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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 | Rolexopedia
|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=Guide to the Rolex Submariner Date 116613: 2009–2020, steel and yellow gold, caliber 3135, black and blue dials, and documented auction examples.
|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
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}}


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


<small>[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]] → '''116613'''</small>
<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 116613 hero 2.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex 116613 Submariner|Rolex 116613 Submariner]]
</div>


[[File:Ref 116613 hero 2.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
The 116613 is the 40mm steel-and-yellow-gold Submariner Date introduced in 2009 and replaced by the 41mm 126613 in 2020. It uses caliber 3135 and a ceramic Cerachrom bezel insert. Rolex calls the steel-and-gold combination Rolesor. The 116613LN has a black dial and bezel; the blue 116613LB is often called the “Bluesy.” [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-116613-versus-16613/ Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010]
[[File:Ref 116613 hero.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
[[File:Ref 116613 detail 2.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
[[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 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.


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


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
|-
! Detail !! Specification
! detail
! value
|-
| reference
| 116613 (LN = black, LB = blue)
|-
|-
| family
| Reference || 116613; LN (black) and LB (blue)
| Submariner Date
|-
|-
| production
| Family || Submariner Date
| approximately 2009 to 2020
|-
|-
| movement
| Model run || Introduced 2009; replaced in 2020
| caliber 3135 (date, quick-set, 28800 bph, ~48hr power reserve)
|-
|-
| case
| Movement || Automatic caliber 3135, quick-set date, approximately 48-hour power reserve
| 40mm Super Case, Rolesor (904L steel + 18k yellow gold)
|-
|-
| crystal
| Case || 40mm; steel and 18ct yellow gold
| sapphire with Cyclops
|-
|-
| water resistance
| Crystal || Sapphire with Cyclops date lens
| 300m
|-
|-
| bezel
| Water resistance || 300m
| Cerachrom ceramic (blue or black), platinum-filled numerals
|-
|-
| lume
| Bezel || Unidirectional; Cerachrom insert with gold-coated numerals and graduations
| Chromalight (blue glow)
|-
|-
| bracelet
| Lume || Chromalight, blue emission
| Oyster ref.93253 with Glidelock, solid gold center links
|-
|-
| rehaut
| Bracelet and clasp || Steel-and-gold Oyster; Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock adjustment
| engraved ROLEX ROLEX
|-
|-
| predecessor
| Predecessor / successor || 16613 / 126613
| 16613
|-
| successor
| 126613
|}
|}
The technical specifications above follow Rolex’s 116613LB brochure. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5]


<span id="where-it-sits-in-the-line"></span>
<span id="where-it-sits-in-the-line"></span>
== 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 replaced the aluminum-bezel 16613. Its wider lugs and crown guards give the case the blockier profile collectors call the “Super Case,” although the nominal diameter stayed at 40mm. The same generation included the steel 116610, yellow-gold [[Reference:116618|116618]] and white-gold [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]]. [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-116613-versus-16613/ Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010]
 
* 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>
Line 84: Line 61:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Reference !! Place in the line !! Case diameter !! Bezel insert
|-
|-
! reference
| 16613 || Preceding generation || 40mm || Aluminum
! years
! case material
! bezel material
! successor retail
|-
| 16613
| 1988–2009
| Rolesor (steel/gold)
| aluminum (fades)
| —
|-
|-
| 116613
| 116613 || Introduced 2009 || 40mm || Cerachrom ceramic
| 2009–2020
| Rolesor (steel/gold)
| Cerachrom ceramic
| —
|-
|-
| 126613LB
| 126613 || Introduced 2020 || 41mm || Cerachrom ceramic
| 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.
Rolex dates the 41mm redesign to 2020, when the Submariner Date adopted caliber 3235. Rolex also uses the Oystersteel name in its 116613 brochure. [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner/from-tool-watch-to-icon Rolex, Submariner history, 2020 entry] [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5]


<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:
The main changes were the ceramic bezel insert, broader case profile and Glidelock bracelet adjustment. The 16613’s long production run complicates some comparisons, particularly bracelet and dial details. [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-116613-versus-16613/ Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010]
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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.


<span id="production-outline"></span>
<span id="production-outline"></span>
<span id="production-volume-estimates"></span>
<span id="Production_volume_estimates"></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.
Robert-Jan Broer’s January 2010 comparison dates the 116613’s introduction to Baselworld 2009. Bonhams later catalogued a blue example, case V87****, as circa 2008. That approximate lot date conflicts with the launch report and does not establish an earlier introduction. [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-116613-versus-16613/ Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25958/lot/164/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-submariner-ref-116613-circa-2008/ Bonhams, London, 17 November 2020, lot 164]
 
The 2009–2020 model run should be kept separate from dates on sales papers. Antiquorum’s 2022 lot 310, for example, records a December 2017 sale date; it does not give an exact manufacturing date. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613lb-submariner-lot-355-310 Antiquorum, Geneva, 6 November 2022, lot 310]


<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.
Early blue dials have a relatively uniform finish. Later examples have a sunburst finish, with radial reflections that change as the watch tilts. Bob’s Watches dates the switch to 2013. That dealer chronology is useful as an approximate guide; a precise factory changeover or serial-number boundary remains unverified. [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/submariner-116613-sunburst-dial.html Bob’s Watches, 116613 sunburst-dial guide]
 
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).
The 116613 uses caliber 3135 with a quick-set date and stop-seconds function. Rolex’s brochure specifies a blue Parachrom hairspring and approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The 126613 successor uses caliber 3235. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5] [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner/from-tool-watch-to-icon Rolex, Submariner history, 2020 entry]


