Rolex Submariner 116649EMBR

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About the Rolex Submariner 116649EMBR

The Rolex Submariner 116649EMBR is the legendary "Emerald Submariner," the rarest modern Submariner Rolex has ever made. Presented at Baselworld 2010 in 18k white gold, its bezel is factory-set with baguette emeralds and diamonds, and its dial is full pave diamond with emerald hour markers. Rolex has confirmed a production of just 51 pieces, placing it at the absolute summit of the Submariner line and the world of haute joaillerie. WatchGuys carries pre-owned and unworn 116649EMBR watches, each authenticated in-house and backed by a 2-year warranty. Below we cover what the 116649EMBR is, its gem-setting and rarity, what it costs, and how it compares to its sapphire-set sibling.

What Is the Rolex 116649EMBR?

The 116649EMBR is a gem-set Submariner Date introduced in 2010 in a 40mm 18k white gold Oyster case with a sapphire crystal, the Caliber 3135, a TripLock screw-down crown, and the full 300-meter water resistance of the Submariner line. Its defining feature is the bezel, set with 36 baguette emeralds and 12 diamonds, the emeralds being perfect natural untreated stones that are among the most difficult of all gems to source and match. The dial is full pave diamond with 8 emerald hour markers, and the watch is often paired with a pave diamond bracelet. The "EMBR" in the reference denotes this emerald baguette bezel. It is one of Rolex's most extravagant creations, a genuine dive watch, with rotating bezel, TripLock crown, and 300-meter capability, transformed into a piece of fine jewelry.

What sets the 116649EMBR apart even among gem-set Rolex watches is its extraordinary rarity. Rolex has confirmed, in its own official book on the Submariner, that just 51 examples were produced, making it the rarest modern Submariner in the entire catalog. That combination of genuine scarcity, top-tier gem-setting, and the iconic Submariner silhouette is why the Emerald Submariner commands such extraordinary prices and is so coveted by serious collectors. Because the value lies overwhelmingly in the emeralds and diamonds, gem authenticity, quality, and factory-set originality are paramount, and correct, undamaged, Rolex-set stones matched to the reference are central to any purchase. We verify the white gold case, the gem-setting, the dial, the movement, and overall originality in the deepest detail on every 116649EMBR we handle.

Rolex 116649EMBR Price

Pre-owned and unworn Rolex 116649EMBR watches at WatchGuys typically range from $180,000 to $360,000 or more, the highest of any Submariner reference we carry. Its confirmed production of just 51 pieces makes it exceptionally scarce, and the quality of the natural untreated emeralds, the condition of the pave dial and bracelet, and completeness with box and papers all move the price significantly. Exceptional examples have commanded strong results at major international auction. As the rarest and most valuable modern Submariner, the 116649EMBR sits at the very pinnacle of the range and of Rolex gem-set collecting. For pricing and availability on a specific 116649EMBR, contact our team directly.

Rolex 116649EMBR vs. 116659SABR

The 116649EMBR and the Rolex 116659SABR are the two great gem-set white gold Submariners, sister pieces distinguished by their stones. Both are 40mm 18k white gold Submariner Dates with the Caliber 3135 and 300-meter capability, but where the 116659SABR carries a bezel of blue baguette sapphires and diamonds, the 116649EMBR sets its bezel with green baguette emeralds and diamonds and pairs it with a full pave diamond dial. The emerald reference is by far the rarer and more valuable of the two, with just 51 examples against the more widely produced sapphire version, which is reflected in its significantly higher price. Both represent the height of Rolex gem-setting, but the 116649EMBR is the ultimate expression, the rarest modern Submariner ever made. For the wider picture, browse our Rolex Submariner lineup or our Rolex over $20,000 collection.

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Why Buy a Rolex 116649EMBR From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned Rolex 116649EMBR for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated, accurately described, and protected end to end. On the rarest and most valuable modern Submariner, scrutiny is everything, and here is what comes with every purchase.

Common Questions

Rolex 116649EMBR FAQ

• Why Is the 116649EMBR So Rare?

  Rolex has confirmed, in its own official book on the Submariner, that only 51 examples of the 116649EMBR were produced, making it the rarest modern Submariner in the entire catalog. Combined with the difficulty of sourcing the perfect natural untreated emeralds it uses, that tiny production makes the Emerald Submariner one of the most sought-after and valuable Rolex watches of the modern era. Very few come to market, and those that do attract intense collector interest.

• What Does EMBR Mean on the 116649?

  EMBR denotes the emerald baguette bezel that defines this reference. The 116649EMBR is the emerald-set version of the white gold Submariner, with a bezel set in baguette-cut emeralds and diamonds. The suffix is Rolex's way of identifying this specific factory gem-set configuration, in the same way that the sapphire-set sibling carries the SABR suffix for its sapphire baguette bezel.

• What Stones Are Set on the 116649EMBR?

  The bezel is set with 36 baguette emeralds and 12 diamonds, and the emeralds are perfect natural untreated stones, among the most difficult of all gems to source and match. The dial is full pave diamond with 8 emerald hour markers, and the watch is often paired with a pave diamond bracelet. It is a comprehensive display of Rolex's gem-setting mastery, all the more remarkable given the brand's tool-watch heritage.

• Is the 116649EMBR Still a Functional Dive Watch?

  Yes. Despite its extraordinary gem-setting, the 116649EMBR retains the full 300-meter water resistance, the TripLock screw-down crown, and the rotating bezel of the Submariner line. It is a genuine dive watch elevated to haute joaillerie rather than a purely decorative piece, which is a large part of its appeal: it combines real Rolex tool-watch engineering with the finest gem-setting the brand produces.

• How Much Does a Rolex 116649EMBR Cost?

  Pre-owned and unworn 116649EMBR prices at WatchGuys typically range from $180,000 to $360,000 or more, the highest of any Submariner reference. Its confirmed 51-piece production is the dominant factor, along with the quality of the natural untreated emeralds, the condition of the pave dial and bracelet, and completeness with box and papers. Exceptional examples have achieved strong results at major auction. Contact our team for pricing and availability on a specific 116649EMBR.

• What Is the Difference Between the 116649EMBR and 116659SABR?

  They are sister gem-set white gold Submariners distinguished by their stones. The 116649EMBR has an emerald baguette bezel and a full pave diamond dial, while the 116659SABR has a sapphire baguette bezel. Both are 40mm white gold Submariner Dates with the Caliber 3135, but the emerald 116649EMBR is far rarer, just 51 pieces, and considerably more valuable. The sapphire SABR is the more available of the two gem-set white gold references.

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