Reference:116619LB: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 10:01, 29 September 2026

Submariner › 116619LB

The 116619LB is the white-gold Submariner Date with a blue dial and blue Cerachrom bezel. Rolex introduced it at Baselworld 2008 alongside the yellow-gold 116618, before ceramic bezels reached the steel Submariner in 2010. “Smurf” is a collector nickname for the blue-on-white-gold combination. The 40mm case uses caliber 3135 and a Glidelock-equipped white-gold Oyster bracelet.

The cited 116619LB records show a blue lacquer dial with a matching blue bezel throughout the reference. Diamond-marker examples and service replacements should be checked against the individual watch; the cited factory record does not establish a black-dial 116619LB.

Core facts

detail	value
reference	116619LB
family	Submariner Date
production	about 2008 to 2020
movement	caliber 3135 (date, quick-set, 28800 bph, ~48hr power reserve)
case	40mm, full 18k white gold, Super Case
crystal	sapphire with Cyclops
water resistance	300m
bezel	18k white gold with blue Cerachrom ceramic insert, platinum-filled numerals
lume	Chromalight (blue glow)
bracelet	18k white gold Oyster ref.97209 with Glidelock
dial	blue lacquer, maxi format, white gold markers
rehaut	engraved ROLEX ROLEX
nickname	Smurf
predecessor	none (first white gold Submariner)
successor	126619LB

Where it sits in the line

The 116619LB is the white-gold member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation. It launched in 2008 alongside the full yellow-gold 116618, the two precious-metal models carrying ceramic into the Submariner line before steel got it; Tom Mulraney's Submariner history for Monochrome (2020) puts the Rolesor 116613 at 2009 and the steel 116610 at 2010. Cerachrom had reached Rolex three years earlier, on the 2005 GMT-Master II 116718LN, per the same Monochrome history.

Yellow-gold Submariners date back to the 1680/8 era, and Rolesor arrived with the 16613. White gold was new territory. Its white-gold case can look similar to steel in photographs, but the metal, hallmarks and weight must be checked on the watch.

Production outline

The 116619LB ran from 2008 to 2020, and the Basel introduction and the start of production fall in the same year: Christie's sold a V-serial example it dates to first-year 2008 manufacture (Watches Online: The Collector's Edition, 2020, lot 47), and Phillips describes the reference as Rolex's first serially produced white-gold Submariner (Game Changers, New York 2019, lot 33). The cited sources do not establish a complete mid-run change table or a Rolex production total.

Movement notes

Caliber 3135 throughout, the same movement used in the 116610, the 116613, and the 116618. Quick-set date, 28,800 vph, Microstella regulation, Parachrom blue hairspring. The steel, Rolesor, yellow-gold, and white-gold references use the same caliber family; the case, bezel, dial, and bracelet materials differ. The 126619LB successor moved to caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve.

Dial map

Blue lacquer dial

Blue lacquer dial with Maxi-format luminous markers, the oversized plots of the ceramic era, and Chromalight lume. The lacquer reads differently from the sunburst blues on the 116618LB and 116613LB. It is generally described as a deeper, more uniform blue than the sunburst dials used on some yellow-gold and Rolesor examples; photographs and lighting can change its appearance.

White-gold markers and hands distinguish it from the yellow-gold 116618LB, whose blue dial uses gold surrounds in the cited examples.

Case, bezel, crystal, and crown

Case

40mm 18k white gold in Super Case proportions, with broader lugs than the five-digit era, full crown guards, and a Triplock crown sealing to 300m. The case back is solid 18k white gold. White gold can resemble steel in photographs, so weight, hallmarks and the individual watch record help distinguish the metals.

Bezel

Blue Cerachrom ceramic insert matched to the dial. Numerals and graduation marks are platinum-filled, where the 116618 uses gold filling to match its yellow-gold case; the platinum gives a silver-grey tone that sits with white gold. Cerachrom is more resistant to fading and scratching than aluminium, but ceramic can still chip or be damaged.

