Rolex – Submariner – Blue – 116613LB – 2015

The Submariner 116613LB represents Rolex’s modern interpretation of the classic two-tone sports watch, combining the tool watch practicality of stainless steel with the refinement of 18k yellow gold. Introduced in 2009 as part of the ceramic bezel generation, this reference pairs its blue Cerachrom insert with a matching sunburst dial, creating the “Bluesy” variant that has become highly sought after among collectors who appreciate color in their sport watches. The 116613 series marked a significant evolution in the Submariner line, bringing contemporary materials and upgraded movements while maintaining the fundamental design language that has defined dive watches since 1953.

The 40mm Oyster case houses the caliber 3135, Rolex’s workhorse automatic movement featuring a Parachrom hairspring for superior shock resistance and temperature stability. The ceramic bezel insert is virtually scratchproof and its engraved numerals are filled with platinum, maintaining legibility across decades. The Triplock crown system ensures the rated 300-meter water resistance, while the sapphire crystal features a Cyclops lens magnifying the date window at three o’clock. The Oyster bracelet terminates in the Glidelock extension system, offering tool-free adjustments in two-millimeter increments across twenty millimeters of total travel.

This full-set 2015 example wears with substantial presence on the wrist, the yellow gold accents catching light against brushed steel surfaces in a way that works equally well with tailoring or casual attire. The blue dial variant tends to photograph darker than it presents in person, where direct light reveals the metallic sheen beneath. The 116613LB occupies a unique position in the collecting landscape—substantial enough to anchor a single-watch collection, yet distinctive enough to justify its place alongside monochromatic sport models.