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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

Rolex Submariner Date Reference 16618

Partially verified

This 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.

Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16618 with blue dial, case in solid yellow gold.
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16618 with blue dial, case in solid yellow gold. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16618
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1991
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case and bracelet have been professionally refurbished and exhibit only light signs of wear”
  • “The lugs remain thick and symmetrical and feature drilled-holes.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gorgeous sunburst blue 'bluesy' dial inside is seemingly mint”
  • “the Tritium-filled indices all even in color. The Tritium handset and pip in the blue aluminum bezel insert match perfectly.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “dates to circa 1991 and comes to us in fantastic overall condition and has been previously sold as a Rolex Certified Pre Owned watch.”
  • “this piece comes with its full set of Rolex CPO goodies!”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement exhibit internal modifications or service history beyond the external refurbishment mentioned?
  • Are the specific serial number range records consistent with the circa 1991 dating provided by the vendor?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Submariner Date Reference 16618
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelRolex Submariner Date“Rolex Submariner Date”
Reference16618“Ref. 16618”
Datecirca 1991“dates to circa 1991”
Case MaterialYellow gold“solid yellow gold treatment”
DialSunburst blue“gorgeous sunburst blue 'bluesy' dial”
LuminescenceTritium“Tritium-filled indices”
RefurbishmentProfessional“case and bracelet have been professionally refurbished”
Previous CertificationRolex CPO“previously sold as a Rolex Certified Pre Owned watch”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • Refurbishment status of the case and bracelet is reported but not verified by factory records
  • Exact date of manufacture is cited only as circa 1991

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی غواصی Rolex Submariner Date رفرنس 16618 با صفحه آبی

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f005cf541a

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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