Rolex Submariner 116613LB

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Submariner 116613LB

The Rolex Submariner 116613LB is the previous-generation two-tone Submariner Date with a blue dial and matching blue Cerachrom bezel, the configuration collectors call the Bluesy. Rolex produced it from 2009 until 2020, when the 41mm generation replaced it. WatchGuys carries pre-owned and unworn 116613LB watches, each authenticated in-house and backed by a 2-year warranty. Below we cover what the 116613LB is, the detail that separates it from the current Bluesy, what it costs, and how it compares to the references around it.

What Is the Rolex 116613LB "Bluesy"?

The 116613LB is a Rolex Submariner Date produced from 2009 to 2020 in a 40mm case made from Yellow Rolesor, Rolex's combination of Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold. The bezel, winding crown, and center bracelet links are solid gold, while the case flanks and outer bracelet links are steel. It pairs a blue sunburst dial, with Chromalight hour markers and hands, against a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel with gold-coated numerals and graduations. Rolex's internal suffix "LB" stands for Lunette Bleue, French for blue bezel. Inside is the Caliber 3135 with a 48-hour power reserve and Superlative Chronometer certification. The Oyster bracelet carries the Glidelock clasp for tool-free adjustments up to 20mm, and water resistance is 300 meters.

One detail separates the 116613LB from the current Bluesy, and most buyers miss it: the dial text is printed in gold rather than the white printing used on the 126613LB. The gold printing ties the dial tightly to the gold case elements for a warmer, more uniform look, while the later white text reads cleaner and more modern against the blue. Neither is objectively better, but it is the detail that tells the two generations apart at a glance and the first thing a knowledgeable buyer checks.

Rolex 116613LB Price

Pre-owned and unworn Rolex 116613LB watches at WatchGuys typically range from $13,000 to $17,000 or more. Where a specific piece lands depends on production year, dial variant, condition, and whether the original box and papers are included, with full sets trading toward the upper end. The 116613LB sits roughly $3,000 below the current-production Rolex 126613LB, which makes it one of the most accessible entry points into the Bluesy lineage, and it commands a slight premium over the black-dial Rolex 116613LN from the same generation. For pricing on a specific piece in our inventory, contact our team directly.

116613LB vs. 126613LB vs. 116613LN

The Rolex 116613 family came in two configurations, and the sibling is the black-dial 116613LN, which reads more conservatively and trades a little lower. Looking forward, the 126613LB replaced this reference in 2020 with a 41mm case, slimmer lugs, the Caliber 3235 with roughly 70 hours of power reserve, and the switch to white dial text. Looking back, the earlier aluminum-bezel Rolex 16613 offers the blue two-tone look of the five-digit era at a lower price. Buyers who prefer the more compact 40mm proportions or want the warmer gold-text dial stay with the 116613LB, while those who want the current movement choose the newer generation. For the full blue two-tone lineage, see the Rolex Bluesy collection, the wider two-tone Submariner range, or the complete Rolex Submariner lineup.

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Why Buy a Rolex 116613LB From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned Rolex 116613LB for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated, accurately described, and protected end to end. Here is what comes with every purchase.

Common Questions

Rolex 116613LB FAQ

• Is the Rolex 116613LB the Bluesy?

  Yes. Bluesy is the collector nickname for any two-tone Rolesor Submariner Date with a blue dial and blue bezel, and the 116613LB is the ceramic-bezel generation produced from 2009 to 2020. The nickname also covers the earlier aluminum-bezel 16613 and the current 126613LB. Rolex has never used the term officially, but it is universally recognized across dealer listings and auction catalogs.

• What Is the Difference Between the 116613LB and 126613LB?

  The 126613LB replaced the 116613LB in 2020. The case grew from 40mm to 41mm with slimmer lugs, and the movement was upgraded from the Caliber 3135 to the 3235, raising the power reserve from 48 hours to about 70. The most visible difference is the dial text, printed in gold on the 116613LB and white on the 126613LB. The older generation trades roughly $3,000 below the current model.

• How Much Does a Rolex 116613LB Cost?

  Pre-owned and unworn 116613LB prices at WatchGuys typically range from $13,000 to $17,000 or more. Production year, dial variant, condition, and whether the original box and papers are included all affect where a piece lands, with full sets trading toward the top. Contact our team for current pricing on a specific 116613LB in our inventory.

• What Are the Flat and Sunburst Dial Variants?

  Across its production run the 116613LB appeared with two dial finishes. Earlier examples used a flatter matte-leaning blue, while later examples used the sunburst finish that radiates from the center and shifts with the light. Both are factory-correct, and the sunburst is the more sought-after of the two. Because the difference affects desirability, any listing should state which variant it is showing, and we confirm the finish on every piece.

• What Is the Difference Between the 116613LB and 116613LN?

  Color. The 116613LB has a blue dial with a blue Cerachrom bezel and is the reference known as the Bluesy, while the 116613LN has a black dial with a black bezel. Both share the same 40mm Yellow Rolesor case, Caliber 3135 movement, and Oyster bracelet. The LB typically commands a slight premium over the LN because of stronger collector demand for the blue combination.

• Does the Gold on a Two-Tone Submariner Wear Off?

  No. The gold components on the 116613LB are solid 18k gold rather than plating, so there is no thin surface layer to wear through. Solid gold picks up scratches and loses polish with daily wear like any precious metal, but it cannot wear away to reveal a different metal underneath. This is a common concern from buyers who have owned gold-plated watches, and it does not apply to Rolesor construction. It is still worth checking the center links for wear on an older two-tone, and we inspect for it on every piece.

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