Crystal

Sapphire with Cyclops at 3 o'clock and anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.

Hallmarks

Hallmarks follow the standard Swiss precious-metal system. A 750 stamp indicates 18k, or 750 parts per thousand gold content. The St. Bernard "Barry" mark is the Swiss precious-metals stamp used post-1995, replacing the older Helvetia bust mark. Hallmark placement varies by case and bracelet component, so the watch should be checked directly.

Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes

Bracelet

Full 18k white-gold Oyster ref.97209 with a Glidelock extension giving roughly 20mm of micro-adjustment. Finishing is brushed throughout, with a brushed finish documented on the cited examples. The bracelet and clasp should be checked on the individual watch because service parts can change them. The cited examples use this bracelet configuration; service parts and later changes should be recorded from the individual watch.

Special branches

The cited sources document one regular blue-dial configuration and no separate special branch. Dial finish and colour should still be checked against the individual watch and service history. The 116613LB and 116618LB both moved from flat to sunburst mid-production; the 116619LB's lacquer stayed constant.

Historical market and auction record

The 116619LB appears mainly in dealer and auction listings. Results vary with condition, bracelet size, papers, service history, and sale venue. The Bonhams and Antiquorum results listed below are individual data points; they do not establish a fixed premium over the yellow-gold 116618 or a universal market ranking.

Related references

Submariner 116618: Yellow Gold (2008–2020)
Submariner 116613: 2009–2020
Submariner 116610LV: "Hulk", Green Dial (2010–2020)
Submariner 116610LN: 2010–2020
Submariner 114060: 2012–2020
Submariner 16610LV: "Kermit", Green Bezel (2003–2010)

White-gold 116619LB with blue dial and bezel
Case and bezel detail

Sources

History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date; Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
The 1916 Company Smurf guide; The 1916 Company, The 1916 Company
The Rolex Submariner: A Complete Collector's Guide; Stephen Pulvirent, Sotheby's
Bob's Watches two-tone Submariner history; Bob's Watches editorial staff, Bob's Watches
Gray & Sons Submariner Date history; Gray & Sons editorial, Gray & Sons
Rolex Submariner Reference Guide; Professional Watches editorial, Professional Watches
Rolex Ref. 116619LB, case V762980; Bonhams, "Evolutionary Time," Hong Kong, 2020-07-22, Lot 911
Rolex Ref. 116619LB "Smurf," case V528909; Bonhams, Hong Kong online sale, 2024-04-05, Lot 1155
Rolex Ref. 116619LB, case V712568; Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 2023-06-13, Lot 127
Rolex Ref. 116619LB "Smurf," case V479064; Antiquorum, Monaco, 2026-06-28, Lot 154

