5 digit YG Sub

[jb335]

Can we talk a little 16618 LB? I'm thinking of picking one up, but am a little unclear on the changes this watch went through over the years before it switched to a 6 digit.

Most importantly, when did the 16618 LB switch from a flat dial to a sunburst? I prefer the sunburst. I believe some or most of the 16618s came with a flat blue dial and then switched to a sunburst later in the run.

Ideally, I want 1. sunburst dial, 2. SELs and 3. NO engraved rehaut. Can anyone clarify which letter series I should focus on to have that combination?

[FTX I]

Probably Z serial. If I'm not mistaken and that happens frequently even some Z are engraved but I'm not sure. Yes the 5 digit has a beautiful sunburst dial. Except for the glidelock clasp that I love I think you'll be better served with the 5 digit. Hope our buddy Lovenhagen chimes in with great pics. Happy hunting.

[jb335]

Thanks. I think some of Z is engraved too. I'm ok with sacrificing the glide lock since I rarely use it on my SS SubC.

I just can't find the year/serial where the 16618 LB switched from a flat blue dial to a sunburst blue dial. I definitely want the sunburst.

[FTX I]

Again If I'm not mistaken the flat blue was 6 digit only. All 5 had sunburst.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Again If I'm not mistaken the flat blue was 6 digit only. All 5 had sunburst.

6 digit YG is definitely sunburst. I believe only the WG Sub 6 digit is flat.

[tjbender]

Originally Posted by jb335

6 digit YG is definitely sunburst. I believe only the WG Sub 6 digit is flat.

They were produced with both

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by jb335

6 digit YG is definitely sunburst. I believe only the WG Sub 6 digit is flat.

There was a flat blue dial on the first YG six digit, Sunburst dial replaced it. 5 digit never had flat blue dial or a WG version.

[faimag]

Originally Posted by FTX I

There was a flat blue dial on the first YG six digit, Sunburst dial replaced it. 5 digit never had flat blue dial or a WG version.

Exactly! All 16618s had sunburst blue dials.

Engraving occured around Z (2006-2007). No-holes case around F (2002-2003). Also the bracelet (always solid) changed from pins to screws for removable links around W (1995).

[jb335]

Originally Posted by FTX I

There was a flat blue dial on the first YG six digit, Sunburst dial replaced it. 5 digit never had flat blue dial or a WG version.

Oh, got it. Thanks. I had it wrong. I thought the 5 digit YG Sub started out as a flat dial and switched to sunburst.

So if all 16618 LBs are sunburst, does that mean most/all will turn that purpleish color you see on a lot of them? For some reason I though there was a dial switch on the the 5 digit YG Sub and it was only the older dials that turn purple. Will most turn purple?

I have to admit, I personally don't care for purple.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by FTX I

There was a flat blue dial on the first YG six digit, Sunburst dial replaced it. 5 digit never had flat blue dial or a WG version.

Correct.... Flat Blue dial only on 6 digit WG Blue Sub and
Initial 6 digit 116613 LB's...
All 5 digit Blue dial subs TT or YG pm had
the blue sunburst dial...

[thesharkfactor]

All 16618LB had sunburst dial.
Engraved rehaut from around 2007 Z onwards.
Crown guards profile changed (I think for the worse) around 2002?
Early ones have lug holes, I think this changed around 2000.
Purple dials are more likely on an earlier watch, pre year 2000 with tritium T<25 dials. (I like this!).
16618 always had SEL's and always had solid centre link bracelets just like modern Subs.

[Onikage]

Never had a flat dial. That was the outrage with the early 6 digit offerings. There was the lapis dial but I don't think you meant those.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

All 16618LB had sunburst dial.
Engraved rehaut from around 2007 Z onwards.
Crown guards profile changed (I think for the worse) around 2002?
Early ones have lug holes, I think this changed around 2000.
Purple dials are more likely on an earlier watch, pre year 2000 with tritium T<25 dials. (I like this!).
16618 always had SEL's and always had solid centre link bracelets just like modern Subs.

OK, looks like I will focus on a pre Z but post Tritium model.

[Etschell]

people dont like the flat dial 6 series. however, if any model is going to appreciate of the 6 series blue sub it will be that dial IMO.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by Etschell

people dont like the flat dial 6 series. however, if any model is going to appreciate of the 6 series blue sub it will be that dial IMO.

I bet you are right about that. I already have a 116610 so I want to change things up and get a 5 digit Sub next. I liek my Sub C but I also really like the proportions on the 5 digit. My only 5 digit right now is a GMT so I'd like to pick up a Sub too.

[AK797]

If you don't want 6 digits I would get the nipple dial blue sunburst.

[toucan]

Engraved rehaut but still an amazing watch!

[jb335]

Beyond amazing, toucan. Beautiful.

And I could totally live with an engraved rehaut, just slightly prefer without so I have more separation between my 6 digit Rolex's.

[Loevhagen]

With engraved rehaut. No strong feelings either way.

[toucan]

Originally Posted by jb335

Beyond amazing, toucan. Beautiful.

And I could totally live with an engraved rehaut, just slightly prefer without so I have more separation between my 6 digit Rolex's.

[Etschell]

i prefer engraved rehaut.