<span id="dial-map"></span>
<span id="dial-map"></span>
Line 181: Line 102:
=== 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.
Antiquorum’s Hong Kong sale of 10 May 2020 included a black diamond-set dial on a 116613, case G778362, dated circa 2010. The catalogue calls it a “Serti” dial, a term used for gem-set dials. This identifies the configuration offered at auction; original factory delivery of that dial would need separate documentation. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613-oyster-perpetual-date-submariner-1000-ft-300-m-superlative-chronometer-officially-certified-lot-328-89 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 10 May 2020, lot 89]


<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.
The blue dial is paired with a blue ceramic bezel insert. Collectors distinguish the early flat finish from the later sunburst dial. [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/submariner-116613-sunburst-dial.html Bob’s Watches, 116613 sunburst-dial guide]


<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.
The LN pairs a black dial with a black ceramic bezel insert. Bonhams’ 2017 lot 6 is a documented example, with case number G55****. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24232/lot/6/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-submariner-ref-116613ln-sold-20th-june-2012/ Bonhams, London, 21 June 2017, lot 6]


<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 ==


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.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_116613_detail_2.webp|alt=Detail view|Detail view
File:Ref_116613_detail.webp|alt=Detail view|Detail view
</gallery>
 
The middle case and its crown guards are steel. The bezel surround and Triplock winding crown are yellow gold. Rolex specifies gold-coated numerals and graduations on the ceramic insert. The sapphire crystal has a Cyclops lens over the date; the case has a screw-down back and a 300m water-resistance rating. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5]


<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.
Rolex specifies a three-link Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock adjustment. Antiquorum’s New York sale of 30 September 2015 identifies bracelet reference 97203 with Glidelock on a 116613, case J38N7707. Original-delivery fitment still needs to be checked against the individual watch’s documentation. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613-lot-293-160 Antiquorum, New York, 30 September 2015, lot 160]


<span id="production-volume-estimates"></span>
Boxes, cards and tags should be recorded for the individual watch. Antiquorum’s 2022 lot 310 included a box, guarantee card, booklets, seal and hang tag. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613lb-submariner-lot-355-310 Antiquorum, Geneva, 6 November 2022, lot 310]
== Production volume estimates ==
 
<span id="market-and-collector-context"></span>
<span id="Market_and_collector_context"></span>
<span id="auction-record"></span>
== Auction record ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Sale !! Watch and catalogue dating !! Result or estimate
|-
| [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24232/lot/6/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-submariner-ref-116613ln-sold-20th-june-2012/ Bonhams, London, 21 June 2017, lot 6] || Black 116613LN, case G55****. The catalogue’s “sold 20th June 2012” refers to the watch’s earlier sale, not this auction. || £7,500, including premium
|-
| [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25958/lot/164/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-submariner-ref-116613-circa-2008/ Bonhams, London, 17 November 2020, lot 164] || Blue 116613, case V87****, catalogued circa 2008; see the dating qualification above. || £8,925, including premium
|-
| [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613lb-submariner-lot-355-310 Antiquorum, Geneva, 6 November 2022, lot 310] || Blue 116613LB, case 8949J352. Described as new old stock and originally sold in December 2017. || CHF 18,750, reported result
|-
| [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613lb-submariner-lot-372-485 Antiquorum, Geneva, 10 November 2024, lot 485] || Blue 116613LB, case V820560, catalogued circa 2009. || CHF 10,000–15,000 estimate
|}


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.
Two catalogue measurements differ from Rolex’s 40mm specification: Bonhams’ 2017 lot lists 46mm, and Antiquorum’s 2024 lot lists 39mm. Neither catalogue explains the discrepancy. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5]


<span id="market-and-collector-context"></span>
== Related references ==
== 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.
* [[Reference:116610LV|Submariner 116610LV]], green dial and bezel
* [[Reference:116610LN|Submariner 116610LN]], steel, black dial and bezel
* [[Reference:116618|Submariner 116618]], yellow gold
* [[Reference:116619LB|Submariner 116619LB]], white gold
* [[Reference:114060|Submariner 114060]], no date
* [[Reference:16610LV|Submariner 16610LV]], earlier steel model with a green aluminum bezel insert


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 and clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]].


== 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] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-116613-versus-16613/ Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010]
* [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.rolex.com/watches/submariner/from-tool-watch-to-icon Rolex, Submariner history, 2020 entry]
* [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://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/submariner/m116613lb-0005.pdf Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5]
* [https://www.grayandsons.com/blog/rolex-submariner-date-history/ Gray & Sons Submariner Date history] — unknown, Gray & Sons
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/submariner-116613-sunburst-dial.html Bob’s Watches, 116613 sunburst-dial guide]
* [https://professionalwatches.com/rolex-submariner-reference-guide/ Rolex Submariner Reference Guide] — unknown, Professional Watches
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613-lot-293-160 Antiquorum, New York, 30 September 2015, lot 160]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613-oyster-perpetual-date-submariner-1000-ft-300-m-superlative-chronometer-officially-certified-lot-328-89 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 10 May 2020, lot 89]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613lb-submariner-lot-355-310 Antiquorum, Geneva, 6 November 2022, lot 310]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613lb-submariner-lot-372-485 Antiquorum, Geneva, 10 November 2024, lot 485]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24232/lot/6/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-submariner-ref-116613ln-sold-20th-june-2012/ Bonhams, London, 21 June 2017, lot 6]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25958/lot/164/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-submariner-ref-116613-circa-2008/ Bonhams, London, 17 November 2020, lot 164]


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