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116619LB Submariner}}
 {{#seo:
-|title=Rolex Submariner 116619LB 'Smurf' — White Gold, 2008–2020 | BezelBase
+|title=Rolex Submariner 116619LB, white-gold Cerachrom Submariner Date &#124; Rolexopedia
-|description=The 116619LB is the first white gold Submariner and the first Submariner with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Rolex introduced it at Baselworld 2008, two years…
+|description=The Rolex 116619LB is the white-gold Submariner Date with a blue lacquer dial, blue Cerachrom bezel, caliber 3135, and 40mm Super Case, produced approximately from 2008 to 2020.
 |keywords=Rolex, 116619LB, Submariner, specifications, reference guide
 |image=Ref 116619LB hero 2.jpg
@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 |og_type=article
 |published_time=2026-04-14T16:13:08Z
-|modified_time=2026-06-29T01:15:02Z
+|modified_time=2026-08-04T00:07:40Z
 |robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
 }}
-<small>[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]] -> '''116619LB'''</small>
+<small>[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]] › '''116619LB'''</small>
-The 116619LB is the first white-gold Submariner and the first Submariner fitted with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Rolex introduced it at Baselworld 2008, two years before the steel 116610LN received ceramic in 2010. Collectors call it the Smurf, for the blue dial and blue bezel on a case that reads silver from across a room. White gold looks like steel in photographs, but weighs roughly twice as much, and the difference is obvious on the wrist the moment the watch goes on. That stealth-wealth quality drives much of the collector appeal.
+<div class="rp-lead">
+[[File:Ref_116619LB_hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex 116619LB Submariner|Rolex 116619LB Submariner]]
+</div>
-The 116619LB was produced exclusively with a blue lacquer dial and blue bezel across its entire 2008–2020 run. No black-dial 116619 exists.
+The 116619LB is the white-gold Submariner Date with a blue dial and blue Cerachrom bezel. Rolex introduced it at Baselworld 2008 alongside the yellow-gold 116618, before ceramic bezels reached the steel Submariner in 2010. “Smurf” is a collector nickname for the blue-on-white-gold combination. The 40mm case uses caliber 3135 and a Glidelock-equipped white-gold Oyster bracelet.
+The cited 116619LB records show a blue lacquer dial with a matching blue bezel throughout the reference. Diamond-marker examples and service replacements should be checked against the individual watch; the cited factory record does not establish a black-dial 116619LB.
 <span id="core-facts"></span>
-[[File:Ref 116619LB hero 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB|Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB]]
 == Core facts ==
-{| class="wikitable"
+{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
 |-
 ! detail
@@ Line 79: / Line 82: @@
 == Where it sits in the line ==
-The 116619LB is the white-gold member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation. The steel 116610 arrived in 2010, the Rolesor [[Reference:116613|116613]] in 2009, the full yellow-gold [[Reference:116618|116618]] in 2008, and the full white-gold 116619LB alongside it — the white and yellow gold pair launched together as the first ceramic-bezel Submariners, with steel and two-tone following.
+The 116619LB is the white-gold member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation. It launched in 2008 alongside the full yellow-gold [[Reference:116618|116618]], the two precious-metal models carrying ceramic into the Submariner line before steel got it; Tom Mulraney's Submariner history for Monochrome (2020) puts the Rolesor [[Reference:116613|116613]] at 2009 and the steel 116610 at 2010. Cerachrom had reached Rolex three years earlier, on the 2005 GMT-Master II 116718LN, per the same Monochrome history.
-Yellow-gold Submariners date back to the 1680/8 era, and Rolesor arrived with the 16613. White gold was new territory — a precious-metal Submariner that could pass as steel, with the weight and the market signaling that a gold Submariner never offered.
+Yellow-gold Submariners date back to the 1680/8 era, and Rolesor arrived with the 16613. White gold was new territory. Its white-gold case can look similar to steel in photographs, but the metal, hallmarks and weight must be checked on the watch.
 <span id="production-outline"></span>
 == Production outline ==
-The 116619LB ran from 2008 to 2020. Some sources treat 2008 as the catalog introduction year with retail deliveries starting in 2009. No mid-run changes are documented. The reference was always low-volume — white-gold sport Rolex watches are produced in much smaller numbers than their steel or yellow-gold siblings.
