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Deep correctness and anti-slop audit: qualify gold Submariner chronology, movement, materials, production, market and fitment claims.
Deep audit: qualify 116618 gold, hallmark and bracelet claims
 
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116618 Submariner}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116618 Submariner}}
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Submariner 116618 — Yellow Gold, 2008–2020 | Rolexopedia
|title=Rolex Submariner 116618, yellow-gold Cerachrom Submariner Date | Rolexopedia
|description=The full gold Submariner is not a new idea. Rolex introduced the first yellow gold Submariner Date — the 1680/8 — in 1969, the same year as the Apollo 11…
|description=The Rolex 116618 is the full 18k yellow-gold Submariner Date from the Cerachrom and caliber 3135 generation, produced approximately from 2008 to 2020.
|keywords=Rolex, 116618, Submariner, specifications, reference guide
|keywords=Rolex, 116618, Submariner, specifications, reference guide
|image=Ref 116618 detail 2.jpg
|image=Ref_116618_hero.webp
|image_alt=Yellow-gold Submariner, Cerachrom
|image_alt=Yellow-gold Submariner, Cerachrom
|type=Article
|type=Article
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</div>
</div>


The 116618 is the full 18k yellow-gold Submariner Date of the Cerachrom era, produced from about 2008 to 2020 with caliber 3135. It was offered with black (LN) or blue (LB) dial and bezel combinations. The 18k yellow-gold case and bracelet distinguish it from the steel 116610LN and white-gold 116619LB.
The 116618 is the full 18k yellow-gold Submariner Date of the Cerachrom era, in production from roughly 2008 to 2020 on caliber 3135. Rolex has offered a full yellow-gold Submariner Date since the 1680/8 appeared in 1969. The 116618 is the ceramic-bezel generation of that line.
 
The yellow-gold case distinguishes it from the steel 116610LN and the white-gold 116619LB.


<span id="core-facts"></span>
<span id="core-facts"></span>
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| 126618LB / LN
| 126618LB / LN
| 2020–present
| 2020–present
| 41mm; caliber 3235; 21mm bracelet
| 41mm; caliber 3235; thinner lugs; 21mm bracelet
|}
|}


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== What changed from the 16618 ==
== What changed from the 16618 ==


The gold Submariner took the same generational package the 116610LN brought to steel. Cerachrom ceramic replaced the aluminum insert, the Glidelock clasp replaced the Fliplock, the case widened into the broader-lugged Super Case, Chromalight replaced SuperLuminova, and the rehaut picked up engraving. The 16618 used an aluminum insert that can scratch or fade; Cerachrom is more resistant to ultraviolet light, corrosion, and scratching.
The gold Submariner took the same generational package the 116610LN brought to steel. Cerachrom ceramic replaced the aluminum insert, the Glidelock clasp replaced the Fliplock, the case widened into the broader-lugged Super Case, Chromalight replaced SuperLuminova, and the rehaut picked up engraving. The 16618 used an aluminium insert that can fade and scratch; the Cerachrom insert is more resistant to those forms of wear, though ceramic can still chip or be damaged.


<span id="production-outline"></span>
<span id="production-outline"></span>
== Production outline ==
== Production outline ==


The LB (blue) and LN (black) variants share the same case, movement, bracelet, and ceramic-era construction. Rolex has not published a complete year-by-year change register. Case, bezel body, crown, crown guards, bracelet, and caseback are 18k yellow gold; reported fully linked weights vary with link count and accessories.
Both LB (blue) and LN (black) variants are documented across the production period. The cited sources do not establish a complete mid-run change table for every dial and market.
 
The case, bezel body, crown, crown guards, bracelet, and case back are 18k yellow gold. Total weight varies with bracelet sizing and links, so a forum-reported weight is not a specification.


<span id="movement-notes"></span>
<span id="movement-notes"></span>
== Movement notes ==
== Movement notes ==


Caliber 3135 runs the reference, with quick-set date, 28,800 vph, Microstella regulation, and a Parachrom hairspring. Rolex used the movement across steel, two-tone, yellow-gold, and white-gold Submariners, but case and bracelet materials differ. Service history can change the parts fitted to an individual watch.
Caliber 3135 throughout, the same movement that runs the 116610, the 116613, and the 116619LB. Quick-set date, 28,800 vph, Microstella regulation, and a Parachrom blue hairspring in Rolex's paramagnetic niobium-zirconium alloy, more resistant to magnetic interference than the older hairspring alloys. The same caliber family appears in the steel, two-tone, yellow-gold, and white-gold Submariners of this generation. The 116618 differs from the 116610LN in case, bracelet, bezel, and dial materials; the movement specification remains caliber 3135.


