We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Vintage Rolex Submariner 40mm Ref 16618 Purple Dial 1993 - A Retro Tale
Rolex
Submariner 40mm Ref 16618 Purple Dial 1993 Watch
Condition
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Condition:
Very Good Condition
Verified expert
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
Shiny with light scratches at sides and clasp.
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Give your luxury vintage item a second life. Contribute to a more sustainable fashion world by selling your beloved product to us. It’s fast, secure, and available for sellers within the EU.
Product Description
This vintage Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 in 18k yellow gold is a striking choice for business meetings, formal dinners or refined everyday wear. In very good condition, it features a 40mm case, automatic movement and a rare purple tropical-effect dial from 1993. The watch shows light scratches at the sides and clasp and is delivered with a Rolex Service Card with guarantee until October 2026.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
Bags
Watches
Jewelry & Accessories
Sell your vintage bags, watches, jewelry and accessories
Give your luxury vintage item a second life. Contribute to a more sustainable fashion world by selling your beloved product to us. It’s fast, secure, and available for sellers within the EU. You receive your payment right after you accept our final quote.
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• 18k yellow gold case and bracelet
• 40mm case size
• Automatic movement
• Rare purple tropical-effect dial
• Date display with Cyclops lens
• Sapphire crystal
• Unidirectional rotatable bezel
• Vintage 1993 model
• Delivered with Rolex Service Card
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Q: What movement does this watch use? A: The Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 is generally fitted with the automatic Rolex Calibre 3135, a highly regarded movement known for its reliability, quickset date and everyday practicality.
Q: Will the 40mm case fit most wrists? A: Yes, 40mm is considered a classic and versatile sports-watch size that suits many wrist sizes. This watch is fitted on a bracelet measuring approximately 18 cm, so it should work well for many wearers. If you need sizing guidance, we are happy to help before purchase.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Dimensions & Specifications
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to Denmark.
We offer secure shipping via Postnord, Budbee, Instabox, Bring and UPS with the following delivery time:
Europe: 1-4 business days.
Delivery & Returns
Q: What is special about this Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618? A: This is a vintage 1993 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 with a 40mm 18k yellow gold case and bracelet, automatic movement, date display, sapphire crystal and unidirectional bezel. What makes this example especially distinctive is its rare purple tropical-effect dial, created through natural ageing over time.
Q: What movement does this watch use? A: The Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 is generally fitted with the automatic Rolex Calibre 3135, a highly regarded movement known for its reliability, quickset date and everyday practicality.
Q: Is the purple dial original? A: The dial is not a factory-made purple dial. The purple tone is a tropical-effect patina, meaning the original dial colour has naturally changed with age. This kind of ageing is prized by many collectors because each watch develops differently and no two examples are exactly alike.
Q: Is this watch suitable for swimming or diving? A: The Submariner was originally designed as a professional dive watch, but with any vintage watch, water resistance should never be assumed. We recommend only exposing it to water after it has been freshly pressure-tested and approved by a qualified watchmaker, with the crown fully screwed down.
Q: How do I set the time and date correctly? A: Unscrew the crown first. In the first position you can wind the watch, in the next position you can adjust the date, and in the final position you can set the time. As with many mechanical date watches, it is best to avoid changing the date during the late evening and early morning hours when the date-change mechanism may already be engaged.
Q: Will the 40mm case fit most wrists? A: Yes, 40mm is considered a classic and versatile sports-watch size that suits many wrist sizes. This watch is fitted on a bracelet measuring approximately 18 cm, so it should work well for many wearers. If you need sizing guidance, we are happy to help before purchase.
Q: What condition is the watch in? A: The watch is in very good vintage condition. The hardware remains shiny, with light scratches visible at the sides and clasp, which is consistent with careful previous wear and the age of the piece.
Q: What is included with this watch? A: This watch is delivered with a Rolex Service Card with guarantee until October 2026. A Retro Tale also provides a 12-month mechanical guarantee. Any other included items will be reflected in the product information.
