Lot Essay
Offered in very good overall condition and with the full set of accessories, the present timepiece is one of the exceedingly few Submariners with lapis lazuli dials to appear in public to date and can rightly be considered one of the rarest and most beautiful trophies for collectors of Rolex sports watches.
The lapis lazuli version, the favourite gem of Egyptian pharaohs and Royal dynasties throughout history, is perhaps the most eye-pleasing: not only the deep blue colour is breathtaking, but the stone’s natural inclusions add movement and flair to the dial. These dials are known for their fragile nature and are increasingly scarce to find in unharmed condition.
Reference 16618, the all-gold Submariner, was launched in the mid-1980s, fitted with the caliber 3135 movement and quick-set calendar functions. The model was available with a variety of dial versions, the present lapis lazuli variant being amongst the rarest.
The lapis lazuli version, the favourite gem of Egyptian pharaohs and Royal dynasties throughout history, is perhaps the most eye-pleasing: not only the deep blue colour is breathtaking, but the stone’s natural inclusions add movement and flair to the dial. These dials are known for their fragile nature and are increasingly scarce to find in unharmed condition.
Reference 16618, the all-gold Submariner, was launched in the mid-1980s, fitted with the caliber 3135 movement and quick-set calendar functions. The model was available with a variety of dial versions, the present lapis lazuli variant being amongst the rarest.