Reference:116619LB: Difference between revisions
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116619LB Submariner}} | |||
{{#seo: | {{#seo: | ||
|title=Rolex Submariner Date | |title=Rolex Submariner 116619LB, white-gold Cerachrom Submariner Date | Rolexopedia | ||
|description=The 116619LB is the | |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 | |keywords=Rolex, 116619LB, Submariner, specifications, reference guide | ||
|type=article | |image=Ref 116619LB hero 2.jpg | ||
|image_alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB | |||
|type=Article | |||
|og_type=article | |||
|published_time=2026-04-14T16:13:08Z | |||
|modified_time=2026-08-04T00:07:40Z | |||
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large | |||
}} | }} | ||
<small>[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]] › '''116619LB'''</small> | |||
< | <div class="rp-lead"> | ||
[[File:Ref_116619LB_hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex 116619LB Submariner|Rolex 116619LB Submariner]] | |||
</div> | |||
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 116619LB | 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> | |||
== Core facts == | == Core facts == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable rp-facts" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! detail | ! detail | ||
| Line 34: | Line 40: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| production | | production | ||
| | | about 2008 to 2020 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| movement | | movement | ||
| Line 76: | Line 82: | ||
== Where it sits in the line == | == Where it sits in the line == | ||
The 116619LB is the white gold member of the ceramic-era Submariner generation | 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. 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> | <span id="production-outline"></span> | ||
== Production outline == | == Production outline == | ||
The 116619LB ran from 2008 to 2020 | 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> | <span id="movement-notes"></span> | ||
== Movement notes == | == Movement notes == | ||
Caliber 3135 throughout | 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> | <span id="dial-map"></span> | ||
| Line 104: | Line 100: | ||
<span id="blue-lacquer-the-only-dial"></span> | <span id="blue-lacquer-the-only-dial"></span> | ||
=== Blue lacquer | === 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. | |||
[[File:Ref_116619LB_hero_2.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB|Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB]] | |||
White gold markers and hands | 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> | <span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span> | ||
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown | == Case, bezel, crystal, and crown == | ||
<span id="case"></span> | <span id="case"></span> | ||
=== Case === | === Case === | ||
40mm 18k white gold | 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. | ||
<span id="bezel"></span> | <span id="bezel"></span> | ||
=== Bezel === | === Bezel === | ||
Blue Cerachrom ceramic insert | 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> | <span id="crystal"></span> | ||
=== Crystal === | === Crystal === | ||
Sapphire with Cyclops | Sapphire with Cyclops at 3 o'clock and anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. | ||
<span id="hallmarks"></span> | <span id="hallmarks"></span> | ||
=== Hallmarks === | === Hallmarks === | ||
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. | ||
<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span> | <span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span> | ||
| Line 139: | Line 138: | ||
=== Bracelet === | === Bracelet === | ||
Full 18k white gold Oyster ref.97209 with Glidelock | 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> | <span id="special-branches"></span> | ||
== Special branches == | == 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. | |||
<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span> | <span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span> | ||
== Historical market and auction record == | == Historical market and auction record == | ||
The 116619LB | 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 == | == 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] | * [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] | * [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] | * [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] | * [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] | * [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] | * [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]] | [[Category:Submariner]] | ||
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)
See also the Submariner family index, movement reference, bracelet & clasp guide, and serial numbers by year.
-
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