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Add four direct 116619LB auction lots (2 Bonhams, 2 Antiquorum) with hammer prices, case numbers, and catalogued weight figures; register sources
Deep correctness, source, image and anti-slop audit: qualified production, dial, Cerachrom, hallmarks, bracelet, special-branch and auction claims, cleaned links, and added gallery.
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The 116619LB is the first white-gold Submariner, and one of the first two Submariners fitted with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Rolex introduced it at Baselworld 2008 alongside the yellow-gold 116618, 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.
The 116619LB is the first serially produced white-gold Submariner cited in the reference literature, and it launched at Baselworld 2008 alongside the yellow-gold 116618. Both introduced Cerachrom bezels to the precious-metal Submariner line before the steel 116610LN followed in 2010. Collectors call the blue-dial, blue-bezel watch the “Smurf.” The case and bracelet are 18k white gold, although photographs can make them resemble steel.


The 116619LB was produced exclusively with a blue lacquer dial and blue bezel across its entire 2008–2020 run. No black-dial 116619 exists.
Published examples use the blue dial and blue bezel combination. The cited sources do not document a black-dial 116619LB.


<span id="core-facts"></span>
<span id="core-facts"></span>
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== 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. 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.
The 116619LB belongs to the ceramic-era Submariner generation with the yellow-gold 116618, Rolesor 116613 and steel 116610. Monochrome’s published chronology places the precious-metal ceramic models before the steel model. Earlier Submariners existed in yellow gold and Rolesor; the 116619LB adds white gold to that lineage.
 
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 passes for steel carries the weight and the price of gold without announcing either, which no gold Submariner before it could do.


<span id="production-outline"></span>
<span id="production-outline"></span>
== Production outline ==
== 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). Nothing changed mid-run. Volume was always low; Rolex makes white-gold sport watches in far smaller numbers than their steel or yellow-gold siblings.
The cited references date the 116619LB from 2008 to about 2020. Christie’s and Phillips records provide early examples, while the successor 126619LB establishes the later catalogue transition. Rolex does not publish a production total, and the public record does not prove that every case, clasp, dial or service component was unchanged throughout the run.


<span id="movement-notes"></span>
<span id="movement-notes"></span>
== Movement notes ==
== 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 buys case material, dial, and bracelet. The mechanics are identical. The 126619LB successor moved to caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve.
The 116619LB is described with caliber 3135, quick-set date, 28,800 vph and approximately 48 hours of reserve. The same movement family appears in the 116610, 116613 and 116618. The 126619LB successor uses caliber 3235 with a longer stated power reserve. Service history and replaced components should be recorded separately.


<span id="dial-map"></span>
<span id="dial-map"></span>
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[[File:Ref_116619LB_hero_2.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB|Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB]]
[[File:Ref_116619LB_hero_2.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB|Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB]]


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 deeper and more uniform, with none of the directional shimmer, and it holds its color whatever the light does.
Published examples use a blue lacquer dial with Maxi-format markers and Chromalight descriptions. The 116618LB and 116613LB are catalogued with different blue-dial treatments in some sources, but color, finish and lume should be checked against the individual watch and period documentation. White-gold markers and hands are consistent with the white-gold case.
 
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.


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=== Bezel ===
=== 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 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. Rolex describes Cerachrom as highly resistant to scratching and UV-related fading; the condition of an individual insert still needs inspection.


<span id="crystal"></span>
<span id="crystal"></span>
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=== 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. Markings appear on the mid-case under the lugs, on the case back, and on bracelet blades.
Hallmarks should be checked against Swiss precious-metal requirements and the individual case and bracelet. A 750 mark denotes 18k gold; other assay and maker marks may appear on the case or bracelet. Their location and legibility are evidence for the component in hand, not proof of the whole watch’s originality.


<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
<span id="bracelets-end-links-clasps-and-packaging-notes"></span>
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=== Bracelet ===
=== Bracelet ===


Full 18k white-gold Oyster ref.97209 with a Glidelock extension giving roughly 20mm of micro-adjustment. Finishing is brushed throughout, with none of the polished center links the 116618 and 116613 carry, which keeps the whole watch reading as steel. The bracelet does not change across the production run.
The 116619LB is paired with the 18k white-gold Oyster bracelet commonly identified as ref. 97209 and a Glidelock clasp. Finishing and clasp parts should be checked on the individual bracelet; the public record does not establish that every bracelet remained unchanged across the full run.


<span id="special-branches"></span>
<span id="special-branches"></span>
== Special branches ==
== Special branches ==


One configuration throughout, and no special branches. That makes the 116619LB one of the simplest references to catalog in the modern Submariner line, and the only ceramic-bezel Submariner to keep a flat, non-sunburst blue dial for its entire run. The 116613LB and 116618LB both moved from flat to sunburst mid-production; the 116619LB's lacquer stayed constant.
The cited catalogue and auction record centers on one blue-dial, blue-Cerachrom configuration. No factory military or retailer branch is established in the sources reviewed. Reports of service or replacement parts should be tied to the individual watch rather than treated as a new reference.


<span id="weight"></span>
<span id="weight"></span>
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== Historical market and auction record ==
== Historical market and auction record ==


The 116619LB often trades above the yellow-gold 116618 despite comparable material cost. Low production volume and the stealth-wealth character do most of that work, helped by the reference's status as a first, and it sits among the highest-value modern Submariners on the secondary market.
The auction record includes full-set Bonhams and Antiquorum lots with different dates, currencies and estimates. Results vary with condition, papers, bracelet completeness, venue and timing; the cited sample does not establish a reference-wide price ranking or a stable premium against the yellow-gold 116618.
 
