Reference:116613: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Ref_116613_hero.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Photo: bobswatches.com]]
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Submariner Date 116613 — 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…
|keywords=Rolex, 116613, Submariner, specifications, reference guide
|type=article
}}
 
 
<small>[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]] → '''116613'''</small>
 
{{Infobox Reference
| reference = 116613
| family = Submariner
| status = working-draft
| quality = collector-grade
| sources = 5
| image_status = pending-source
| notes = Full article drafted for Rolex reference 116613. Expanded with 16613-vs-116613 comparison table, blue dial evolution detail (flat to sunburst ~2013), ghost bezel context (16613 fading vs 116613 ceramic permanence), Fliplock-to-Glidelock upgrade, solid gold center links throughout, and differentiated LN/LB descriptions. Claims at 16.
}}
 


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 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 step up from the 16613 is not incremental. Cerachrom does not fade. Glidelock replaced the older Fliplock. The maxi-format dial with Chromalight lume is physically larger and brighter. Wider Super Case lugs changed the proportions. The two-tone identity carries forward, but the watch is a different object.
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.


The blue dial variant, 116613LB, carries on the "Bluesy" identity that started with the 16613LB. It is the defining configuration of the two-tone Submariner — the pairing of sunburst blue dial, blue Cerachrom bezel, and polished gold center links has a specific visual coherence that the black-dial LN variant cannot replicate. The Bluesy is the reason most buyers come to this reference.
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.


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


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==Where it sits in the line==
<span id="where-it-sits-in-the-line"></span>
== Where it sits in the line ==


The 116613 is the two-tone member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation:
The 116613 is the two-tone member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation:


* <code>116610</code>: steel
* 116610: steel
* <code>116613</code>: Rolesor (two-tone steel/gold)
* [[Reference:116613|116613]]: Rolesor (two-tone steel/gold)
* <code>116618</code>: full 18k yellow gold
* [[Reference:116618|116618]]: full 18k yellow gold
* <code>116619LB</code>: full 18k white gold
* [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]]: full 18k white gold


All four shared caliber 3135 and the Super Case architecture. The 116613 uses a steel case with 18k gold bezel, crown, crown guards, and bracelet center links. Two-tone construction places it above the steel 116610LN in price and prestige, below the full-gold 116618.
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.


==Two-tone Submariner lineage==
<span id="two-tone-submariner-lineage"></span>
== Two-tone Submariner lineage ==


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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. 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.


==What changed from the 16613==
<span id="what-changed-from-the-16613"></span>
== What changed from the 16613 ==


The 116613 inherited the Bluesy and black-dial identities from the 16613, but the execution is substantially different:
The execution is substantially different from the 16613:


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On the 16613, the aluminum bezel was known for fading — on blue examples, the bezel would age from vivid blue to a softer, lighter shade that collectors call "ghost" bezels. Cerachrom eliminates both the patina appeal and the fading problem. Collectors assessing a 16613LB always evaluated bezel condition as a primary factor. That evaluation does not apply to the 116613.
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.


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


The most significant mid-run refinement collectors track on the 116613LB is a dial change around 2013. Early examples (approximately 2009–2012) carried a flatter, more uniform blue finish — a consistent blue across the dial surface that reads evenly at most angles. From approximately 2013, Rolex transitioned to a more pronounced '''sunburst''' (sun-ray) finishing. The sunburst dial reacts dramatically to natural light: shifting from a deep midnight blue in shadow to a brighter, more saturated blue in direct sun, catching a lighter, almost sky-blue quality at certain angles.
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.


This matters to collectors for two reasons. First, the later sunburst dials are visually more complex and arguably more interesting — the dial interacts with ambient light in a way the earlier flat dial does not. Second, some purists and early-adopter collectors prefer the flat dial precisely because it is the original configuration and because its quieter character suits the two-tone aesthetic without competing with the gold center links for attention.
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.


The transition was not abrupt. No sharp serial-number cutoff exists between flat and sunburst. Collectors identify the dial type by visual inspection rather than production date. Both are correct configurations for the reference; the preference comes down to whether the buyer wants a more restrained or more dynamic blue dial.
<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 — the same proven movement used in the 16613 before it and in the steel 116610. Quick-set date, 28800 bph, Microstella regulation, Parachrom hairspring. The 116613 was the last ceramic-era two-tone Submariner to use the 3135 before the 126613 moved to caliber 3235 with its 70-hour power reserve.
<span id="dial-map"></span>
== Dial map ==


==Dial map==
<span id="diamond-and-serti-dials"></span>
 
=== 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 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.


===Blue dial (LB / Bluesy)===
<span id="blue-dial-lb"></span>
 
=== Blue dial (LB) ===
Blue dial with maxi-format luminous markers and Chromalight lume (blue glow). Gold applied markers and gold hands. Early dials (around 2009–2012) had a flatter blue finish. Later dials (from around 2013) shifted to a more saturated sunburst blue that plays in natural light — from deep midnight blue in shadow to a brighter, sky-inflected blue in direct sun.
 
Paired with the gold markers and polished gold center links, the blue dial creates the Bluesy look that is the 116613's primary market identity. The ceramic blue bezel does not fade, so the bezel-to-dial color relationship stays consistent over time — unlike the 16613LB, where bezel fading could shift the visual balance.
 
