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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116613 Submariner}}
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Submariner Date 116613 — BezelBase
|title=Rolex Submariner 116613 (2009–2020) — Production & Dial Guide | BezelBase
|description=The 116613 is the ceramic-bezel Rolesor Submariner Date. It replaced the aluminum-insert 16613 around 2009 and ran until the 41mm 126613 with caliber 3235…
|description=The 116613 is the ceramic-bezel Rolesor Submariner Date. It replaced the aluminum-insert 16613 around 2009 and ran until the 41mm 126613 with caliber 3235…
|keywords=Rolex, 116613, Submariner, specifications, reference guide
|keywords=Rolex, 116613, Submariner, specifications, reference guide
|type=article
|image=Ref 116613 hero.jpg
|image_alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|published_time=2026-04-14T16:12:59Z
|modified_time=2026-08-04T00:07:34Z
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}
}}


<small>[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]] -> '''116613'''</small>


<small>[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]] → '''116613'''</small>
The 116613 is the Cerachrom-bezel Rolesor Submariner Date, in production from around 2009 until the 41mm 126613 with caliber 3235 took over in 2020. It sits in the middle of the ceramic-era Submariner generation, more accessible than the full-gold 116618 and more distinctive than the steel 116610LN, and it carries the Rolesor bracelet of polished yellow-gold center links against brushed steel outers forward into the Cerachrom age.


[[File:Ref 116613 hero.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
The step up from the 16613 is substantial. Cerachrom replaced the aluminum bezel insert, Glidelock replaced the Fliplock clasp, and Maxi-format markers under Chromalight lume made the dial read larger and glow brighter. Super Case lugs changed the wrist proportions. The two-tone identity carries forward; in the hand the watch is a different object.
[[File:Ref 116613 detail.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]


The 116613 is the ceramic-bezel Rolesor Submariner Date. It replaced the aluminum-insert 16613 around 2009 and ran until the 41mm 126613 with caliber 3235 took over in 2020. Within the ceramic-era Submariner generation, it occupies the middle position: more accessible than the full gold 116618, more distinctive than the steel 116610LN, carrying the visual language of the Rolesor bracelet — polished yellow gold center links against brushed steel outer links — into the Cerachrom age.
The blue-dial variant, 116613LB, is the "Bluesy," a nickname inherited from the 16613LB. Blue dial, blue Cerachrom bezel, and polished gold center links read as one piece, and that combination is what brings most buyers to the reference.


The step up from the 16613 is not incremental. Cerachrom replaced aluminum. Glidelock replaced Fliplock. Maxi-format markers with Chromalight lume are larger and brighter. Wider Super Case lugs changed the proportions. The two-tone identity carries forward, but the watch is a different object.
<span id="core-facts"></span>


The blue dial variant, 116613LB, is universally called the “Bluesy” — a nickname inherited from the 16613LB. Sunburst blue dial, blue Cerachrom bezel, and polished gold center links create a visual coherence that makes this the defining two-tone Submariner configuration and the reason most buyers come to the reference.
[[File:Ref 116613 hero.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613|Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613]]


<span id="core-facts"></span>
== Core facts ==
== Core facts ==


Line 33: Line 39:
|-
|-
| production
| production
| approximately 2009 to 2020
| about 2009 to 2020
|-
|-
| movement
| movement
Line 54: Line 60:
|-
|-
| bracelet
| bracelet
| Oyster ref.93253 with Glidelock, solid gold center links
| Oyster ref.97203 with Glidelock, solid gold center links
|-
|-
| rehaut
| rehaut
Line 69: Line 75:
== Where it sits in the line ==
== Where it sits in the line ==


The 116613 is the two-tone member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation:
The 116613 is the Rolesor member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation. Alongside it sit the steel 116610, the full yellow-gold [[Reference:116618|116618]], and the full white-gold [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]]. All four share caliber 3135 and the Super Case architecture. Rolesor, Rolex's term for its steel-and-gold construction, places the 116613 above the steel 116610LN in price and prestige and below the full-gold 116618.
 
