Rolex Submariner Two Tone

Buying Advice

About Two-Tone Rolex Submariner Watches

The two-tone Rolex Submariner combines 904L Oystersteel with solid 18k yellow gold in the configuration Rolex calls Yellow Rolesor, a trademark the brand registered back in 1933. Within the Submariner family, the two-tone sits between the all-steel Submariner Date and the full 18k yellow gold 126618, offering the precious-metal warmth and visual presence of a gold watch at a more accessible entry point. Pre-owned and unworn two-tone Rolex Submariner watches at WatchGuys span four reference generations from the 1984 ref. 16803 through the current 126613. Every two-tone Submariner is authenticated in-house, backed by a 2-year warranty, and ships overnight. Prices typically range from $10,000 to $22,000+ depending on reference, dial configuration, and condition.

The two-tone Submariner is offered in two dial configurations within each reference generation: the LN suffix (Lunette Noire) with a black dial and black bezel, and the LB suffix (Lunette Bleue) with a blue dial and blue bezel. The blue version has earned the collector nickname "Bluesy" and has its own dedicated editorial hubs at our Rolex Bluesy and Rolex Submariner Bluesy collections. For the broader Submariner overview, see our Rolex Submariner page or the complete Rolex Submariner Buyer's Guide.

Which Rolex Submariner Models Come in Two-Tone?

The current-production two-tone Submariner is the Rolex Submariner 126613, available as the 126613LN with a black dial or the 126613LB with a blue dial. Both share a 41mm Yellow Rolesor case, the Caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve, a Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, and a 300m water resistance rating. The previous-generation 116613 was produced from 2009 to 2020 in 40mm with the Caliber 3135 and was the first two-tone Submariner with a ceramic bezel. The classic Rolex Submariner 16613 ran from 1988 to 2009 in 40mm with an aluminum bezel insert, making it the last two-tone Submariner of the five-digit era. The original 16803 from 1984 to 1988 was the first two-tone Submariner Date and introduced the Yellow Rolesor formula to the model.

Two-Tone Submariner Reference Generations

The two-tone Submariner has been continuously produced for more than 40 years, with each generation refining the formula. The 16803 (1984 to 1988) introduced Yellow Rolesor to the Submariner with an aluminum bezel and sapphire crystal. The 16613 and 16613LB (1988 to 2009) standardized the Caliber 3135 movement and produced both LN and LB dial variants throughout a 21-year run. The 116613LN and 116613LB (2009 to 2020) brought the Maxi case, solid end links, the Glidelock clasp, and the first ceramic Cerachrom bezel on a two-tone Submariner. The current 126613LN and 126613LB (2020 to present) move to a 41mm case with slimmer lugs and the Caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve. One detail worth knowing: the 116613 generation uses gold-colored dial text, while the 126613 uses white.

Two-Tone Rolex Submariner Price

Pre-owned two-tone Rolex Submariner prices typically range from $10,000 to $22,000+ depending on reference, year, dial configuration, and condition. The classic 16613 generally trades in the low to mid teens, with the LB Bluesy variant commanding a slight premium over the LN black-dial version. The 116613 sits in the mid to high teens, with unworn pieces pushing toward the top of the range. The current 126613 commands the highest prices in the family, typically in the high teens to low twenties, reflecting both the updated 41mm case and continued waitlist pressure at authorized dealers. Box and papers completeness, factory polish, and bracelet condition are the primary price drivers within each generation.