The successor 126618 moved to caliber 3235, which brought a 70-hour power reserve, the Chronergy escapement, and updated regulation. That is the functional gap between the 116618 and the current gold Submariner.
The successor 126618 moved to caliber 3235, which brought a 70-hour power reserve, the Chronergy escapement, and updated regulation. That is the functional gap between the 116618 and the current gold Submariner.
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=== Blue dial (LB) ===
=== Blue dial (LB) ===


[[File:Ref 116618 detail 2.webp|thumb|right|280px|alt=Yellow-gold Submariner 116618LB, sunburst blue dial and Cerachrom bezel|Yellow-gold 116618LB — sunburst blue dial, Cerachrom bezel]]
[[File:Ref 116618 detail 2.webp|thumb|right|280px|alt=Yellow-gold Submariner 116618LB, sunburst blue dial and Cerachrom bezel|Yellow-gold 116618LB; sunburst blue dial, Cerachrom bezel]]


Like the two-tone 116613LB, the blue-dial 116618LB went through a dial-finish transition during production. Earlier examples carried a flatter blue; later production moved to the more pronounced sunburst blue that became the standard across the gold Submariner line. The exact timing on the 116618LB is less well-documented than on the two-tone reference.
Like the two-tone 116613LB, the blue-dial 116618LB went through a dial-finish transition during production. Earlier examples carried a flatter blue; later production moved to the more pronounced sunburst blue that became the standard across the gold Submariner line. The exact timing on the 116618LB is less well-documented than on the two-tone reference.


The blue dial has applied gold Maxi markers, luminous plots, and gold hands, paired with the blue Cerachrom bezel. Its appearance changes with the light; individual dial finish and service history should be checked from photographs or inspection.
The blue dial can appear darker or lighter as the sunburst catches different light. It has gold Maxi markers, large luminous plots, and gold hands, paired with the blue Cerachrom bezel.


<span id="black-dial-ln"></span>
<span id="black-dial-ln"></span>
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=== Case ===
=== Case ===


The case body, bezel, crown, crown tube, crown guards, and caseback are 18k yellow gold. The wider lugs and heavier crown guards are commonly called the Super Case or Maxi Case. The Triplock crown contributes to the 300m rating.
The entire case is 18k yellow gold: body, bezel, crown, crown tube, crown guards, and case back. Lugs and crown guards are heavier than the 16618's, the geometry collectors call the Super Case or Maxi Case. Triplock crown, sealed to 300m.


A 40mm case on a 20mm bracelet. The successor 126618 went to 41mm with thinner, more tapered lugs and a 21mm bracelet; Fratello's review of the 126618LB called the new lugs pointier and closer to the original 1680/8, a retreat from the blocky Maxi Case shape. The 116618 is where that broad-lug geometry peaked.
The 116618 uses a 40mm case on a 20mm bracelet. The successor 126618 went to 41mm with thinner, more tapered lugs and a 21mm bracelet; Fratello's review of the 126618LB describes the new lugs as more tapered than the earlier Maxi Case.


<span id="bezel"></span>
<span id="bezel"></span>
=== Bezel ===
=== Bezel ===


Cerachrom ceramic is more resistant to fading and scratching than the 16618's aluminum insert. On the yellow-gold model, the numerals and graduations are filled with gold; the steel and white-gold models use different metal-filled graduations.
Cerachrom ceramic, the change that defines the generation. It is more resistant to fading and surface scratches than the 16618's aluminum insert, although ceramic can chip under a hard impact. Numerals and graduations are filled with gold to match the case; the steel and white-gold models use different filling materials.


<span id="crystal"></span>
<span id="crystal"></span>
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=== Hallmarks ===
=== Hallmarks ===


Hallmarks follow the standard Swiss precious-metal system. A 750 stamp, meaning 18k or 750 parts per thousand fine gold, should appear on the case and case back. The St. Bernard "Barry" mark is the Swiss precious-metals stamp used post-1995.
Hallmarks follow the standard Swiss precious-metal system. A 750 stamp denotes 18k gold, or 750 parts per thousand fine gold. Swiss precious-metal hallmarks and the St. Bernard "Barry" mark should be checked on the individual case and bracelet components; their placement varies by component and production detail.


<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
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The 97208 is a full 18k yellow-gold Oyster with a Glidelock extension giving roughly 20mm of micro-adjustment. Polished center links sit against brushed outer links, so the bracelet shifts finish as it moves; Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' treats that contrast as a distinguishing quality of the gold Submariner bracelets. The steel 116610LN Oyster is brushed throughout.
The 97208 is a full 18k yellow-gold Oyster with a Glidelock extension giving roughly 20mm of micro-adjustment. Polished center links sit against brushed outer links, so the bracelet shifts finish as it moves; Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' treats that contrast as a distinguishing quality of the gold Submariner bracelets. The steel 116610LN Oyster is brushed throughout.


The full-gold construction is heavier than the steel bracelet. The 97208 is the documented bracelet reference, but individual watches should be checked for replacement or service parts.
The full-gold bracelet is substantially heavier than the steel bracelet used on the 116610. Published examples use the Glidelock-equipped 97208. Service or replacement bracelets can occur, so the bracelet should be checked on the individual watch.


