Rolex Submariner 116659SABR

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About the Rolex Submariner 116659SABR

The Rolex Submariner 116659SABR is the high-jewelry Submariner, a factory gem-set interpretation of the world's most famous dive watch crafted entirely in 18k white gold. Introduced in 2018, its bezel is set with baguette sapphires and diamonds in an ocean-blue gradient, its case and crown guard are pave with brilliant-cut diamonds, and it retains the full 300-meter capability of the Submariner line. It is one of the rarest and most extravagant Submariners Rolex has ever produced. WatchGuys carries pre-owned and unworn 116659SABR watches, each authenticated in-house and backed by a 2-year warranty. Below we cover what the 116659SABR is, its gem-setting and dial options, what it costs, and how it compares to the standard white gold Submariner.

What Is the Rolex 116659SABR?

The 116659SABR is a gem-set Submariner Date produced from 2018 in a 40mm 18k white gold Oyster case with a solid white gold bracelet, a sapphire crystal, the Caliber 3135, and 300-meter water resistance. Its defining feature is the bezel, set with 27 baguette-cut sapphires and 11 baguette-cut diamonds, capped by a triangle-cut diamond at 12 o'clock, arranged in a gradient of blue that evokes the ocean. The case and crown guard are further set with 92 brilliant-cut diamonds, for a total of roughly 3.90 carats of sapphire and 1.72 carats of diamond, all selected and set by Rolex's own gemmology laboratory. The "SABR" in the reference denotes this sapphire and baguette-diamond bezel. It was offered with two dial choices, a rich blue lacquer dial and an upgraded pave diamond dial, both with white gold Mercedes hands.

What makes the 116659SABR so special is that it is a genuine tool watch wrapped in fine jewelry rather than a purely decorative piece. A charming, often-overlooked detail underlines this: the first nine sapphires on the bezel are set in a lighter shade of blue, echoing the classic 15-minute decompression scale of a real dive bezel, so even this jeweled Submariner keeps a nod to its diving heritage. Because the value here lies as much in the stones as in the watch, gem authenticity 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 configuration, the movement, and overall originality in the deepest detail on every 116659SABR we handle.

Rolex 116659SABR Price

Pre-owned and unworn Rolex 116659SABR watches at WatchGuys typically range from $120,000 to $175,000 or more. Where a specific watch lands depends heavily on the dial, with the pave diamond dial commanding a premium over the blue lacquer version, and on condition, gem integrity, and completeness with box and papers. As a rare, factory gem-set white gold reference produced in limited numbers, the 116659SABR occupies a distinctive niche at the intersection of luxury sport watches and fine jewelry. For pricing and availability on a specific 116659SABR, contact our team directly.

Rolex 116659SABR vs. the Standard White Gold Submariner

The 116659SABR shares its 40mm white gold case, Caliber 3135, and 300-meter capability with the standard white gold Submariner, the Rolex 116619LB "Smurf," but the two are worlds apart in presentation. The 116619LB is the understated white gold Sub, with a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel and blue dial, a watch whose preciousness is deliberately discreet. The 116659SABR takes the same white gold foundation and transforms it with a sapphire-and-diamond baguette bezel and a diamond-set case, turning a professional dive watch into a piece of high jewelry. Both are 18k white gold Submariners, but the 116619LB whispers while the 116659SABR dazzles. For the wider picture, browse our Rolex Submariner lineup or our Rolex over $20,000 collection.

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Why Buy a Rolex 116659SABR From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned Rolex 116659SABR for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated, accurately described, and protected end to end. On a gem-set white gold reference this valuable, scrutiny is everything, and here is what comes with every purchase.

Common Questions

Rolex 116659SABR FAQ

• What Does SABR Mean on the 116659?

  SABR denotes the sapphire and baguette-diamond bezel that defines this reference. The 116659SABR is the gem-set version of the white gold Submariner, with a bezel set in baguette-cut sapphires and diamonds rather than a standard ceramic or metal insert. The suffix is Rolex's way of identifying this specific factory gem-set configuration within the Submariner line.

• What Stones Are Set on the 116659SABR?

  The bezel carries 27 baguette-cut sapphires and 11 baguette-cut diamonds, with a triangle-cut diamond at 12 o'clock, in a gradient of blue. The case and crown guard are set with 92 brilliant-cut diamonds. In total there is roughly 3.90 carats of sapphire and 1.72 carats of diamond, all selected and set by Rolex's own gemmology laboratory. The pave diamond dial version adds still more diamonds across the dial itself.

• Is the 116659SABR Still a Functional Dive Watch?

  Yes. Despite its jewelry, the 116659SABR retains the full 300-meter water resistance, screw-down crown, and rotating bezel of the Submariner line. There is even a functional nod on the bezel: the first nine sapphires are a lighter shade of blue, echoing the classic 15-minute decompression scale of a standard dive bezel. It is a genuine tool watch elevated with fine jewelry rather than a purely decorative piece.

• What Dial Options Does the 116659SABR Have?

  The 116659SABR was offered with two dial choices: a rich blue lacquer dial and an upgraded pave diamond dial. The blue lacquer version pairs beautifully with the blue sapphire bezel, while the pave diamond dial takes the watch to an even higher level of luxury. The pave dial version typically commands a premium on the pre-owned market. Both use white gold Mercedes hands and the same gem-set case and bezel.

• How Much Does a Rolex 116659SABR Cost?

  Pre-owned and unworn 116659SABR prices at WatchGuys typically range from $120,000 to $175,000 or more. The dial is the largest factor, with the pave diamond version commanding a premium over the blue lacquer dial, followed by condition, gem integrity, and completeness with box and papers. As a rare factory gem-set white gold reference, it sits at the top of the Submariner range. Contact our team for pricing and availability on a specific 116659SABR.

• What Movement Does the 116659SABR Use?

  The 116659SABR uses the automatic Caliber 3135, the same reliable movement found in the standard Submariner Date of its era, with a date function and roughly 48 hours of power reserve. The gem-setting is purely a case, bezel, and dial treatment, so mechanically the watch delivers the same proven performance as any Submariner Date. We ensure the movement is correct and properly serviced before any example is listed.

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