Collectible, “full set” 1989 Submariner ! In production for just over twenty years, this is one of the earliest examples of the stainless steel Rolex Date Submariner model 16610 with black bezel insert and tritium dial on 93150 bracelet. It comes with original 16610 box set (ref 68.00.2 with cushion & wrap / cardboard outer and in exceptional condition), both ROLEX SUBMARINER and YOUR ROLEX OYSTER booklets *, both red COSC chronometer swing-tag and the numbered green “OYSTER SWIMPRUF” swing-tag, UK papers from Lepps in Warrington dated August 1989 in black document holder with translation leaflet, Rolex 1989-1990 calendar card and even the novelty “silver string” Rolex 1.000 / 300 anchor charm – accessories which on their own are worth several hundred pounds but when still accompanying the unique watch with which they were supplied add so much more ! The bracelet is in excellent condition, has correct 501 B end links and an “M11” clasp code suggesting manufacture of that part in November 1988. The watch head with L249xxx case number is in very good condition with thick lugs and only minor signs of wear to glass and bezel insert. The “SWISS – T < 25” dial is original and like many from this era it is a “spider” dial — that is to say, its gloss black surface has over time “crazed” with a fine pattern that is often hard to see with the naked eye, usually stable and resembles threads of a spider’s silk under magnification. A macro (close-up) image to illustrate this may be viewed by clicking through the main picture. It correctly has a 16610 case-back marked inside with the first four characters of the case number and a 3135 calibre Rolex movement bearing unique number 5223450. It still has the original green factory sticker, albeit quite worn, on the case-back! The larger, NEW equivalent Submariner is now £9,000 (if you can find one….) but the earlier models have proved increasingly popular in their own right and a “full set” like this is increasingly rare on the market.
* The Submariner booklet is a particularly desirable version. It has the print code “594.52 Eng – 7 – 9.1988” which indicates that it was intended for the English market and printed in September 1988. Importantly, it includes pictures / instructions for two very desirable models, the non-date Submariner 5513 and the Sea-Dweller 16660.
We cannot accept cash for items of such high value. Please ask for one of our watch specialists if you would like to view the watch in our private / secure sales facility or to enquire about acceptable payment methods. 815773-726273
Price: £8,199