<span id="production-volume-estimates"></span>
== Production volume estimates ==


Rolex does not publish production totals by reference or material. Trade estimates for combined gold Submariner output lack a factory source and are not treated as a count here.


<span id="market-and-collector-context"></span>
<span id="market-and-collector-context"></span>
== Market and collector context ==
== Market and collector context ==


The 116618 trades in a different segment from the steel Submariners. Its closer price comparisons are other precious-metal sports watches, including the white-gold 116619LB.
The 116618 appears less often at auction than vintage gold Submariners and is more commonly seen in dealer and certified-pre-owned listings. Results vary with dial, case condition, bracelet, papers, service history, and whether the watch is LB or LN. One Bonhams 2020 blue-dial lot is cited below. It is a single documented sale, not a price guide.
 
The 116618 trades in the precious-metal segment rather than with steel Submariners. Current prices vary by dial, condition, completeness, service history, and market; no reference-wide range is asserted here. Relative availability of LN and LB examples also varies by venue and date.
 
Documented major-house auction results for the 116618 are scarce; most gold Submariner lots at the majors belong to the vintage 1680/8, and the 116618 mostly moves through the dealer market. One verified exception: Bonhams sold a sunburst-blue 116618LB at its London sale in November 2020 for £25,250 including premium, case No. 598*****, movement No. 252*****, on the full 18k gold Oyster bracelet stamped D8P 97208 — the same bracelet reference given in this article's Core facts. A single lot sets a data point, not a market; asking prices in the dealer channel remain the better day-to-day signal.


== Related references ==
== Related references ==


* [[Reference:116619LB|Submariner 116619LB]]: "Smurf", white gold (2008–2020)
* [[Reference:116619LB|Submariner 116619LB]]: "Smurf", White Gold (2008–2020)
* [[Reference:116613|Submariner 116613]]: 2009–2020
* [[Reference:116613|Submariner 116613]]: 2009–2020
* [[Reference:116610LV|Submariner 116610LV]]: "Hulk", green dial (2010–2020)
* [[Reference:116610LV|Submariner 116610LV]]: "Hulk", Green Dial (2010–2020)
* [[Reference:116610LN|Submariner 116610LN]]: 2010–2020
* [[Reference:116610LN|Submariner 116610LN]]: 2010–2020
* [[Reference:114060|Submariner 114060]]: 2012–2020
* [[Reference:114060|Submariner 114060]]: 2012–2020
* [[Reference:16610LV|Submariner 16610LV]]: "Kermit", green bezel (2003–2010)
* [[Reference:16610LV|Submariner 16610LV]]: "Kermit", Green Bezel (2003–2010)


See also the [[Reference:submariner|Submariner family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
See also the [[Reference:submariner|Submariner family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_116618_hero.webp|Full-gold 116618LB
File:Ref 116618 detail 2.webp|Blue dial and Cerachrom bezel detail
</gallery>


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/archive/index.php/t-120033.html Rolex Baselworld 2010 Submariner technical material] — launch-era ceramic Submariner specifications
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date]; Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/submariner/m126618ln-0001 Rolex Submariner technical specifications] — current yellow-gold successor specifications and feature definitions
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/rolex-info/rolex-two-tone-submariner.html Bob's Watches two-tone Submariner history]; Bob's Watches editorial staff, Bob's Watches
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolex_Submariner Wikipedia: Rolex Submariner] — family chronology
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-submariner The Rolex Submariner: A Complete Collector's Guide]; Stephen Pulvirent, Sotheby's
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/rolex-submariner-date-history/ Gray & Sons Submariner Date history]; Gray & Sons editorial, Gray & Sons
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/rolex-info/rolex-two-tone-submariner.html Bob's Watches two-tone Submariner history] — Bob's Watches editorial staff, Bob's Watches
* [https://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-reference-guide/ Rolex Submariner Reference Guide]; Professional Watches editorial, Professional Watches
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-submariner The Rolex Submariner: A Complete Collector's Guide] — Stephen Pulvirent, Sotheby's
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual''; Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/rolex-submariner-date-history/ Gray & Sons Submariner Date history] — Gray & Sons editorial, Gray & Sons
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25959/lot/6/rolex-an-18k-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-submariner-ref-116618-purchased-27th-july-2016/ Rolex ref. 116618 Submariner, sunburst blue dial, lot 6]; Bonhams, London, 24 November 2020
* [https://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-reference-guide/ Rolex Submariner Reference Guide] — Professional Watches editorial, Professional Watches
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/submariner The Rolex Submariner]; Rolex, Submariner history and technical overview
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Submariner Date brochure]; Rolex, caliber 3135 and Cerachrom technical specifications
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25959/lot/6/rolex-an-18k-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-submariner-ref-116618-purchased-27th-july-2016/ Rolex ref. 116618 Submariner, sunburst blue dial, lot 6] — Bonhams, London, 24 November 2020


[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:Submariner]]
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