Rolex Submariner 16618 with "Tropical" Dial — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Collectors Corner NY · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Rolex Submariner 16618 with "Tropical" Dial

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Rolex (maker)
Date: c. 1991
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dealer: Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York
Stock no.: Product 9091878355220
Credit line: Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 9091878355220)
Catalogue title (original): Rolex Submariner 16618 w/"Tropical" Dial - Box & Booklets/*Unpolished* (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 9091878355220), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1991. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY

The Rolex Submariner was first introduced by Rolex in 1953 and is notable for being one of the first watches specifically designed for diving. Beyond its technical capabilities, the Submariner has become an icon in the world of watches, with a timeless design that has remained largely unchanged since its introduction. It is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential watches of all time, and has become a symbol of Rolex's reputation for quality, durability, and precision. The Sub has been worn by everyone from professional divers and military personnel to Hollywood celebrities and heads of state, cementing its place in the pantheon of iconic watches. We could not be more thrilled to offer this phenomenally well-preserved ref. 16618 with blue dial/bezel, circa 1991. Not only are these models fantastic value in today's market, we don't come across them often, let alone in such sharp condition. This example has remained completely unpolished with a mint dial which has turned to a stunning and light tropical aqua blue, tight bracelet and comes accompanied by some nice accessories. If you've been hunting for a collector grade Sub, this represents a great opportunity to acquire a truly impressive timepiece. Explore more of our vintage Rolex watches .

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Dive and water-resistant watches

Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.

Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.

What to look for

Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.

Dating clues

Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
Professional dive watches: from 1953.
Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

No escapement or complication is named in the source record. See the encyclopedia for how such pieces work.

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsNot in source
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Collectors Corner NY — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Rolex Submariner 16618 with "Tropical" Dial." Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York, Product 9091878355220. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/rolex-submariner-16618-with-tropical-dial-4d8bf0.