Rolex Submariner White Gold

Buying Advice

About White Gold Rolex Submariner Watches

The white gold Rolex Submariner is the rarest material configuration in the entire Submariner family, built entirely in solid 18k white gold from the case middle to the bezel, the crown, and every link of the Oyster bracelet. The lineup is small and tightly focused: only two modern references have ever been produced, the discontinued 116619LB "Smurf" (2008 to 2020) and the current-production 126619LB "Cookie Monster" (2020 to present). Pre-owned and unworn white gold Rolex Submariner watches at WatchGuys are authenticated in-house, backed by a 2-year warranty, and ship overnight. Prices typically range from $38,000 to $48,000+ depending on reference and condition.

The 2008 Smurf was a major launch for Rolex, debuting at Baselworld alongside the brand's 100th anniversary celebrations and marking the first ever white gold Submariner in the model's then 55-year history. It was also the first Submariner with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, predating both the steel and yellow gold ceramic versions. For the broader Submariner overview, see our Rolex Submariner page or the complete Rolex Submariner Buyer's Guide. For the sister precious-metal filter, see our yellow gold Submariner collection.

Which Rolex Submariner Models Come in White Gold?

Only two modern Submariner references are built in solid 18k white gold. The 116619LB Smurf (2008 to 2020) features a 40mm case, a lacquered blue dial, a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel, and the Caliber 3135 with a 48-hour power reserve. The 126619LB Cookie Monster (2020 to present) moves to a 41mm case, swaps to a black dial while keeping the blue Cerachrom bezel, and runs the newer Caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve. Both share 300m water resistance, the Triplock screw-down crown, and the white gold Oyster bracelet with the Glidelock clasp. There has never been a white gold No-Date Submariner; both references are Date models only.

The 116619LB Smurf

The 116619LB Smurf was the first white gold Submariner ever produced and the first Submariner of any material to use a Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Launched at Baselworld 2008 to mark Rolex's 100th anniversary alongside the new yellow gold 116618LN and 116618LB, the Smurf used the Super Case design with broader lugs and crown guards, the Maxi Dial with larger luminous markers, and a lacquered (flat, glossy) blue dial unlike the sunburst blue used on the two-tone Bluesy. The nickname came from collectors quickly after launch, referencing the cartoon character's bright blue and white color scheme. Retail at discontinuation in 2020 was approximately $38,350. Pre-owned pricing today typically runs from the high $30,000s to the low $40,000s, with unworn examples pushing higher. For buyers comparing blue-on-blue Submariners, see our Rolex Bluesy hub for the more accessible two-tone alternative.

The 126619LB Cookie Monster

When Rolex refreshed the Submariner family in 2020 to the 126610-generation 41mm case, the white gold version followed the same path as its yellow gold and steel siblings. The 126619LB kept the blue Cerachrom bezel that defined the Smurf but switched the dial from lacquered blue to glossy black. Because the dial color changed, collectors did not carry the Smurf nickname forward. Instead, the new reference picked up its own nickname, "Cookie Monster," referencing the Sesame Street character's blue fur and dark mouth. The 126619LB runs the newer Caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve and remains in current Rolex production, with retail around $39,650. Authorized dealer allocation is extremely limited, which is why most buyers turn to the pre-owned and unworn market.

White Gold Rolex Submariner Price

Pre-owned white gold Rolex Submariner prices typically range from $38,000 to $48,000+. The discontinued 116619LB Smurf generally trades from the high $30,000s to the low $40,000s on the secondary market, with unworn full-set examples pushing higher due to closed-set scarcity. The current-production 126619LB Cookie Monster trades from the high $30,000s to the high $40,000s, reflecting both the underlying gold content and continued waitlist pressure at authorized dealers. Box and papers completeness, factory polish, and bracelet stretch are the primary price drivers within each reference. Both white gold references trade above their yellow gold counterparts at retail, reflecting the additional cost of working with white gold alloys.

