Submariner yellow gold 126618 specifications
Every external part here is 18 ct yellow gold, from bezel to clasp. The movement and dimensions match the steel 126610LN, so the difference you feel is weight.
| Reference | 126618LB (also 126618LN) |
|---|---|
| Collection | Submariner |
| Status | Current production |
| Introduced | 2020 |
| Predecessor | 116618LB |
| Case diameter | 41 mm |
| Case thickness | 12.5 mm |
| Case material | 18 ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, blue (LB) or black (LN) Cerachrom insert, numerals and graduations coated in gold |
| Dial options | Royal blue (126618LB), Black (126618LN) |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date |
| Calibre | 3235 |
| Movement | Perpetual self-winding, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day after casing), Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, instantaneous date with rapid setting |
| Power reserve | 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 300 m |
| Bracelet / strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links in 18 ct yellow gold; folding Oysterlock clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension |
| Retail price (US) | US$50,900 |
| Retail price (Malaysia) | RM220,700 |
Specifications checked against Rolex and independent references, October 2026. MYR figures marked ≈ are converted at 4.08 MYR per USD.
History and reference evolution
A solid yellow gold Submariner has been in the catalogue since the late 1960s. The modern line ran through the 16618 and then the ceramic 116618 pair. In 2020 the 126618LB and 126618LN replaced the 116618 versions.
What changed in 2020
The 126618 follows the same recipe as the steel models. The case moved to 41 mm with slimmer lugs. The bracelet widened to 21 mm. Inside, the 3235 took over from the 3135, adding 22 hours of reserve and the Chronergy escapement. On a gold watch, the slimmer lugs also mean slightly less gold in the case, though Rolex has not published weights.
Dial details carry the gold theme. Hands and markers have yellow gold surrounds. The bezel numerals are coated in gold. In addition, the blue LB dial has a sunburst finish, while the LN dial is a gloss black.
The 2026 catalogue change
At Watches and Wonders 2026, Rolex discontinued the white gold 126619LB. It named no white gold successor. As a result, the yellow gold 126618 is now the only solid precious-metal Submariner in the catalogue. That status has not lifted its resale yet, but it narrows the choice for gold buyers.
Why this history matters for value
Gold Rolex sports models price differently from steel. Their list prices follow bullion, and Rolex's 2026 gold increases were larger than steel. However, demand does not follow list upwards. So the 126618 in yellow gold trades below retail, and the gap widens when gold rises fast.
126618 pre-owned prices compared
| Condition | What it means | USD | MYR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unworn, full set | Stickers or barely worn, box, card dated within ~2 years, all tags | US$46,500 – US$51,000 | RM190,000 – RM208,000 |
| Excellent, box & papers | Light wear, unpolished or lightly polished, warranty card present | US$42,000 – US$46,500 | RM171,000 – RM190,000 |
| Good, no papers | Normal wear, watch only or box only, service history helps | US$37,500 – US$41,500 | RM153,000 – RM169,000 |
| Polished or aftermarket parts | Soft case edges, replaced dial/bezel/bracelet, or non-Rolex parts | US$33,000 – US$37,500 | RM135,000 – RM153,000 |
Bands reflect asking and achieved prices from 3 public market sources in October 2026, rounded. Retail for comparison: US$50,900. Prices move; use them as a sense-check, not a quote.
The LB and LN share one list price: US$50,900 in the US and RM220,700 in Malaysia. An excellent used set sells about 10 to 15 percent below US list. Even unworn pieces rarely exceed list. For a buyer, the yellow gold 126618 is therefore one of the clearest discounts in the Rolex sports range.
What moves the price of a yellow gold 126618
First, bullion sets the baseline. When gold rises, Rolex raises list, and the used floor slowly follows. When gold falls, dealers cut asks quickly.
Condition comes next, and gold is unforgiving. 18 ct gold is soft. It dents on door frames and scratches on desks. Heavy polishing removes metal as well as marks, and it softens the hallmarks. So an unpolished case with honest light wear is worth more than a polished "like new" one.
Bracelet completeness matters more than on steel. Spare gold links have real material value. A missing link is a noticeable deduction. Finally, the dial makes little difference. Blue and black ask similar money, so choose by taste.
Papers and guarantee
Papers matter on gold for a specific reason. Because the discount to list is large, buyers want proof the watch is recent and genuine. Therefore a complete set with a dated card narrows the gap to retail. By contrast, a watch-only 126618 sells at a steeper discount, as the price table shows. Also, check that the card's model number matches the dial: 126618LB for blue, 126618LN for black. Our box and papers guide covers what a full set includes.
Where to check prices
Start with rolex.com, which shows both currencies. Grey dealers come next, and for this reference their asks sit below list. Chrono24 gives the widest spread; search 126618LB and 126618LN separately. Auction results are useful here, because gold Subs appear regularly. They show what buyers actually pay, without dealer margin.
Buying a gold Submariner in Malaysia
The ringgit gap is large. An excellent set converts to about RM171,000 to RM190,000. That is RM31,000 to RM49,000 under the Malaysian list. Meanwhile, gold Subs are usually available from dealers without a long wait. So the trade-off is simple: pay list for a new watch with full guarantee, or save a car's worth of ringgit on a recent used piece.
