelet. The case design incorporates drilled lug holes, a feature present on this example. The surfaces of the watch, including the bracelet, have been subject to professional refurbishment. The vendor notes that light signs of wear remain on the polished surfaces, specifically highlighting scuffing on the polished center links of the bracelet on the 12 o'clock side. Despite the refurbishment, the auction description reports that the lugs maintain their thickness and symmetrical appearance.
- Provenance and Condition
- This watch is identified as a neo-vintage example dating to circa 1991. The piece has previously passed through the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program, and the listing states that it comes accompanied by the associated documentation and items from that program. The overall condition is described by the vendor as fantastic, noting that the cosmetic work performed has kept wear to a minimum. The documentation and status as a former CPO watch serve as the primary indicators of its history provided in this listing.
Identification
- Reference
- 16618
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Refurbishment status of the case and bracelet is reported but not verified by factory records
- Research required: Exact date of manufacture is cited only as circa 1991