The Rolex Submariner Ref 16618: Bold and Refined
This gold dive watch is part of Rolex's iconic Submariner line, which started in 1953. For several decades, Submariner watches were only available in full stainless steel. That changed in the late 1980s.
Around 1990, Rolex released Ref 16618. The watch offers the same durability and classic design as its predecessors. But it's one of the earliest examples of the Rolex Submariner in all gold.
Key Features of the Ref 16618 Rolex Submariner Watch
The standout feature of this watch is its 18-karat yellow gold case. The 40-millimeter Oyster case is available in both satin and polished finishes. Despite its luxurious materials, Ref 16618 is durable enough for deep diving. It has a water-resistance rating of 300 meters thanks to the Triplock crown and caseback.
To match its case, the Ref 16618 features a solid 18k gold oyster bracelet. This bracelet features a fold-out wetsuit extension, which allows wearers to easily expand the fit for wearing over a wetsuit or any thick sleeves. Since the bracelet links are hollow, they're also lighter on the wrist.
There are two color variations available for this gold dive watch. The standard comes with a black dial and a matching aluminum-insert bezel. The second option has a blue dial and bezel. Both colorways have gold-trimmed indexes for hour markings. Topping the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens over the date window.
The bezel is unidirectional and has golden 60-minute graduations. Rolex included deep ridges on the bezel for better grip underwater.
The Ref 16618 Movement
Powering this Rolex Submariner watch is the Caliber 3135 movement. It's a self-winding perpetual movement that offers many improvements over its predecessor. Some key features of Caliber 3135 include:
- 31 jewels
- 50 hours of reserve power
- Enlarged balance wheel
- Full balance bridge
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