* 116610: steel
* [[Reference:116613|116613]]: Rolesor (two-tone steel/gold)
* [[Reference:116618|116618]]: full 18k yellow gold
* [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]]: full 18k white gold
 
All four shared caliber 3135 and the Super Case architecture. Two-tone construction places the 116613 above the steel 116610LN in price and prestige, below the full-gold 116618.


<span id="two-tone-submariner-lineage"></span>
<span id="two-tone-submariner-lineage"></span>
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|}
|}


The 116613 succeeded the 16613 after a 21-year run. The 2020 refresh moved to Oystersteel branding, a 41mm case, new bracelet width, and caliber 3235. The 116613 retained the 40mm case and 3135 throughout.
The 116613 succeeded the 16613 after a 21-year run on aluminum and carried the two-tone Sub through the ceramic generation on a 40mm case. The 2020 refresh moved the line to Oystersteel branding, a 41mm case, a new bracelet width, and caliber 3235.


<span id="what-changed-from-the-16613"></span>
<span id="what-changed-from-the-16613"></span>
== What changed from the 16613 ==
== What changed from the 16613 ==
The execution is substantially different from the 16613:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
|}


On the 16613LB, the aluminum bezel faded from vivid blue to a softer shade collectors call a “ghost” bezel — bezel condition was a primary evaluation factor. Cerachrom eliminates both the patina appeal and the fading problem entirely.
On the 16613LB, the aluminum bezel faded from vivid blue to the softer shade collectors call a "ghost" bezel, and bezel condition was a primary market factor. Cerachrom removes the fading, and with it the patina premium.


<span id="production-outline"></span>
<span id="production-outline"></span>
== Production outline ==
== Production outline ==


The 116613 ran for roughly eleven years. Both the LB (blue) and LN (black) variants were available throughout. No major mid-run mechanical changes are documented. Caliber 3135 stays for the full production run.
The 116613 ran for roughly eleven years with both the LB (blue) and LN (black) variants available throughout. No mid-run mechanical changes are documented, and caliber 3135 stayed across the whole production. The one documented cosmetic change sits on the LB dial, a flat-to-sunburst switch around 2013.


<span id="the-blue-dial-evolution-flat-to-sunburst"></span>
<span id="the-blue-dial-evolution-flat-to-sunburst"></span>
== The blue dial evolution: flat to sunburst ==
== The blue dial evolution: flat to sunburst ==


Around 2013 Rolex changed the 116613LB dial from a flat, uniform blue to a pronounced '''sunburst''' finish that shifts from midnight blue in shadow to a brighter, sky-inflected blue in direct sun. No sharp serial-number cutoff exists; collectors identify the type by visual inspection.
Around 2013 Rolex changed the 116613LB dial from a flat, uniform blue to a pronounced sunburst finish that shifts from midnight blue in shadow to a brighter, sky-inflected blue in direct sun. No sharp serial-number cutoff exists; collectors identify the type by visual inspection. Both are correct factory configurations. The sunburst has more movement in it. The flat dial sits quieter against the gold.
 
Both are correct factory configurations. The sunburst is more visually dynamic; some collectors prefer the earlier flat dial for its quieter character alongside the gold accents.


<span id="movement-notes"></span>
<span id="movement-notes"></span>
== Movement notes ==
== Movement notes ==


Caliber 3135 throughout — Parachrom hairspring, Microstella regulation. The last ceramic-era two-tone Submariner on the 3135 before the 126613 moved to caliber 3235 (70-hour reserve).
Caliber 3135 throughout, with a Parachrom blue hairspring and Microstella regulation. It is the last two-tone Submariner built on the 3135; the 126613 that replaced it moved to caliber 3235 and a 70-hour reserve.


<span id="dial-map"></span>
<span id="dial-map"></span>
Line 179: Line 174:
=== Diamond and serti dials ===
=== Diamond and serti dials ===


Early 116613 production included factory diamond-set (serti) dials as an option. According to Rolex Forum discussions, the diamond/serti dials were discontinued around 2013 when the sunburst dial finish appeared. Serti-dial examples are the rarer factory configuration and a distinct collector target within the reference.
Early 116613 production included factory diamond-set Serti dials as a catalog option. Serti, from the French ''sertissage'' (gem-setting), is the factory diamond-indices dial Rolex also offered on earlier Rolesor references. Collector discussion places the end of the Serti option around 2013, alongside the sunburst dial change on the standard LB. Serti examples are the rarer factory configuration and a distinct collector target within the reference.


