167 - Rolex, Submariner, Ref. 16618 Lapis Lazuli, No. X593756, manufactured in 1991 and likely sold around 1993.

Rolex, Submariner, Ref. 16618 Lapis Lazuli, No. X593756, manufactured in 1991 and likely sold around 1993. An extremely rare, exceptional, and superb gold diving watch featuring a blue unidirectional graduated bezel, an exceptional lapis lazuli dial, luminous hour markers, and gold hands. Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, and date at 3 o’clock. Screw-down case back and crown; self-winding mechanical movement, Caliber 3135. Original gold Oyster bracelet (with 2 additional links not shown) featuring a folding clasp (Ref. 92908). Accessories: Absolutely full set, inner box, presentation box, undated warranty certificate (1993), tag, anchor, seal, cleaning cloth, card holder, calendar, and manuals. Condition: In excellent overall condition, in working order. The dial is flawless, and the hands are in perfect condition. Slight micro-scratches from normal wear on the case, caseback, bracelet, and clasp. Diameter: 40 mm The Submariner reference 16618 was produced from 1988 to 2008. During its production run, numerous dial colors (champagne, black, blue, etc.) and various bezel colors were offered, but the lapis lazuli dial is undoubtedly the rarest and most desirable version. This deep-blue semiprecious stone has been prized since ancient times for the intensity of its color. Transforming it into a dial requires cutting the stone to a thickness of less than 1 mm. Since the process is particularly complex and the rejection rate is very high, it is estimated that only about 20% of the dials produced were actually mounted on watches intended for sale. It is therefore not surprising that these models are extremely rare and appear only very sporadically on the international auction market. Only a few examples are believed to have been produced in the early 1990s. The 16618 with a lapis lazuli dial is mentioned in some of the brand’s catalogs dating from 1991 to 1993, but apparently not after 1994, with onyx subsequently remaining the only stone offered. Many experts estimate that fewer than 25 of these watches were produced, though we are unable to verify this. An internal Rolex document titled “Dial Code Chart for Dials at Additional Cost,” dating from the 1990s, indicates that the code 9L refers to a lapis lazuli dial offered as an option. These two characters appear in the serial number listed on the certificate of authenticity: R1661889LB9290. Undoubtedly the most beautiful version of the gold Submariner, thanks to the blue and incomparable hues of this gemstone, our example is believed to have come from an opportunity offered by Rolex’s U.S. importer to a major New York retailer as part of an exceptional family gift. An exceptionally rare and superb yellow gold diver’s wristwatch, featuring a blue unidirectional graduated bezel, an extraordinary lapis lazuli dial, luminous hour markers, and gold hands. Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, and date at 3 o’clock. Screw-down case back and crown, automatic mechanical movement, caliber 3135. Original gold Oyster bracelet (with two additional links not shown), fitted with a folding clasp (ref. 92908). Accessories: Offered as a complete set, including outer box, presentation box, undated warranty certificate (1993), tag, anchor, seal, card holder, calendar, and manuals. Condition: In excellent overall condition and in working order. The dial is flawless, and the hands are in perfect condition. Light surface scratches consistent with normal wear are present throughout the case, case back, bracelet, and clasp. The Submariner reference 16618 was produced from 1988 to 2008. Throughout its production run, numerous dial variations (champagne, black, blue, etc.) and different bezel colors were offered, but the lapis lazuli dial is arguably the rarest and most desirable version. This deep blue semiprecious stone has been prized since ancient times for the intensity of its color. Transforming it into a watch dial requires cutting the stone to a thickness of less than 1 mm. The process is particularly complex, and the rejection rate is very high; it is estimated that only about 20% of the dials produced were suitable for installation in a watch intended for sale. It is therefore hardly surprising that these models are exceptionally rare and appear only very sporadically on the international auction market. Only a handful of examples are believed to have been produced in the early 1990s. The lapis lazuli dial is listed under reference 16618 in certain Rolex catalogs dating from 1991 to 1993, but apparently no longer after 1994, with onyx remaining the only stone dial offered thereafter. Many experts estimate that fewer than 25 examples of this watch were produced, although this figure cannot be independently verified