Q: How do you guarantee authenticity? A: All watches sold by A Retro Tale are checked for authenticity, and this watch has also been checked and certified by one of Sweden’s leading watch experts. We stand behind the originality of the watches we offer.
Q: How should I care for a vintage gold Rolex with a tropical dial? A: To help preserve both the case and the unique dial patina, avoid harsh chemicals, unnecessary polishing, prolonged direct sunlight and moisture exposure unless the watch has been tested for water resistance. Gentle handling and regular servicing by an experienced watchmaker are the best ways to care for it.
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
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201 089 DKK
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Very Good Condition
This vintage Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 in 18k yellow gold is a striking choice for business meetings, formal dinners or refined everyday wear. In very good condition, it features a 40mm case, automatic movement and a rare purple tropical-effect dial from 1993. The watch shows light scratches at the sides and clasp and is delivered with a Rolex Service Card with guarantee until October 2026.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is special about this Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618? A: This is a vintage 1993 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 with a 40mm 18k yellow gold case and bracelet, automatic movement, date display, sapphire crystal and unidirectional bezel. What makes this example especially distinctive is its rare purple tropical-effect dial, created through natural ageing over time.
Q: What movement does this watch use? A: The Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 is generally fitted with the automatic Rolex Calibre 3135, a highly regarded movement known for its reliability, quickset date and everyday practicality.
Q: Is the purple dial original? A: The dial is not a factory-made purple dial. The purple tone is a tropical-effect patina, meaning the original dial colour has naturally changed with age. This kind of ageing is prized by many collectors because each watch develops differently and no two examples are exactly alike.
Q: Is this watch suitable for swimming or diving? A: The Submariner was originally designed as a professional dive watch, but with any vintage watch, water resistance should never be assumed. We recommend only exposing it to water after it has been freshly pressure-tested and approved by a qualified watchmaker, with the crown fully screwed down.
Q: How do I set the time and date correctly? A: Unscrew the crown first. In the first position you can wind the watch, in the next position you can adjust the date, and in the final position you can set the time. As with many mechanical date watches, it is best to avoid changing the date during the late evening and early morning hours when the date-change mechanism may already be engaged.
Q: Will the 40mm case fit most wrists? A: Yes, 40mm is considered a classic and versatile sports-watch size that suits many wrist sizes. This watch is fitted on a bracelet measuring approximately 18 cm, so it should work well for many wearers. If you need sizing guidance, we are happy to help before purchase.
Q: What condition is the watch in? A: The watch is in very good vintage condition. The hardware remains shiny, with light scratches visible at the sides and clasp, which is consistent with careful previous wear and the age of the piece.
Q: What is included with this watch? A: This watch is delivered with a Rolex Service Card with guarantee until October 2026. A Retro Tale also provides a 12-month mechanical guarantee. Any other included items will be reflected in the product information.
Q: How do you guarantee authenticity? A: All watches sold by A Retro Tale are checked for authenticity, and this watch has also been checked and certified by one of Sweden’s leading watch experts. We stand behind the originality of the watches we offer.
Q: How should I care for a vintage gold Rolex with a tropical dial? A: To help preserve both the case and the unique dial patina, avoid harsh chemicals, unnecessary polishing, prolonged direct sunlight and moisture exposure unless the watch has been tested for water resistance. Gentle handling and regular servicing by an experienced watchmaker are the best ways to care for it.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to Denmark.
We offer secure shipping via Postnord, Budbee, Instabox, Bring and UPS with the following delivery time:
Europe: 1-4 business days.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Style discovery
Bracelet perimeter
Case diameter
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
201 089 DKK
• 18k yellow gold case and bracelet
• 40mm case size
• Automatic movement
• Rare purple tropical-effect dial
• Date display with Cyclops lens
• Sapphire crystal
• Unidirectional rotatable bezel
• Vintage 1993 model
• Delivered with Rolex Service Card
Condition
Dimensions
Product Information
PRODUCT FAQ
Delivery & Returns
Authentication
Authentication
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18
40
mm
Verified authenticity by our experts
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Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Free shipping & duty to Denmark
Made in
Switzerland
Reference Number:
16618
Product number:
2240005521386
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