<span id="blue-dial-lb"></span>
<span id="blue-dial-lb"></span>
=== Blue dial (LB) ===
=== Blue dial (LB) ===


Blue dial with gold applied markers and hands. See “The blue dial evolution” above for the flat-to-sunburst transition around 2013.
Blue dial with gold applied markers and hands, flat until about 2013 and sunburst after.


<span id="black-dial-ln"></span>
<span id="black-dial-ln"></span>
=== Black dial (LN) ===
=== Black dial (LN) ===


Black dial with gold applied markers and hands. The quieter configuration — black reads more conservatively against the gold accents and typically trades below the LB on the secondary market.
Black dial with gold applied markers and hands. It reads more conservatively against the gold than the blue does, and it typically trades below the LB on the secondary market.


<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes ==
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==
[[File:Ref 116613 detail 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=Detail view|Detail view]]
[[File:Ref 116613 detail.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=Detail view|Detail view]]


Rolesor construction: 904L Oystersteel case with 18k yellow gold bezel, crown guards, and Triplock crown. Cerachrom insert numerals are platinum-filled. Sapphire crystal with Cyclops. Inner rehaut engraved with repeating ROLEX ROLEX and serial number at 6 o’clock. Solid case back.
Rolesor construction: a 904L Oystersteel case with 18k yellow-gold bezel, crown guards, and a Triplock crown. The Cerachrom insert carries platinum-filled numerals, and the crystal is sapphire with a Cyclops. The inner rehaut is engraved with repeating ROLEX and the serial number at 6 o'clock; the case back is solid.


<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==
== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==


Bracelet ref. 93253 — two-tone Oyster with solid gold center links throughout the run (earlier 16613 bracelets used hollow center links on some examples). Glidelock clasp provides ~20mm tool-free micro-adjustment. Unchanged across the full production run.
Bracelet ref. 97203, a two-tone Oyster with solid gold center links and a Glidelock clasp giving roughly 20mm of tool-free micro-adjustment. It did not change across the production run. Earlier 16613 bracelets had used hollow gold centers on some examples.


<span id="production-volume-estimates"></span>
<span id="production-volume-estimates"></span>
== Production volume estimates ==
== Production volume estimates ==


Industry estimates from the ~2010 era suggest Rolex produced approximately 12,000 two-tone Submariners per year. If those figures held roughly steady across the 116613’s run, total production across both LB and LN variants could be in the range of 130,000 units — though Rolex does not publish production numbers and these figures are approximations circulated among dealers and collectors.
Estimates circulating in the early 2010s put two-tone Submariner production at roughly 12,000 units a year. Held steady across the reference's run, that puts total LB and LN production somewhere near 130,000. Treat the figure as an envelope: Rolex publishes no production numbers, and this one comes from the trade, not the factory.


<span id="market-and-collector-context"></span>
<span id="market-and-collector-context"></span>
== Market and collector context ==
== Market and collector context ==


Recently discontinued with good secondary market liquidity. The LB trades above the LN. The successor 126613LB retails at $18,900 USD; the 116613 trades below that on the secondary market.
Discontinued in 2020, with good secondary-market liquidity. The LB trades above the LN. The successor 126613LB retails at $18,900 USD, and the 116613 trades below that figure on the secondary market.
 
The 126613 moved to a 41mm case, thinner lugs, and caliber 3235. That left the 116613's blockier Super Case profile with a following of its own.
 