When a price is too good to be true
Even polished pieces with replaced parts ask around US$33,000. So any 126618 offered under roughly US$30,000 (about RM122,000) needs explaining. Common traps include gold-plated fakes, steel watches with gold-plated parts, and stolen watches with clean-looking cards.
Genuine vs replica: how to check a 126618
Weight is the quickest check on a yellow gold 126618. After that, look for hallmarks, then work through the usual modern Submariner tells.
Weight and hallmarks
A solid gold Submariner is far heavier than a plated fake. Hold it next to a steel Sub if you can. Then check the hallmarks. Swiss gold marks, including the 750 fineness stamp and the St Bernard head control mark, appear on the case and clasp. They should be sharp under a loupe, not blurred by polishing or casting.
Genuine: clasp and bracelet machining
- Crisp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces
- Clasp blade and logo cleanly milled, not stamped-looking
- Bracelet links tight, quiet, no rattle; screws not pins on modern pieces
Warning signs
- Polishing bleeds over brushed edges
- Fuzzy logo, uneven font, or stamped-in look
- Loose links, sharp burrs inside the clasp, cheap spring-loaded feel
Caseback and engravings
The caseback is solid gold and plain, with no window. Any display back is aftermarket. Inside the crystal, the engraved ring carries the serial at 6 o'clock. Remove the bracelet and you will find "126618" engraved at 12.
Genuine: caseback
- Solid Oystersteel or gold, fluted edge for the case wrench
- No engraving on most models (some are factory-engraved, e.g. Sea-Dweller and Deepsea)
- Display backs are factory-fitted only on certain models (e.g. some Daytona, 1908, Land-Dweller)
Warning signs
- Exhibition window on a model Rolex makes with a solid back
- Stickers or decorative engravings sold as 'factory'
- Back that turns too easily or sits proud of the case
Dial, bezel and crystal
Turn the bezel through a full rotation: it should move anticlockwise only, in 120 even steps, and its numerals should be gold-coated. On the LB, the blue sunburst should shift with the light. Then find the faint etched coronet in the sapphire and the tiny printed one at the base of the dial. The date under the Cyclops should look large and sharp, at roughly 2.5x.
Genuine: bezel action and alignment
- Divers' bezels: 120 firm, evenly spaced clicks, one direction only
- Pearl or triangle lands exactly on 12 at every full click
- No back-play or wobble when pressed
Warning signs
- Fewer or mushy clicks, or it turns both ways
- Triangle stops just short of or past 12
- Gritty feel and a hollow, high-pitched sound
What only a watchmaker can confirm
Inside, a watchmaker should find the calibre 3235 with its blue Parachrom hairspring. They can confirm part numbers on the case and bracelet. They can also test the gold if anything looks wrong. Lastly, ask for a printout from a timing machine; rate and amplitude should both be healthy. See our real vs fake Rolex guide for the full process.
Who the yellow gold 126618 suits, and the alternatives
The Submariner 126618 in yellow gold suits a buyer who wants a sports watch with real weight and presence. It is not a stealth watch. It also suits someone who accepts the depreciation in exchange for a large discount when buying used.
If gold is too loud, the two-tone 126613LB keeps some warmth at less than half the price. For discretion, the white gold 126619LB is the alternative. Other gold sports options include the gold Daytona. Our materials guide explains 18 ct gold, and the used Rolex price guide compares gold depreciation across the range.
Submariner Date 126613LB
Two-tone Yellow Rolesor Submariner, blue Bluesy or black. Often trades below list.
Submariner Date 126619LB
White gold, black dial, blue Cerachrom; discontinued 2026. Prices, history and checks. Discontinued
Living with solid gold
Expect marks within weeks, because 18 ct gold is soft. Still, many owners accept that patina as part of the watch. However, if you plan to sell within a few years, wear it carefully. Each polish costs metal, and the next buyer will notice.
Yellow gold 126618 FAQ
Does a gold Submariner hold its value?
Less well than steel. In October 2026 an excellent 126618 full set asks roughly 9 to 17 percent below the US list price. Gold Rolex sports models track bullion and list increases rather than scarcity, so expect a loss on a new purchase.
Is the 126618LB the same as the Bluesy?
No. Bluesy refers to the two-tone 126613LB, in steel and gold. The 126618LB is solid 18 ct yellow gold throughout, including the case, bracelet and clasp, and costs well over twice as much.
How much is the 126618 in Malaysia?
Rolex Malaysia lists both the LB and LN at RM220,700. An excellent pre-owned set converts to roughly RM171,000 to RM190,000 at 4.08 MYR per USD, so the used market sits clearly below local retail.
Which is better, the 126618LB or the 126618LN?
Neither holds value noticeably better; both ask similar money. The blue LB is brighter and more recognisable. The black LN is quieter, and the black dial makes the gold case feel less flashy.
Should I buy the 126618 or the discontinued 126619LB?
The white gold 126619LB was dropped in 2026 and currently trades lower. Choose it for discretion, since white gold looks like steel. Choose the 126618 if you want gold to look like gold, with a current-production warranty.
Is the 126618 easy to buy new?
Generally, yes. Solid gold Submariners do not carry the waiting lists of steel models. Even so, dealers rarely discount them, so the used market remains the cheaper route if you accept a watch that has been worn.
Last updated . Written and fact-checked by the Rolex Malaysian editorial team. Specifications and prices are re-checked quarterly.