===Black dial (LN)===
 
Black dial with gold maxi markers and Chromalight lume. The 116613LN is the quieter configuration. Black reads more conservatively against the gold accents than blue, and it typically trades below the blue LB variant in the secondary market. For collectors who find the all-blue Bluesy too forward, the black dial tones down the two-tone character while keeping the Rolesor visual identity.
 
==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==
 
The case is the 40mm Super Case with broader lugs than the earlier 16613. Rolesor construction: 904L Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold bezel, crown guards, and Triplock crown. Water resistance is 300m.


The Cerachrom ceramic insert is the defining upgrade from the 16613 — virtually scratch-proof, no fading. Numerals and graduation marks on the ceramic insert are filled with platinum.
Blue dial with gold applied markers and hands. See “The blue dial evolution” above for the flat-to-sunburst transition around 2013.


Sapphire crystal with Cyclops. The inner rehaut is engraved with repeating ROLEX ROLEX text and the serial number at 6 o'clock. Solid case back with Rolex engravings.
<span id="black-dial-ln"></span>
=== Black dial (LN) ===


==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==
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.


The bracelet is the 93253 two-tone Oyster with polished solid gold center links and a Glidelock extension clasp. Glidelock allows approximately 20mm of micro-adjustment without tools, a major improvement over the older Fliplock system used on the 16613.
<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes ==


Gold center links on the 116613 are solid throughout the production run — an upgrade from earlier two-tone Submariner bracelet construction where some center links were hollow. Polished gold links against brushed steel outer links create the visual contrast that defines the Rolesor Submariner identity.
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.


The bracelet does not change during the run. All 116613 examples carry the same Glidelock-equipped 93253.
<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==


==Production volume estimates==
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.


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


==Market and collector context==
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.


The 116613 is a recently discontinued reference with good secondary market liquidity. The ceramic-bezel 116613 typically commands a premium over the aluminum-insert 16613, reflecting the Cerachrom and Glidelock upgrades.
<span id="market-and-collector-context"></span>
== Market and collector context ==


The blue LB variant is the more desirable and higher-priced configuration. The Bluesy identity has consistently driven demand for the blue two-tone Submariner across generations. The successor 126613LB retails new at $18,900 USD; the 116613 trades at a discount to that figure on the secondary market, reflecting that buyers seeking current warranty and caliber 3235 will pay more for new production.
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.


The 2020 transition from 40mm to 41mm also introduced Oystersteel alloy branding, a wider bracelet, and thinner lugs on the successor. The 116613's broader-lug Maxi Case profile is meaningfully different from the 126613's updated geometry — collectors who prefer the heavier, blockier Maxi Case aesthetic have a reason to seek out 116613 examples specifically.
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.


==Sources==
<span id="source-list"></span>
== Source list ==


* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ Tom Mulraney, "History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date", Monochrome, 2020-08-19]
* src-monochrome-submariner-history-part-2-2020
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/rolex-info/rolex-two-tone-submariner.html unknown, "Bob's Watches two-tone Submariner history", Bob's Watches]
* src-bobswatches-two-tone-sub-history
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-submariner Stephen Pulvirent, "The Rolex Submariner: A Complete Collector's Guide", Sotheby's, 2025-03-07]
* src-sothebys-submariner-guide-2025
* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/rolex-submariner-date-history/ unknown, "Gray & Sons Submariner Date history", Gray & Sons]
* src-grayandsons-sub-date-history
* [https://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-reference-guide/ unknown, "Rolex Submariner Reference Guide", Professional Watches]
* src-professionalwatches-sub-reference-guide
* resources/raw/sites/rolex.com/submariner-*.snapshot.txt – Current retail pricing ($18,900 for 126613LB)
* src-rolexforums-116613-threads – Rolex Forum discussions (serti dial discontinuation, production estimates)


[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:working-draft]]
[[Category:Working Draft]]
[[Category:References]]

Revision as of 19:18, 14 April 2026


Submariner → 116613


Rolex 116613
Family Submariner
Status working-draft
Quality collector-grade
Sources 5


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 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.

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.

Core facts

detail value
reference 116613 (LN = black, LB = blue)
family Submariner Date
production approximately 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.93253 with Glidelock, solid gold center links
rehaut engraved ROLEX ROLEX
predecessor 16613
successor 126613

Where it sits in the line

The 116613 is the two-tone member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation:

  • 116610: steel
  • 116613: Rolesor (two-tone steel/gold)
  • 116618: full 18k yellow gold
  • 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.

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. 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.

What changed from the 16613

The execution is substantially different 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 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.

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 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 is more visually dynamic; some collectors prefer the earlier flat dial for its quieter character alongside the gold accents.

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).

Dial map

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.

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.

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.

Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Source list

  • src-monochrome-submariner-history-part-2-2020
  • src-bobswatches-two-tone-sub-history
  • src-sothebys-submariner-guide-2025
  • src-grayandsons-sub-date-history
  • src-professionalwatches-sub-reference-guide
  • resources/raw/sites/rolex.com/submariner-*.snapshot.txt – Current retail pricing ($18,900 for 126613LB)
  • src-rolexforums-116613-threads – Rolex Forum discussions (serti dial discontinuation, production estimates)
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