+The 116619LB ran from 2008 to 2020, and the Basel introduction and the start of production fall in the same year: Christie's sold a V-serial example it dates to first-year 2008 manufacture (''Watches Online: The Collector's Edition'', 2020, lot 47), and Phillips describes the reference as Rolex's first serially produced white-gold Submariner (''Game Changers'', New York 2019, lot 33). The cited sources do not establish a complete mid-run change table or a Rolex production total.
 <span id="movement-notes"></span>
 == Movement notes ==
-Caliber 3135 throughout — the same movement used in the 116610, the 116613, and the 116618. Quick-set date, 28,800 vph, Microstella regulation, Parachrom blue hairspring. The premium over the steel 116610LN runs entirely on case material, dial, and bracelet rather than on the mechanics. The 126619LB successor moved to caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve.
+Caliber 3135 throughout, the same movement used in the 116610, the 116613, and the 116618. Quick-set date, 28,800 vph, Microstella regulation, Parachrom blue hairspring. The steel, Rolesor, yellow-gold, and white-gold references use the same caliber family; the case, bezel, dial, and bracelet materials differ. The 126619LB successor moved to caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve.
 <span id="dial-map"></span>
@@ Line 97: / Line 100: @@
 <span id="blue-lacquer-the-only-dial"></span>
-=== Blue lacquer (the only dial) ===
+=== Blue lacquer dial ===
+Blue lacquer dial with Maxi-format luminous markers, the oversized plots of the ceramic era, and Chromalight lume. The lacquer reads differently from the sunburst blues on the 116618LB and 116613LB. It is generally described as a deeper, more uniform blue than the sunburst dials used on some yellow-gold and Rolesor examples; photographs and lighting can change its appearance.
-Blue lacquer dial with Maxi-format luminous markers and Chromalight lume. The lacquer reads differently from the sunburst blues on the 116618LB and 116613LB — deeper, more uniform, without the directional shimmer of a sunburst finish. It holds its color across lighting conditions rather than shifting with the angle of the light.
+[[File:Ref_116619LB_hero_2.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB|Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB]]
-White-gold markers and hands on that blue lacquer produce a cool palette: platinum-toned metal against dense blue, where the 116618LB's gold-on-sunburst reads warm and rich. The two references sit on opposite sides of the same blue-dial generation.
+White-gold markers and hands distinguish it from the yellow-gold 116618LB, whose blue dial uses gold surrounds in the cited examples.
 <span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
 == Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==
-[[File:Ref 116619LB detail.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=Detail view|Detail view]]
 <span id="case"></span>
 === Case ===
-mm 18k white gold in Super Case proportions — broader lugs than the five-digit era, with crown guards present and a Triplock crown sealing to 300m. The case back is solid 18k white gold. From across a room, the primary visual identifier is the blue dial and bezel; the case itself reads as steel.
+mm 18k white gold in Super Case proportions, with broader lugs than the five-digit era, full crown guards, and a Triplock crown sealing to 300m. The case back is solid 18k white gold. White gold can resemble steel in photographs, so weight, hallmarks and the individual watch record help distinguish the metals.
 <span id="bezel"></span>
 === Bezel ===
-Blue Cerachrom ceramic insert matching the dial. Numerals and graduation marks are filled with platinum rather than gold — a visual distinction from the 116618, which uses gold filling to match its yellow-gold case. Platinum filling gives a silver-grey tone that works with the white-gold case. Cerachrom does not fade, scratch, or discolor.
+Blue Cerachrom ceramic insert matched to the dial. Numerals and graduation marks are platinum-filled, where the 116618 uses gold filling to match its yellow-gold case; the platinum gives a silver-grey tone that sits with white gold. Cerachrom is more resistant to fading and scratching than aluminium, but ceramic can still chip or be damaged.
 <span id="crystal"></span>
@@ Line 125: / Line 130: @@
 === Hallmarks ===
-Hallmarks follow the standard Swiss precious-metal system. The St. Bernard "Barry" mark is the Swiss precious-metals stamp used post-1995, replacing the older Helvetia bust mark. Markings appear on the mid-case under the lugs, on the case back, and on bracelet blades. The 750 stamp indicates 18k — 750 parts per thousand — gold content.
+Hallmarks follow the standard Swiss precious-metal system. A 750 stamp indicates 18k, or 750 parts per thousand gold content. The St. Bernard "Barry" mark is the Swiss precious-metals stamp used post-1995, replacing the older Helvetia bust mark. Hallmark placement varies by case and bracelet component, so the watch should be checked directly.