Bonhams sold a full-set example (case No. V762980, box, certificate, copy of the original purchase receipt, three spare links) at its Hong Kong "Evolutionary Time" online sale, 15-22 July 2020, for HKD 225,625 including premium against a HKD 100,000-200,000 estimate. A second Bonhams example (case No. V528909) sold at a Hong Kong online sale that ran 25 March-5 April 2024 for HKD 281,600 including premium, against a HKD 200,000-350,000 estimate — a higher result four years later on a comparable watch, though sample size is too small here to call it a trend. Antiquorum has also brought the reference to sale, including a 2008 example (case No. V479064) at Monaco on 28 June 2026 for EUR 28,864 against a EUR 20,000-40,000 estimate; a 2008-2009 example (case No. V712568) offered at Hong Kong on 13 June 2023 carried an estimate of HKD 220,000-300,000 with no result recorded on the lot page.




== Related references ==
== Related references ==


* [[Reference:116618|Submariner 116618]] — Yellow Gold (2008–2020)
* [[Reference:116618|Submariner 116618]] (yellow gold, 2008–2020)
* [[Reference:116613|Submariner 116613]] — 2009–2020
* [[Reference:116613|Submariner 116613]] (2009–2020)
* [[Reference:116610LV|Submariner 116610LV]] — "Hulk", Green Dial (2010–2020)
* [[Reference:116610LV|Submariner 116610LV]] ("Hulk", green dial, 2010–2020)
* [[Reference:116610LN|Submariner 116610LN]] — 2010–2020
* [[Reference:116610LN|Submariner 116610LN]] (2010–2020)
* [[Reference:114060|Submariner 114060]] — 2012–2020
* [[Reference:114060|Submariner 114060]] (2012–2020)
* [[Reference:16610LV|Submariner 16610LV]] — "Kermit", Green Bezel (2003–2010)
* [[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]].
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 ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Ref_116619LB_hero.webp|White-gold 116619LB with blue dial and bezel
Ref 116619LB hero 2.webp|116619LB dial and case view
Ref 116619LB detail.webp|Case and bezel detail
</gallery>


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolex Wikipedia, "Rolex" — general company history]
* [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

Revision as of 17:44, 28 September 2026


Submariner › 116619LB

Rolex 116619LB Submariner
Rolex 116619LB Submariner

The 116619LB is the first serially produced white-gold Submariner cited in the reference literature, and it launched at Baselworld 2008 alongside the yellow-gold 116618. Both introduced Cerachrom bezels to the precious-metal Submariner line before the steel 116610LN followed in 2010. Collectors call the blue-dial, blue-bezel watch the “Smurf.” The case and bracelet are 18k white gold, although photographs can make them resemble steel.

Published examples use the blue dial and blue bezel combination. The cited sources do not document 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 belongs to the ceramic-era Submariner generation with the yellow-gold 116618, Rolesor 116613 and steel 116610. Monochrome’s published chronology places the precious-metal ceramic models before the steel model. Earlier Submariners existed in yellow gold and Rolesor; the 116619LB adds white gold to that lineage.

Production outline

The cited references date the 116619LB from 2008 to about 2020. Christie’s and Phillips records provide early examples, while the successor 126619LB establishes the later catalogue transition. Rolex does not publish a production total, and the public record does not prove that every case, clasp, dial or service component was unchanged throughout the run.

Movement notes

The 116619LB is described with caliber 3135, quick-set date, 28,800 vph and approximately 48 hours of reserve. The same movement family appears in the 116610, 116613 and 116618. The 126619LB successor uses caliber 3235 with a longer stated power reserve. Service history and replaced components should be recorded separately.

Dial map

Blue lacquer (the only dial)

Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB
Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB

Published examples use a blue lacquer dial with Maxi-format markers and Chromalight descriptions. The 116618LB and 116613LB are catalogued with different blue-dial treatments in some sources, but color, finish and lume should be checked against the individual watch and period documentation. White-gold markers and hands are consistent with the white-gold case.

Case, bezel, crystal, and crown

Detail view
Detail view

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. From across a room the blue dial and bezel do the identifying; the case reads as steel.

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. Rolex describes Cerachrom as highly resistant to scratching and UV-related fading; the condition of an individual insert still needs inspection.

Crystal

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

Hallmarks

Hallmarks should be checked against Swiss precious-metal requirements and the individual case and bracelet. A 750 mark denotes 18k gold; other assay and maker marks may appear on the case or bracelet. Their location and legibility are evidence for the component in hand, not proof of the whole watch’s originality.

Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes

Bracelet

The 116619LB is paired with the 18k white-gold Oyster bracelet commonly identified as ref. 97209 and a Glidelock clasp. Finishing and clasp parts should be checked on the individual bracelet; the public record does not establish that every bracelet remained unchanged across the full run.

Special branches

The cited catalogue and auction record centers on one blue-dial, blue-Cerachrom configuration. No factory military or retailer branch is established in the sources reviewed. Reports of service or replacement parts should be tied to the individual watch rather than treated as a new reference.

Weight

Owners posting on Rolex Forums report about 226.8g with 12 bracelet links fitted. Auction-catalogued examples read lighter: Antiquorum listed a 2008-2009 case at approximately 219g and a 2008 case at 213.8g, both weighed on their full bracelets as sold. The gap between the forum figure and the two catalogued figures is more likely bracelet length and link count than a real spec difference; nobody has published a link-by-link breakdown to settle it.

Historical market and auction record

The auction record includes full-set Bonhams and Antiquorum lots with different dates, currencies and estimates. Results vary with condition, papers, bracelet completeness, venue and timing; the cited sample does not establish a reference-wide price ranking or a stable premium against the yellow-gold 116618.


Related references

See also the Submariner family index, movement reference, bracelet & clasp guide, and serial numbers by year.

Gallery

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

Sources

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