Two-Tone vs. Stainless Steel Rolex Submariner

The decision between two-tone Rolesor and the all-steel Rolex Submariner 126610LN comes down to aesthetics, dressiness, and configuration availability. The all-steel Submariner is the classic tool-watch expression: subtle, versatile, and the most widely traded reference family in the Submariner lineup. The two-tone adds visual warmth and dressiness, with the gold elements catching light differently across daily wear. Both share the same 41mm case (in current production), the Caliber 3235, the Cerachrom bezel, the Glidelock clasp, and 300m water resistance. The two-tone is only available with a date complication and only in the LN or LB dial configurations, while the all-steel side adds the No-Date Submariner 124060 and the green-bezel Starbucks options. Pricing skews higher on the two-tone due to the gold content.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a Two-Tone Rolex Submariner From WatchGuys

Pre-owned two-tone Rolex Submariner watches for sale at WatchGuys are authenticated in-house, accurately described, and protected by the policies below. Whether you are buying a vintage 16613, a neo-vintage 116613, or an unworn 126613, every two-tone Submariner ships with the same standards.

Common Questions

Two-Tone Rolex Submariner FAQ

• What is a two-tone Rolex Submariner?

  A two-tone Rolex Submariner is a Submariner Date built in Yellow Rolesor, Rolex's combination of 904L Oystersteel and solid 18k yellow gold on the same watch. The Oystersteel forms the case middle and outer bracelet links, while the bezel, winding crown, and center bracelet links are crafted from 18k yellow gold. The two-tone Submariner has been continuously produced since 1984 and is currently offered as the 126613, available with either a black dial (126613LN) or a blue dial (126613LB).

• What is Yellow Rolesor?

  Yellow Rolesor is Rolex's trademarked term for the combination of 904L Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold on the same watch. Rolex registered the Rolesor trademark in 1933, making it one of the oldest material designations in the brand's catalog. On the two-tone Submariner, Rolesor specifically means an Oystersteel case and outer bracelet links combined with solid 18k yellow gold bezel, winding crown, and center bracelet links. Rolex also produces Everose Rolesor (steel and rose gold) and White Rolesor (steel and white gold) on other models, but the Submariner uses Yellow Rolesor exclusively.

• Which Rolex Submariner references come in two-tone?

  The two-tone Submariner spans four reference generations. The 16803 (1984 to 1988) introduced Yellow Rolesor to the model with an aluminum bezel. The 16613 (1988 to 2009) standardized the Caliber 3135 with both LN black-dial and LB blue-dial variants. The 116613 (2009 to 2020) brought the Maxi case, ceramic Cerachrom bezel, and Glidelock clasp. The current 126613 (2020 to present) features a 41mm case and the Caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve. Each generation has been offered with both LN (black dial, black bezel) and LB (blue dial, blue bezel) dial configurations.

• How much does a two-tone Rolex Submariner cost?

  Pre-owned two-tone Rolex Submariner prices typically range from $10,000 to $22,000+. The classic 16613 generally trades in the low to mid teens, with the LB Bluesy commanding a slight premium over the LN black-dial version. The 116613 sits in the mid to high teens, with unworn pieces pushing toward the top of the range. The current 126613 commands the highest prices, typically in the high teens to low twenties, reflecting both the updated 41mm case and continued waitlist pressure at authorized dealers.

• What is the difference between the two-tone Submariner LN and LB?

  The LN suffix (Lunette Noire) denotes the black-dial, black-bezel two-tone Submariner. The LB suffix (Lunette Bleue) denotes the blue-dial, blue-bezel version, which collectors call the Bluesy. Both share identical case construction, movement, bracelet, and water resistance within each generation, with the only differences being the dial color and the bezel insert color. The LB Bluesy typically trades at a small premium over the LN black-dial version due to its more distinctive aesthetic and stronger collector following.

• Is the two-tone Rolex Submariner a good investment?

  The two-tone Submariner has a 40-year track record of continuous production and steady collector demand, making it one of the more resilient Rolex sport watches in its price tier. Stainless steel sport models tend to attract the most speculative attention, but two-tone references hold their value steadily and benefit from the underlying gold content. The current 126613 trades above retail due to limited authorized dealer allocation, and the discontinued 116613 has held value well since leaving production. While no watch is a guaranteed investment, the two-tone Submariner combines the broader Submariner's value-retention record with the precious-metal underlay that supports a price floor.

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