Smurf vs. Cookie Monster

The Smurf is the discontinued 40mm white gold Submariner with a lacquered blue dial and matching blue bezel, the louder of the two visually. The Cookie Monster is the current-production 41mm white gold Submariner with a glossy black dial and a blue bezel, more restrained and more wearable as a daily piece. The Smurf is the closed-production collector reference and the original; the Cookie Monster is the modern continuation with the better movement and the slightly larger case. Buyers who want the all-blue statement piece choose the Smurf. Buyers who want the modern white gold Submariner with the daily-driver aesthetic choose the Cookie Monster.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a White Gold Rolex Submariner From WatchGuys

Pre-owned white gold Rolex Submariner watches for sale at WatchGuys are authenticated in-house, accurately described, and protected by the policies below. White gold Submariners are routinely mistaken for stainless steel by sellers and even by some dealers, which makes hands-on authentication and material verification essential. Whether you are buying a discontinued 116619LB Smurf or an unworn 126619LB Cookie Monster, every white gold Submariner ships with the same standards.

Common Questions

White Gold Rolex Submariner FAQ

• What is the white gold Rolex Submariner?

  The white gold Rolex Submariner is a Submariner Date built entirely in solid 18k white gold, including the case middle, bezel, crown, and full Oyster bracelet. It is the rarest material configuration in the Submariner family, with only two modern references ever produced: the discontinued 116619LB Smurf (2008 to 2020) with a lacquered blue dial, and the current-production 126619LB Cookie Monster (2020 to present) with a black dial. Both share a blue Cerachrom bezel and 300m water resistance.

• Which Rolex Submariner references come in white gold?

  Only two references. The 116619LB Smurf (2008 to 2020) was the first white gold Submariner ever made, in 40mm with the Caliber 3135 and a lacquered blue dial. The 126619LB Cookie Monster (2020 to present) is the current-generation white gold Submariner, in 41mm with the newer Caliber 3235 and a black dial. There has never been a No-Date white gold Submariner, and there is no historical or vintage white gold Submariner before the 2008 Smurf launch.

• Why does the white gold Submariner look like stainless steel?

  Rolex's proprietary white gold has a slightly grayish tone that collectors call "gray gold," which gives the case and bracelet a cooler appearance similar to stainless steel rather than the bright silver finish of typical white gold. To the untrained eye, a white gold Submariner can easily pass for a steel one. The way to tell them apart on the wrist is weight: the white gold version is significantly heavier. The dedicated giveaway is the dial and bezel combination. The Smurf has a lacquered blue dial and blue bezel, and the Cookie Monster has a black dial and blue bezel. Neither configuration is offered in stainless steel.

• How much does a white gold Rolex Submariner cost?

  Pre-owned white gold Rolex Submariner prices typically range from $38,000 to $48,000+. The discontinued 116619LB Smurf generally trades from the high $30,000s to the low $40,000s, with unworn full-set examples pushing higher due to closed-set scarcity. The current-production 126619LB Cookie Monster trades from the high $30,000s to the high $40,000s, reflecting both the underlying gold content and continued waitlist pressure at authorized dealers. Box and papers completeness, factory polish, and bracelet stretch are the primary price drivers within each reference.

• Is the Rolex Smurf discontinued?

  Yes. Rolex discontinued the 116619LB Smurf in 2020 when the entire 116610 generation was replaced by the 41mm 126610 family. The Smurf had a 12-year production run from 2008 to 2020. Its successor, the 126619LB, kept the blue Cerachrom bezel but moved to a black dial, which is why collectors did not carry the Smurf nickname forward and instead gave the new reference its own Cookie Monster nickname. The Smurf is now only available on the secondary market.

• Rolex Smurf vs. Cookie Monster: which should I buy?

  The Smurf is the discontinued 40mm white gold Submariner with a lacquered blue dial and matching blue bezel, the bolder visual statement and the closed-production collector reference. It runs the older Caliber 3135 with a 48-hour power reserve. The Cookie Monster is the current-production 41mm white gold Submariner with a black dial and a blue bezel, more restrained and easier to wear daily. It runs the newer Caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve. Choose the Smurf for the all-blue statement piece and the original-white-gold-Submariner status. Choose the Cookie Monster for the modern movement, larger case, and more versatile dial.

• Is the white gold Rolex Submariner a good investment?

  The white gold Submariner combines two value-retention factors: the underlying 18k gold content, which sets a price floor tied to the gold spot market, and the rarity of the configuration within the Submariner lineup, with only two references ever produced. The discontinued Smurf has held value strongly since leaving production in 2020, supported by closed-set scarcity and the absence of any direct lacquered-blue-dial successor. The current Cookie Monster trades close to retail with limited authorized dealer allocation. While no watch is a guaranteed investment, the white gold Submariner is among the more defensible precious-metal sport watch purchases.

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