Rolex Submariner 116618LN

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About the Rolex Submariner 116618LN

The Rolex Submariner 116618LN is a solid 18k yellow gold dive watch with a black dial and matching black Cerachrom bezel. Rolex produced it from 2008 until 2020, when the 41mm generation replaced it. WatchGuys carries pre-owned and unworn 116618LN watches, each authenticated in-house and backed by a 2-year warranty. Below we cover what the 116618LN is, the detail that separates it from the gold Submariners on either side of it, what it costs, and how it compares to its successor.

What Is the Rolex 116618LN?

The 116618LN is a Rolex Submariner Date produced from 2008 to 2020 in a 40mm case built entirely from solid 18k yellow gold, including the bezel, crown, and every link of the Oyster bracelet with its Glidelock extension. It pairs a glossy black maxi dial, with 18k gold hour markers and Mercedes hands filled with Chromalight, against a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The bezel numerals and graduations are gold-coated rather than platinum-coated as on the steel references, so the watch reads gold on gold on black. Rolex's internal suffix "LN" stands for Lunette Noire, French for black bezel. Inside is the Caliber 3135 with a 48-hour power reserve and COSC certification, and water resistance is 300 meters.

One thing distinguishes the 116618LN within the gold Submariner lineage: it was the first full gold Submariner to carry a ceramic bezel. The preceding Rolex 16618 used an aluminum insert that fades and softens with age, which collectors either prize as character or avoid as wear. The Cerachrom insert introduced with this reference does neither, staying scratch-proof and fade-proof indefinitely. That makes the 116618LN the earliest gold Submariner a buyer can own without factoring bezel condition into the purchase.

Rolex 116618LN Price

Pre-owned and unworn Rolex 116618LN watches at WatchGuys typically range from $30,000 to $40,000 or more. Where a specific piece lands depends on production year, condition, and whether the original box and papers are included, with complete sets trading toward the upper end. As a discontinued reference built entirely from solid gold, it carries a price floor the steel Submariners do not have, and it sits below the current Rolex 126618LN while trading above two-tone references such as the Rolex 126613LN. For a closer look at how this reference wears, read our Rolex 116618LN review. For pricing on a specific piece in our inventory, contact our team directly.

116618LN vs. 126618LN vs. 116618LB

The Rolex 116618 family came in two configurations, and the sibling is the blue-dial Rolex 116618LB. Both share the 40mm gold case, Caliber 3135, and Oyster bracelet; the LB pairs a sunburst blue dial with a blue bezel for a bolder look against the gold, while the LN's black dial tames the metal and reads far more conservatively. Looking forward, the 126618LN replaced this reference in 2020 with a 41mm case, slimmer lugs and crown guards, and the Caliber 3235 with roughly 70 hours of power reserve rather than 48. Buyers who prefer the more compact 40mm proportions or want a discontinued reference at a lower entry point stay with the 116618LN. Those who want the current movement choose the newer generation. For the full precious metal range, browse our yellow gold Submariner collection, the wider gold Rolex range, or the complete Rolex Submariner lineup.

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Why Buy a Rolex 116618LN From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned Rolex 116618LN for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated, accurately described, and protected end to end. Here is what comes with every purchase.

Common Questions

Rolex 116618LN FAQ

• What Does the "LN" in 116618LN Mean?

  LN stands for Lunette Noire, French for black bezel. Rolex uses the suffix to distinguish the black dial and black bezel configuration from the 116618LB, where LB stands for Lunette Bleue, or blue bezel. Both are the same solid gold reference, and the suffix is the only thing separating them on paper.

• Is the Rolex 116618LN Discontinued?

  Yes. Rolex produced the 116618LN from 2008 to 2020 and replaced it with the 126618LN as part of the generation-wide Submariner update. Because it is no longer in production, secondary market supply is fixed at what was made before 2020, which tends to support pricing stability over time.

• How Much Does a Rolex 116618LN Cost?

  Pre-owned and unworn 116618LN prices at WatchGuys typically range from $30,000 to $40,000 or more. Production year, condition, and whether the original box and papers are included all affect where a piece lands, with complete sets trading toward the top. Contact our team for current pricing on a specific 116618LN in our inventory.

• What Is the Difference Between the 116618LN and 16618?

  The bezel material is the main difference. The earlier 16618 uses an aluminum bezel insert that can fade and scratch over decades of wear, while the 116618LN introduced the black Cerachrom ceramic insert that resists both. The 116618LN also uses the larger maxi dial markers. Both are 40mm solid 18k yellow gold and both run the Caliber 3135.

• How Does the 116618LN Compare to the 126618LN?

  The 126618LN replaced the 116618LN in 2020. The case grew from 40mm to 41mm with slimmer lugs and crown guards, and the movement was upgraded from the Caliber 3135 to the 3235, raising the power reserve from 48 hours to about 70. Both are solid 18k yellow gold with a black dial and black Cerachrom bezel. The 116618LN trades below the current generation.

• Does a Solid Gold Submariner Scratch Easily?

  Gold is softer than Oystersteel, so the case and bracelet will pick up marks more readily with daily wear. The bezel is the exception: the Cerachrom insert is ceramic and resists scratching regardless of the case metal. Gold also polishes back well, and many owners treat light surface wear as expected on a watch of this age. Bracelet stretch is worth checking on any solid gold Oyster bracelet, and we inspect for it on every piece.

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