Rolex 116613 Submariner
Submariner › 116613
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.” Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010
Core facts
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 116613; LN (black) and LB (blue) |
| Family | Submariner Date |
| Model run | Introduced 2009; replaced in 2020 |
| Movement | Automatic caliber 3135, quick-set date, approximately 48-hour power reserve |
| Case | 40mm; steel and 18ct yellow gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops date lens |
| Water resistance | 300m |
| Bezel | Unidirectional; Cerachrom insert with gold-coated numerals and graduations |
| Lume | Chromalight, blue emission |
| Bracelet and clasp | Steel-and-gold Oyster; Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock adjustment |
| Predecessor / successor | 16613 / 126613 |
The technical specifications above follow Rolex’s 116613LB brochure. Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5
Where it sits in the line
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 116618 and white-gold 116619LB. Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010
Two-tone Submariner lineage
| Reference | Place in the line | Case diameter | Bezel insert |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16613 | Preceding generation | 40mm | Aluminum |
| 116613 | Introduced 2009 | 40mm | Cerachrom ceramic |
| 126613 | Introduced 2020 | 41mm | Cerachrom ceramic |
Rolex dates the 41mm redesign to 2020, when the Submariner Date adopted caliber 3235. Rolex also uses the Oystersteel name in its 116613 brochure. Rolex, Submariner history, 2020 entry Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5
What changed 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. Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010
Production outline
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. Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010 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. Antiquorum, Geneva, 6 November 2022, lot 310
The blue dial evolution: flat to sunburst
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. Bob’s Watches, 116613 sunburst-dial guide
Movement notes
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. Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5 Rolex, Submariner history, 2020 entry
Dial map
Diamond and serti dials
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. Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 10 May 2020, lot 89
Blue dial (LB)
The blue dial is paired with a blue ceramic bezel insert. Collectors distinguish the early flat finish from the later sunburst dial. Bob’s Watches, 116613 sunburst-dial guide
Black dial (LN)
The LN pairs a black dial with a black ceramic bezel insert. Bonhams’ 2017 lot 6 is a documented example, with case number G55****. Bonhams, London, 21 June 2017, lot 6
Case, bezel, crystal, and crown
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Detail view -
Detail view
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. Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5
Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes
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. Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5 Antiquorum, New York, 30 September 2015, lot 160
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. Antiquorum, Geneva, 6 November 2022, lot 310
Auction record
| Sale | Watch and catalogue dating | Result or estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Bonhams, London, 17 November 2020, lot 164 | Blue 116613, case V87****, catalogued circa 2008; see the dating qualification above. | £8,925, including premium |
| 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 |
| Antiquorum, Geneva, 10 November 2024, lot 485 | Blue 116613LB, case V820560, catalogued circa 2009. | CHF 10,000–15,000 estimate |
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. Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5
Related references
- Submariner 116610LV — green dial and bezel
- Submariner 116610LN — steel, black dial and bezel
- Submariner 116618 — yellow gold
- Submariner 116619LB — white gold
- Submariner 114060 — no date
- Submariner 16610LV — earlier steel model with a green aluminum bezel insert
See also the Submariner family index, movement reference, bracelet and clasp guide, and serial-number guide.
Sources
- Fratello, “Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613,” 4 January 2010
- Rolex, Submariner history, 2020 entry
- Rolex, 116613LB brochure, p. 5
- Bob’s Watches, 116613 sunburst-dial guide
- Antiquorum, New York, 30 September 2015, lot 160
- Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 10 May 2020, lot 89
- Antiquorum, Geneva, 6 November 2022, lot 310
- Antiquorum, Geneva, 10 November 2024, lot 485
- Bonhams, London, 21 June 2017, lot 6
- Bonhams, London, 17 November 2020, lot 164