 
== Related references ==
 
* [[Reference:116610LV|Submariner 116610LV]] — "Hulk", Green Dial (2010–2020)
* [[Reference:116610LN|Submariner 116610LN]] — 2010–2020
* [[Reference:116618|Submariner 116618]] — Yellow Gold (2008–2020)
* [[Reference:116619LB|Submariner 116619LB]] — "Smurf", White Gold (2008–2020)
* [[Reference:114060|Submariner 114060]] — 2012–2020
* [[Reference:16610LV|Submariner 16610LV]] — "Kermit", Green Bezel (2003–2010)


The 126613’s move to 41mm, thinner lugs, and caliber 3235 makes the 116613’s blockier Super Case profile a distinct collector target for those who prefer the older geometry.
See also the [[Reference:submariner|Submariner family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
[[File:Ref 116613 hero 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613|Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613]]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/rolex-info/rolex-two-tone-submariner.html Bob's Watches two-tone Submariner history] — unknown, Bob's Watches
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/rolex-info/rolex-two-tone-submariner.html Bob's Watches two-tone Submariner history] — Bob's Watches editorial staff, Bob's Watches
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-submariner The Rolex Submariner: A Complete Collector's Guide] — Stephen Pulvirent, Sotheby's
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-submariner The Rolex Submariner: A Complete Collector's Guide] — Stephen Pulvirent, Sotheby's
* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/rolex-submariner-date-history/ Gray & Sons Submariner Date history] — unknown, Gray & Sons
* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/rolex-submariner-date-history/ Gray & Sons Submariner Date history] — Gray & Sons editorial, Gray & Sons
* [https://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-reference-guide/ Rolex Submariner Reference Guide] — unknown, Professional Watches
* [https://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-reference-guide/ Rolex Submariner Reference Guide] — Professional Watches editorial, Professional Watches
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-date-41mm-kermit-126610lv-black-126610ln-hands-on-price/ Hands-On: Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Kermit 126610LV and 126610LN] — Brice Goulard, Monochrome
* [https://www.watchonista.com/articles/depth/rolex-submariner-2020-whats-actually-changed The Rolex Submariner In 2020 What Actually Changed] — Josh Shanks, Watchonista
* [https://www.coronet.org/new-1minute-reads/rolex-production-numbers-submariner-new-book-official For the First Time Rolex Hints at Production Numbers in New Book] — Coronet
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/exploring-evergreens-the-current-rolex-submariner-date-126610ln/ Exploring Evergreens: The Current Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN] — Thomas Van Straaten, Fratello Watches


[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:Working Draft]]

Latest revision as of 22:04, 8 August 2026


Submariner -> 116613

The 116613 is the Cerachrom-bezel Rolesor Submariner Date, in production from around 2009 until the 41mm 126613 with caliber 3235 took over in 2020. It sits in the middle of the ceramic-era Submariner generation, more accessible than the full-gold 116618 and more distinctive than the steel 116610LN, and it carries the Rolesor bracelet of polished yellow-gold center links against brushed steel outers forward into the Cerachrom age.

The step up from the 16613 is substantial. Cerachrom replaced the aluminum bezel insert, Glidelock replaced the Fliplock clasp, and Maxi-format markers under Chromalight lume made the dial read larger and glow brighter. Super Case lugs changed the wrist proportions. The two-tone identity carries forward; in the hand the watch is a different object.

The blue-dial variant, 116613LB, is the "Bluesy," a nickname inherited from the 16613LB. Blue dial, blue Cerachrom bezel, and polished gold center links read as one piece, and that combination is what brings most buyers to the reference.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613
Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613

Core facts

detail value
reference 116613 (LN = black, LB = blue)
family Submariner Date
production about 2009 to 2020
movement caliber 3135 (date, quick-set, 28800 bph, ~48hr power reserve)
case 40mm Super Case, Rolesor (904L steel + 18k yellow gold)
crystal sapphire with Cyclops
water resistance 300m
bezel Cerachrom ceramic (blue or black), platinum-filled numerals
lume Chromalight (blue glow)
bracelet Oyster ref.97203 with Glidelock, solid gold center links
rehaut engraved ROLEX ROLEX
predecessor 16613
successor 126613

Where it sits in the line

The 116613 is the Rolesor member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation. Alongside it sit the steel 116610, the full yellow-gold 116618, and the full white-gold 116619LB. All four share caliber 3135 and the Super Case architecture. Rolesor, Rolex's term for its steel-and-gold construction, places the 116613 above the steel 116610LN in price and prestige and below the full-gold 116618.

