I love all the watches in our collection but every now and again we find something that’s simply exceptional. This 18ct Submariner is just such a watch. We bought it from a collector who did a lot of due diligence prior to purchase. It was bought by a local hotelier in Bournemouth and handed down to his son who only wore it on rare occasions. Our client spoke to the supplying Rolex dealer who confirmed the sale and aside from regulating it has never been to Rolex so we believe it’s unpolished – the chamfering on the shoulders is beautiful. All the Rolex brochures are dated 1991, the box has the 16618 sticker and the calendar is of course 1991/1992 – Rolex even included a leather jotter with spare pad which is unused. The solid 18ct yellow gold case and Oyster bracelet (we also have the spare link with push fit screws) are in overall excellent condition with only minor signs of wear picked up over the last 30 years (I’d be happy to send high resolution pictures if required). The original and untouched champagne/diamond dial is breath-taking and the deep blue bezel insert is again in excellent condition for its age. In terms of provenance we have:
- The original Rolex punched paper guarantee
- The original Rolex swing tag with correct serial number
- The original Rolex brochures with correct date
- The original Rolex box – inner and outer (immaculate) – with the correct model sticker
I can find 4 of these for sale in the world and this is streets ahead in terms of condition, originality and providence. Rolex prices, particularly for their flagship range, are galloping ahead and I would be confident to say that this is one of, if not the, best examples in the world. We can’t guarantee future values but if history is an judge this will provide a stunning watch to wear and a good financial investment.
I’d be happy to take the case back off if required and our watchmaker will service it prior to delivery.
