Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116613LB (Yellow Rolesor / Bluesy)
Dive Watch (Luxury Subcategory) · Rolex SA, top-tier luxury watchmaker renowned worldwide for precision, durability, and timeless prestige.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present) with Neo-Vintage crossover indicators like the maxi case and ceramic bezel insert.
Type
Dive Watch (Luxury Subcategory)
Brand
Rolex SA, top-tier luxury watchmaker renowned worldwide for precision, durability, and timeless prestige.
Movement
Mechanical self-winding automatic, Rolex Calibre 3135, operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), with approximately 48 hours of power reserve and 31 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40 mm, Case thickness: 13 mm, Lug-to-lug distance: 48 mm, Lug width: 20 mm. Wears slightly larger and with more substantial wrist presence than older 5-digit Submariners due to the 'supercase' profile.
Description
The Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116613LB, affectionately known as the 'Bluesy', is the quintessential luxury dive watch. Combining rugged professional tool-watch capabilities with the opulence of 18k yellow gold and a mesmerizing sunburst blue dial, this timepiece bridges the gap between high-end jewelry and robust utility. The vibrant blue Cerachrom bezel and matching dial create a striking visual contrast against the Oystersteel case, making it an instantly recognizable icon on the wrist.
Key Features
Sunburst blue dial, scratch-proof blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel, 18k yellow gold and Oystersteel two-tone construction, Triplock crown system, and Mercedes handset with blue luminescence.
Dial Description
Sunburst royal blue dial with applied 18k yellow gold hour markers filled with Chromalight luminescent material, Mercedes hands, date window at 3 o'clock magnified by a Cyclops lens, and inner rehaut engraved with the Rolex serial number and repeating Rolex text.
Case Material
Yellow Rolesor (combination of Oystersteel 904L and 18k yellow gold), featuring a combination of high-polish and satin-brushed finishes.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens over the date aperture, equipped with anti-reflective coating.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with a blue Cerachrom (ceramic) insert, featuring polished raised 18k yellow gold numerals and graduations.
Crown & Pushers
Triplock screw-down crown in 18k yellow gold featuring the Rolex coronet logo underlined by three dots, protected by integrated crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Black curved-end rubber strap replacing the standard Yellow Rolesor Oyster bracelet, secured with a deployment clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down Oyster case back made of 904L stainless steel, plain brushed finish without exterior commemorative engravings, maintaining water resistance.
Movement Type
Mechanical self-winding automatic, Rolex Calibre 3135, operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), with approximately 48 hours of power reserve and 31 jewels.
Water Resistance
Rated to 300 meters (1,000 feet / 30 ATM), suitable for professional marine activity, skin diving, and high-impact water sports.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, featuring an entirely in-house developed and manufactured movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010-2020, based on the presence of the Cerachrom ceramic bezel combined with the Calibre 3135 movement and engraved inner rehaut.
Cultural Significance
The two-tone Submariner represents the ultimate status symbol of the 1980s and 1990s executive culture, transitioning into a modern luxury grail for collectors who appreciate a blend of solid gold prestige and sports utility.
Condition Notes
The watch shows moderate signs of wear including surface scratches on the polished gold and steel surfaces, minor wear on the crystal edge near the 1 o'clock position, and the original metal bracelet has been swapped out for an aftermarket black rubber strap. Overall condition is Very Good.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value ranges from $14,000 to $17,500 USD depending heavily on the presence of original box, papers, service history, and whether the original two-tone Oyster bracelet is included.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended professional service interval is every 5 to 10 years. Water resistance seals should be tested annually, especially if exposed to saltwater. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after marine use.
Similar Watches
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 126613LB (successor with 3235 movement and slightly slimmer lugs), Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Two-Tone Blue, Tudor Black Bay S&G Blue.
Interesting Facts
The nickname 'Bluesy' is widely used across the collector community for the two-tone blue Submariner models. The introduction of the Cerachrom bezel in 2008 revolutionized Rolex dive watches by providing near-scratchproof and UV-resistant ceramic components.