 <span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
@@ Line 133: / Line 138: @@
 === Bracelet ===
-Full 18k white-gold Oyster ref.97209 with Glidelock offering roughly 20mm of micro-adjustment. The finishing is all brushed — no polished center links as on the 116618 or 116613, a choice that reinforces the reference's steel-appearance strategy. The bracelet is unchanged across the production run.
+Full 18k white-gold Oyster ref.97209 with a Glidelock extension giving roughly 20mm of micro-adjustment. Finishing is brushed throughout, with a brushed finish documented on the cited examples. The bracelet and clasp should be checked on the individual watch because service parts can change them. The cited examples use this bracelet configuration; service parts and later changes should be recorded from the individual watch.
 <span id="special-branches"></span>
 == Special branches ==
-No special branches, and a single configuration throughout — one of the simplest references to catalog in the modern Submariner line. The 116619LB is also the only ceramic-bezel Submariner to keep a flat, non-sunburst blue dial for its entire run; the 116613LB and 116618LB both transitioned from flat to sunburst mid-production, while the 116619LB's lacquer stayed constant.
+The cited sources document one regular blue-dial configuration and no separate special branch. Dial finish and colour should still be checked against the individual watch and service history. The 116613LB and 116618LB both moved from flat to sunburst mid-production; the 116619LB's lacquer stayed constant.
-<span id="weight"></span>
-=== Weight ===
-Rolex Forum owners report about 226.8g with 12 bracelet links fitted.
 <span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>
 == Historical market and auction record ==
-The 116619LB often trades above the yellow-gold 116618 despite comparable material cost. Historical firsts, low production volume, and the stealth-wealth character combine to place it among the highest-value modern Submariners on the secondary market. It is well represented both in dealer inventories and at auction.
+The 116619LB appears mainly in dealer and auction listings. Results vary with condition, bracelet size, papers, service history, and sale venue. The Bonhams and Antiquorum results listed below are individual data points; they do not establish a fixed premium over the yellow-gold 116618 or a universal market ranking.
+== Related references ==
+* [[Reference:116618|Submariner 116618]]: Yellow Gold (2008–2020)
+* [[Reference:116613|Submariner 116613]]: 2009–2020
+* [[Reference:116610LV|Submariner 116610LV]]: "Hulk", Green Dial (2010–2020)
+* [[Reference:116610LN|Submariner 116610LN]]: 2010–2020
+* [[Reference:114060|Submariner 114060]]: 2012–2020
+* [[Reference:16610LV|Submariner 16610LV]]: "Kermit", Green Bezel (2003–2010)
+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]].
+<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
+File:Ref_116619LB_hero_2.webp|White-gold 116619LB with blue dial and bezel
+File:Ref_116619LB_detail.webp|Case and bezel detail
+</gallery>
 == Sources ==
-* [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.the1916company.com/blog/rolex-smurf-guide.html The 1916 Company Smurf guide] — The 1916 Company, The 1916 Company
+* [https://www.the1916company.com/blog/rolex-smurf-guide.html The 1916 Company Smurf guide]; The 1916 Company, The 1916 Company
-* [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.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.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.grayandsons.com/blog/rolex-submariner-date-history/ Gray & Sons Submariner Date history] — Gray & Sons editorial, 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] — Professional Watches editorial, Professional Watches
+* [https://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-reference-guide/ Rolex Submariner Reference Guide]; Professional Watches editorial, Professional Watches
+* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/26250/lot/911/rolex-a-white-gold-blue-submariner-bracelet-watch-ref-116619lb-no-v762980-with-box-certificate-original-receipt-3-spare-links/ Rolex Ref. 116619LB, case V762980]; Bonhams, "Evolutionary Time," Hong Kong, 2020-07-22, Lot 911
+* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29988/lot/1155/rolex-or-submariner-ref116619lb-smurf-a-white-gold-bracelet-watch-with-date-circa-2010/ Rolex Ref. 116619LB "Smurf," case V528909]; Bonhams, Hong Kong online sale, 2024-04-05, Lot 1155
+* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116619lb-submariner-lot-361-127 Rolex Ref. 116619LB, case V712568]; Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 2023-06-13, Lot 127
+* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116619lb-submariner-smurf-white-gold-lot-388-154 Rolex Ref. 116619LB "Smurf," case V479064]; Antiquorum, Monaco, 2026-06-28, Lot 154
 [[Category:Submariner]]