Submariner reference number.

[S6 Devil]

I have been considering a Rolex Submariner blue faced bi metal 2004 watch. This is a private sale. The owner states that the reference on the watch paperwork is 16618 which I believe equates to a solid gold watch and strap rather than the bi metal watch and strap. Is this correct? He bought the watch from a reputable dealer but I am unsure whether the paperwork belongs to the watch. He only has the one original guarantee paper.
I have asked him to take it to a jeweller and have them remove the bracelet to check the numbers on the watch and am waiting too hear back.

Any ideas?

[Dominic H]

S6 Devil said:

I have been considering a Rolex Submariner blue faced bi metal 2004 watch. This is a private sale. The owner states that the reference on the watch paperwork is 16618 which I believe equates to a solid gold watch and strap rather than the bi metal watch and strap. Is this correct? He bought the watch from a reputable dealer but I am unsure whether the paperwork belongs to the watch. He only has the one original guarantee paper.
I have asked him to take it to a jeweller and have them remove the bracelet to check the numbers on the watch and am waiting too hear back.

Any ideas?

Morning S6,

A steel & gold Submariner is a model ref 16613, the all gold version has the designation 16618. If he has 16618 paperwork, it doesn't refer to this watch (16613). It is possible that the AD supplied the wrong Chronometer cert(COSC) at the point of sale. Unfortunately, seven years on this is not possible to correct as Rolex do not supply replacement COSC certs.
The absence of paperwork does not necessarily make it a bad watch, just worth less than a 'box and paper' example. If you decide that you want to buy, be sure to check the case number with Rolex UK to ensure it is not on the lost/stolen register. I'm sure its a great watch, there will be others.

Hope this helps...

DH

[S6 Devil]

Thanks. I think I'll hang fire as I'd rather be safe than sorry. I think I would really rather have a black bi metal Sub anyway. Cheers!