Two-tone Submariner lineage

reference years case material bezel material successor retail
16613 1988–2009 Rolesor (steel/gold) aluminum (fades) —
116613 2009–2020 Rolesor (steel/gold) Cerachrom ceramic —
126613LB 2020–present Rolesor (Oystersteel/gold) Cerachrom ceramic $18,900 USD

The 116613 succeeded the 16613 after a 21-year run on aluminum and carried the two-tone Sub through the ceramic generation on a 40mm case. The 2020 refresh moved the line to Oystersteel branding, a 41mm case, a new bracelet width, and caliber 3235.

What changed from the 16613

feature 16613 116613
bezel insert aluminum, fades and scratches Cerachrom ceramic, fade-proof
bracelet clasp Fliplock with divers extension Glidelock (20mm micro-adjust)
lug width slimmer wider (Super Case)
lug holes present absent
lume SuperLuminova or Luminova (green glow) Chromalight (blue glow)
markers standard Maxi (larger)
gold center links hollow on some, solid on late solid throughout
rehaut plain (early) / engraved (late) engraved throughout

On the 16613LB, the aluminum bezel faded from vivid blue to the softer shade collectors call a "ghost" bezel, and bezel condition was a primary market factor. Cerachrom removes the fading, and with it the patina premium.

Production outline

The 116613 ran for roughly eleven years with both the LB (blue) and LN (black) variants available throughout. No mid-run mechanical changes are documented, and caliber 3135 stayed across the whole production. The one documented cosmetic change sits on the LB dial, a flat-to-sunburst switch around 2013.

The blue dial evolution: flat to sunburst

Around 2013 Rolex changed the 116613LB dial from a flat, uniform blue to a pronounced sunburst finish that shifts from midnight blue in shadow to a brighter, sky-inflected blue in direct sun. No sharp serial-number cutoff exists; collectors identify the type by visual inspection. Both are correct factory configurations. The sunburst has more movement in it. The flat dial sits quieter against the gold.

Movement notes

Caliber 3135 throughout, with a Parachrom blue hairspring and Microstella regulation. It is the last two-tone Submariner built on the 3135; the 126613 that replaced it moved to caliber 3235 and a 70-hour reserve.

Dial map

Diamond and serti dials

Early 116613 production included factory diamond-set Serti dials as a catalog option. Serti, from the French sertissage (gem-setting), is the factory diamond-indices dial Rolex also offered on earlier Rolesor references. Collector discussion places the end of the Serti option around 2013, alongside the sunburst dial change on the standard LB. Serti examples are the rarer factory configuration and a distinct collector target within the reference.

Blue dial (LB)

Blue dial with gold applied markers and hands, flat until about 2013 and sunburst after.

Black dial (LN)

Black dial with gold applied markers and hands. It reads more conservatively against the gold than the blue does, and it typically trades below the LB on the secondary market.

Case, bezel, crystal, and crown

Detail view
Detail view
Detail view
Detail view

Rolesor construction: a 904L Oystersteel case with 18k yellow-gold bezel, crown guards, and a Triplock crown. The Cerachrom insert carries platinum-filled numerals, and the crystal is sapphire with a Cyclops. The inner rehaut is engraved with repeating ROLEX and the serial number at 6 o'clock; the case back is solid.

Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes

Bracelet ref. 97203, a two-tone Oyster with solid gold center links and a Glidelock clasp giving roughly 20mm of tool-free micro-adjustment. It did not change across the production run. Earlier 16613 bracelets had used hollow gold centers on some examples.

Production volume estimates

Estimates circulating in the early 2010s put two-tone Submariner production at roughly 12,000 units a year. Held steady across the reference's run, that puts total LB and LN production somewhere near 130,000. Treat the figure as an envelope: Rolex publishes no production numbers, and this one comes from the trade, not the factory.

Market and collector context

Discontinued in 2020, with good secondary-market liquidity. The LB trades above the LN. The successor 126613LB retails at $18,900 USD, and the 116613 trades below that figure on the secondary market.

The 126613 moved to a 41mm case, thinner lugs, and caliber 3235. That left the 116613's blockier Super Case profile with a following of its own.


Related references

See also the Submariner family index, movement reference, bracelet & clasp guide, and serial numbers by year.

Sources

Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613
Rolex Submariner Ref. 116613
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