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What is the Rolex Submariner 116659SABR?
It is a Rolex Submariner reference described by Sotheby’s and Phillips as a blue-dial watch in 18k white gold, set with diamonds and sapphires. Catalogs commonly call it a Submariner Date. Phillips lists an automatic caliber 3135 movement and date display for its cataloged example; that is a published specification, not a hands-on inspection of every watch bearing the reference. Sotheby’s catalog entry and Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XXIII entry describe individual examples.
Phillips explains “SABR” as French abbreviations referring to sapphires and brilliant diamonds. That is the auction house’s explanation of the letters, rather than a naming statement independently verified from Rolex. Phillips’ catalog essay supplies that interpretation.
What makes the design different?
White gold and gemstone setting
Rather than the conventional metal-and-insert appearance of a standard Submariner, the 116659SABR combines a white-gold case and bracelet with stones on the bezel and case/lugs in cataloged examples. The exact setting should be checked on the individual watch: catalogs describe particular lots, and their descriptions alone do not authenticate another example or establish that its stones are original.
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- Waterproof Design: Water resistant up to 20 ATM / 200 meters / 655 feet, suitable for diving and underwater activities
- Luminous Display: Luminescent hands and hour markers provide excellent night brightness for easy reading in low light conditions
- Premium Features: Japanese quartz movement with no need for hand winding, unidirectional rotating bezel, premium 316L stainless steel construction, mineral crystal glass with protruding magnifying glass, screw-in crown, and double safety buckle
- Size Specifications: 41 mm case diameter, 48 mm lugs to lugs length, 13 mm thickness, 20 mm lug width, 163g weight, fits wrists up to 8.5 inches
- Quartz Movement Advantages: More affordable and accurate than automatic watches, quartz movement requires no hand winding, suitable for those who do not wear their watch daily
A blue, gem-set bezel
Phillips describes one cataloged bezel with 36 baguette-cut blue sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds, including lighter blue sapphires from 12 to 3 o’clock. In its description, the lighter stones across the first 15-minute section echo the timing graduations of a standard Submariner. These counts and placements belong to that cataloged example, not necessarily every watch offered under the reference.
Rolex describes the standard Submariner and Submariner Date family bezel as unidirectional and graduated to 60 minutes. That is family-level context; it is not a reference-specific technical sheet confirming the construction or operation of the 116659SABR’s gem-set bezel. Rolex’s Submariner family page gives the general description.
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- Business Pointer Quartz Watch: Dial diameter is 1.6 inches (41 mm). Case thickness is 0.43 inches (11 mm), steel band width is 0.79 inches (20 mm), length is 8.66 inches (22 cm). The weight of the men's watch is 4.16 ounces (118 g)
- Fashion Gold Green Man Watch: Luminous Hands/Markers and Enlarged Date Window at Three o'clock, Stylish Watch with Roman Scale Bezel, Water Resistance Up to 30M. Usually, Suitable for Swimming, But not Suitable for Deep Diving
- Night-light Function：When Using the Luminous Pointer Function for the First Time, Please illuminate The Watch Under The Light for 30 Seconds to Activate the Luminous Function. Watch Chain Can Be Adjusted in Size
A dial identification clue
Christie’s catalog notes that its 116659SABR example lacks the “1000ft = 300m” depth-rating text seen on other Submariner dials. That omission can help compare a watch with the cataloged example, but it is not proof of authenticity by itself. Christie’s lot record documents the observation.
What specifications are documented?
| Detail | What catalogs say |
|---|---|
| Reference and model | 116659SABR; described as Submariner or Submariner Date by Sotheby’s and Phillips. |
| Case and bracelet | 18k white gold in the cited Sotheby’s and Phillips catalog descriptions. |
| Dial | Blue in the Sotheby’s and Phillips descriptions; Christie’s notes the absence of “1000ft = 300m” on its cataloged example. |
| Movement and date | Phillips lists automatic caliber 3135, 31 jewels, and a date display for its 2019 cataloged example. |
| Size | Sotheby’s gives 40 mm for its example; a separate Phillips catalog gives 41 mm. These are lot-specific catalog measurements, not a settled universal dimension. |
| Gem setting | Phillips describes diamonds and sapphires on its example, including 36 baguette-cut blue sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds in one catalog essay. |
The dimensional difference is a reason to consult the documentation for the particular watch rather than assume a single measurement from a reference number alone. Condition, polishing, accessories, and paperwork likewise vary by individual example.
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- [Impressive Dial] ⌚ The dark green face is a bold choice further accentuated by the distinct and prominent time markers, and its date windows fit comfortably on its surface. The bezel has both Arabic numeral and dot indexes as well as a one-way rotation.
- [Top Quality Materials] ⌚ The case is premium stainless steel and the glass face is constructed from hardened mineral crystal for the sake of durability. The stainless steel link bracelet is as stylish as it is practical and wouldn’t look out of place with a suit.
- [Nice Watch for Men] ⌚ Exquisite appearance and smooth lines of men's watch show a unique sense of fashion, is an excellent choice to dress matching. It is the preferred watch for father, husband, son, brother, boyfriend, friend and more.
- ⌚What You Get: OLEVS men's stainless steel watch. ⌚ Water resistant to 100 feet (30 m), suitable for daily use. Not suitable for bathing, swimming, diving and other water related work.
How should you assess a particular 116659SABR?
Visual resemblance and a matching reference description are not enough to establish authenticity, originality, or value. When comparing a watch with catalog examples, consider the whole evidence set:
- Confirm the reference and movement documentation with a qualified watch specialist.
- Compare the case, bracelet, bezel stones, stone layout, and dial against reliable records; establish whether the gem setting is original rather than aftermarket.
- Inspect condition, including any polishing, and check what papers, box, or other accessories are actually included.
- Use dated, specific comparable sales or a current appraisal for a valuation, rather than treating an old estimate or one result as a universal price.
How much does the Rolex 116659SABR cost?
There is no current asking price or reliable present-day market value established by the cited catalog records. Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XXIII listed an estimate of CHF 70,000–140,000 and recorded a result of CHF 120,650 for its particular lot. Those figures describe that dated auction and lot, not the current value of every 116659SABR. Sotheby’s and Phillips records show specialist-auction market appearances, but do not establish current availability, production quantity, or the model’s full production span.
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- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 10mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Swiss quartz movement, 705 Caliber; Assembled in Thailand; 371 battery included; Watch weight: 135 grams
- Stainless steel band, 205mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal;Push/pull crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
