Introductory Summary
The Rolex Submariner Date reference 116613LB is a two-tone dive watch produced from 2009 until 2020 as part of the ceramic-bezel Submariner generation. Combining stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel and matching blue dial, it represents the most visually expressive Rolesor Submariner of its era.
Core Specifications
- Brand: Rolex
- Collection: Submariner
- Reference: 116613LB
- Production Start: 2009
- Production End: 2020
- Status: Discontinued
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel & 18ct Yellow Gold
- Bezel: Blue Ceramic, Unidirectional
- Dial: Blue
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
- Movement: Rolex Calibre 3135
- Power Reserve: 48 Hours
- Water Resistance: 300m / 1,000ft
Reference Profile
The 116613LB replaced the aluminium-bezel 16613 blue and introduced the Cerachrom ceramic bezel alongside the “maxi case” design with broader lugs and crown guards. Retaining the classic blue-and-gold Submariner identity, it offers increased wrist presence and a more contemporary execution while remaining firmly rooted in Rolex’s established professional dive watch lineage.
Movement Overview
The watch is powered by the Rolex calibre 3135, an automatic movement that underpinned Rolex’s date-equipped professional models for decades. It offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve, includes a quickset date function, and is widely regarded for its robustness, accuracy, and long-term serviceability.
Functions & Complications
The 116613LB displays hours, minutes, and central seconds, with a date aperture at 3 o’clock magnified by a Cyclops lens. It features a unidirectional 60-minute ceramic dive bezel, a screw-down Triplock crown, water resistance rated to 300 metres, and is fitted to a Rolesor Oyster bracelet with yellow gold centre links and Rolex’s Glidelock extension system for fine, tool-free adjustment.
Buyer Considerations
This reference appeals to buyers seeking a modern two-tone Submariner with strong visual presence and recognisable colour identity. The blue dial and bezel show wear differently than black configurations, while gold centre links are prone to visible scratching, making condition, polishing history, and full-set completeness key factors in market value.
Comparisons & Aternatives
The 116613LB is most often compared to its predecessor, the 16613 blue, which offers slimmer proportions and an aluminium bezel, and to its successor, the 126613LB, which introduced revised 41mm case proportions and the calibre 3235. Within Rolex’s range, the full gold 116618LB provides a more overt luxury alternative, while competitors such as the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M offer a technically focused but stylistically different approach to the two-tone dive watch.
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