Messi – Rolex Submariner in 18k white gold with a blue dial and an oyster bracelet

Argentina’s living legend Leo Messi is wearing a rare 40mm Rolex Submariner in 18k white gold with a blue dial and an oyster bracelet.

27 dark blue baguette-cut sapphires and 11 baguette-cut diamonds have been used for the ceramic bezel, which is rotatable with graduations for decompression times. The case and crown are set with 92 brilliant cut diamonds.

About The Watch 

In 2018, the Rolex Submariner made its covert premiere. This Submariner ref. 116659 SABR is similarly made of 18k white gold, which is identical to the white gold Submariner ref. 116619 LB “Smurf” featuring a blue dial with a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel. 

The automatic mechanical self-winding Rolex caliber 3135 movement of this Rolex Submariner 116659SABR is rhodium plated and embellished in oeil-de-perdrix. It has a shock absorber mechanism and 31 gems in its construction. On the other hand, the watch’s movement vibrates at a rate of 28,800 mph (4Hz).

In addition, the Rolex Submariner movement features a monometallic balancing adjustable to temperatures and five settings, a self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balancing spring, and Microstella regulatory screws. It also has a straight-line handle escapement, including a center hacker seconds gadget for precise time adjustment.  

The 27 dark blue baguette sapphires, 11 baguette-cut diamonds placed at the hourly markings, and a triangle-cut diamond positioned at 12 o’clock are embedded in the bezel in exemplary Rolex form. The first nine sapphires are light blue, symbolizing the traditional diving bezel graded for decompression periods, even if this isn’t your usual dive piece. The 92 brilliant-cut diamonds are also placed into the casing and crown shield. 

Moreover, on the Rolex Submariner, there is a sum of 1.72 karats of diamonds and 3.90 carats of sapphire. These were all chosen and carefully placed by the Rolex gemmology workshop.

Rich sunburst blue dials with the recognizable attached white golden lume-filled hourly markings found on current Submariners in standard manufacture are offered for the Rolex Submariner. The Cyclops lens attached to the crystal’s surface magnifies the date display, which is present. Nevertheless, upon further examination, it is clear that the depth level rating that is typically present on Submariner dials is absent. Given that it is so unlikely that the Submariner will ever be used for a severe deep dive, it may not matter as much if it is waterproof to 300 meters as with other Submariners.

The Rolex Submariner also has a 13mm wide casing, dial, and movement, which are all marked. Furthermore, it features a power reserve of 48 hours at complete winding and 330 meters or 1,000 feet of water resistance.

Lastly, the Rolex Submariner ref. 116659 SABR has a white golden Oyster bracelet featuring a foldable Oysterlock secure clasp. This is just like the “Smurf” Submariner. The bracelet may even be extended by 20mm in 2mm intervals using the Glidelock expansion mechanism. Rolex also provides this Submariner piece with the alternative of a white gold Oyster bracelet containing diamond-set center connections. This is especially for those individuals who prefer even more grandeur products.

Price market: $140,000.00 USD

Watch reference: 116659SABR

Photo: Getty Images