Rolex 16618 bezel tyoes and bracelet types

[timlo]

Hi all,

I have seen 16618 (both black and blue dial ones) with bezels that have yellow, gold and white fonts. My question is which type of bezel is the more correct one? Or were they just mounted on 16618 randomly through different periods?
My second question is about the bracelet. When did Rolex stop using pin bracelet and switched to screws? (pin on removable links vs screws)

Thanks!

[SN13]

Pins? In a 5 digit? No.

Rivets in some 4 digits but not pins.

[timlo]

But my 16618 X series comes with a pin bracelet

[enginerd]

I asked a question about 16618 bezels yesterday, but got zero responses.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=658088

I think the font just fades over time, but I don't know for sure. I have a P serial 16618 that I got last week. The font on the insert looks more silver than gold (it may have been gold at some point), but I see others with much more gold font.

Apparently flat 4s were a thing on 16618s as well (which I have), so was hesitant to have RSC swap inserts if the insert I have may be more rare. The flat 4 on mine perfectly goes with the flat 4s on the date wheel.

I did just buy another on eBay, which was more gold but the blue was quite faded, so I'm back to square one.

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by timlo

But my 16618 X series comes with a pin bracelet

I don't think it should have. From my research, the pin bracelet stopped in the 16808 series, around 1987 or 1988. I did come across a lot of 16618 with pin bracelets though, and many pre-1998 with Luminova dials (which means they were changed).

What is the date code on your bracelet. My P serial watch has a "DE9" stamped on the clasp, which I've learned is about 2001, so makes sense for a P serial 2000 year case.

Here's a comparison of the two screw type bracelets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWCu_7oRS_g

I have the one on the left. It appears the difference there is with the diver's extension. The older screw type bracelets have the hinged type (on right of video) and one on left has the more substantial version (I figured it was more gold too, so was happy with that).

[timlo]

So a 92908 bracelet has two variations? One with pins and one with screws?

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by timlo

So a 92908 bracelet has two variations? One with pins and one with screws?

From my research, that is also true. Could there be an X serial (1991?) that came on a pin 92908 bracelet? I guess it's possible but I think the 92908 pin bracelet died with the 16808, but I am NOT an expert. I simply did as much research as I could before I purchased.

However, I do see quite a few very early 90s watches with pins, so it was probably the norm. Your bracelet clasp code will tell you more.

Look at the 1990-1991 watches; many have pins:

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/search?q=16618

Here's an N serial (also about 1991) on pins:

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...blue-dial-8301

[SN13]

Originally Posted by SN13

Pins? In a 5 digit? No.

Rivets in some 4 digits but not pins.

I stand corrected, the 92908 bracelet had pins.

My mistake I thought all the Gold ones had Screws.

Love learning something new.

[enginerd]

Another discussion:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=161715

That makes mention of pins used until about 1993.

And here's a 1993 with pins:

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...nd-papers-2774

I stand corrected as well.

I've also learned there was a 16618 T (transitional?) sometime after 1993, but those got 93258 bracelets:

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...ner-16618-3304

I haven't removed the bracelet from my P serial, so not sure if it shows 16618 or 16618 T.

[SN13]

The other discussion says a 1984 16618? I thought 16610 & 16618 started in 87?

But the screws seem to start in the early 90s with some overlap of pins.

I honestly never knew there were pin versions.... In my mind the bracelets have always been screws or rivets.

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by SN13

The other discussion says a 1984 16618? I thought 16610 & 16618 started in 87?

But the screws seem to start in the early 90s with some overlap of pins.

I honestly never knew there were pin versions.... In my mind the bracelets have always been screws or rivets.

I think he meant 1994. If it was a 1984 gold sub it would have been a 16808 with a nipple dial and would NOT have had screws unless the bracelet was changed. And yes 1987-88 was about the changeover.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by timlo

Hi all,

I have seen 16618 (both black and blue dial ones) with bezels that have yellow, gold and white fonts. My question is which type of bezel is the more correct one? Or were they just mounted on 16618 randomly through different periods?
My second question is about the bracelet. When did Rolex stop using pin bracelet and switched to screws? (pin on removable links vs screws)

Thanks!

The font on the bezel insert fades over the years. When new it is of course gold colored, then eventually fades to yellow then to white. This process takes years and of course exposure to the sun's UV rays and the elements.

[timlo]

I think there are two types of bezels. One type has darker gold fonts while the other type has brighter gold fonts which looks yellow. I am not sure if the third type exist which should have fonts that are more silver than gold.