The Rolex Submariner Date 16613 is the two-tone Submariner made from 1988 to 2009: a 40 mm case in yellow Rolesor, which pairs stainless steel with 18 ct yellow gold on the bezel, crown and bracelet centre links, with an aluminium bezel insert, a sapphire crystal and the calibre 3135. The blue-dial, blue-bezel version is the original "Bluesy", the nickname that later passed to the 116613LB and today's 126613LB. This guide covers the specifications, the dial options, how the watch changed over 21 years of production, how it compares with the current 126613LB, dealer prices in 2026 and what to check before buying a watch that is now between 17 and 38 years old. Bizak & Co. sources the 16613 to order; the used Submariner collection lists the configurations we can seek.
Last reviewed on September 20, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Prices are dated observations, not quotes.
Rolex Submariner 16613 specifications
| Attribute | 16613 |
|---|---|
| Case | 40 mm stainless steel with 18 ct yellow gold bezel and crown, about 12.5 mm thick, roughly 47.5 mm lug to lug, 20 mm lug width; screw-down Triplock crown with crown guards |
| Bezel | Unidirectional 60-minute, yellow gold bezel with blue or black anodised aluminium insert |
| Movement | Calibre 3135, automatic, 48 hours power reserve, chronometer certified, quickset date |
| Dial | Blue (16613LB), black (16613LN) or champagne (16613 "SC" with serti diamond and sapphire markers); gold surrounds on markers, tritium lume to about 1998, then Luminova and Super-LumiNova |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops |
| Bracelet | Oyster 93153 with yellow gold centre links, folding Oysterlock clasp with diver's extension; solid end links from about 2000 |
| Water resistance | 300 m (1,000 ft) |
| Production | 1988 to 2009; replaced by the 116613 |
Sources: the Rolex Submariner collection page for the current successor, and Rolex watch care and service for service intervals and the parts policy that governs older references.
How the 16613 changed from 1988 to 2009
- 1988 to about 1998. Tritium lume, marked "SWISS - T < 25" at the foot of the dial; hollow end links; the lume ages to cream, which collectors prize.
- About 1998 to 2000. Luminova, dials marked "SWISS" only briefly, then "SWISS MADE"; lume stays white.
- About 2000 to 2007. Super-LumiNova; solid end links; the last of the traditional folding clasp.
- 2007 to 2009. Engraved rehaut with "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX" and the serial at 6; random serials from 2010 do not apply to this reference.
Every version has the same case and movement; the differences matter for originality and for how the watch looks, not for how it works.
Blue, black or champagne dial?
The blue dial and blue bezel is the Bluesy and the one most buyers want. Early blue dials can fade toward violet or purple, and blue aluminium bezel inserts fade toward light blue or grey; both are sought after when even. The black dial and bezel is the quieter watch and usually a little cheaper. The champagne "serti" dial with eight diamonds and two sapphires was Rolex's dressiest Submariner and has its own following. Whichever dial, check that it is original to the watch: dials were swapped at service more often than people think.
16613 vs 126613LB: old Bluesy or new?
| 16613 | 126613LB | |
|---|---|---|
| Case | 40 mm with slim lugs and drilled lug holes (early examples) | 41 mm with slim lugs |
| Bezel insert | Aluminium; fades and scratches | Cerachrom ceramic; does not fade |
| Movement | 3135, 48 h | 3235, 70 h |
| Clasp | Folding with diver's extension | Glidelock, 20 mm tool-free |
| Warranty | None from Rolex | Five years |
| Q2 2026 dealer median ask | US$10,250 | US$17,050 |
The 16613 is the Bluesy for about 60 percent of the price of the current watch, with vintage character and lighter weight. The 126613LB guide covers the current watch if the ceramic bezel and warranty matter more.
How much is a Rolex Submariner 16613? Dealer prices in 2026
- Dealer market. In the second quarter of 2026, dealer-to-dealer chats logged 98 priced asks for the two-tone 16613 at a median of US$10,250, with the middle half between US$9,500 and US$11,288. Asks rose about 5.5 percent across the quarter, from about US$9,975 in April to about US$10,525 in June. Those are asks, not sales.
- Bizak catalogue asks. On 12 September 2026 our sourced catalogue listed three blue-dial examples: US$9,299 watch only, US$11,438 watch only, and US$11,903 with papers, all pre-owned and sourced to order. The spread reflects year, condition and what comes with the watch.
- What moves the price. Full set with box and papers, an untouched tritium dial with even patina, an unpolished case with sharp lugs, and a bracelet without stretch each add; a replaced dial, a service bezel insert or a stretched bracelet each subtract.
Those figures describe what we saw and will move. Ask for a dated quote for the exact year, dial and set; our Submariner price guide explains how to compare quotes.
Is the 16613 a good investment?
It has appreciated slowly and steadily rather than spiking, and being discontinued for 17 years gives it a fixed supply. A correct, full-set, unpolished example is the one to buy; those are the ones that hold value. Watch-only examples with replaced parts are cheaper for a reason. Buy it to wear; if resale matters, ask for a written cash-buy assessment before you commit.
Buying a used 16613: what to check
- Serial and papers. The serial between the lugs at 6 (and on the rehaut from 2007) should match the guarantee paper if present. Rolex does not reissue papers for this era.
- Dial originality. Tritium dials should read "SWISS - T < 25"; a "SWISS MADE" dial in an early-serial watch is a service replacement. Lume on dial and hands should match in colour.
- Bezel insert. Original inserts have sharper printing and age with the dial; a bright, perfect blue insert on a 1990s watch is a service part, which is fine if priced as such.
- Case. Sharp lug chamfers and drilled lug holes on early examples; rounded, soft edges mean repeated polishing. Gold bezels and centre links wear faster than steel.
- Bracelet stretch. Hold the watch by the clasp; a bracelet that sags into a curve is stretched and costly to fix.
- Movement and service. A 3135 should run within a few seconds a day; ask for the last service receipt and pressure-test date. Budget for a service if there is no record.
- Price against the band. A full-set 16613 offered well under the market is the single most reliable warning sign.
Our authentication process describes what we inspect before dispatch, and our vintage Submariner authentication guide goes deeper on dials and inserts.
Quick answers
How much is a Rolex Submariner 16613?
Dealer asks in the second quarter of 2026 had a median of US$10,250 across 98 offers, with the middle half between US$9,500 and US$11,288. Bizak's catalogue showed US$9,299 to US$11,903 on 12 September 2026 depending on set and condition.
What years was the Rolex 16613 made?
From 1988 to 2009, when the 116613 with a ceramic bezel and "super case" replaced it.
Is the 16613 a Bluesy?
The blue-dial, blue-bezel 16613 is the original Bluesy. The same reference was also sold with a black dial and bezel and with a champagne serti dial.
What movement is in the Submariner 16613?
Calibre 3135, Rolex's automatic date movement with 48 hours of power reserve, used in the Submariner Date from 1988 to 2020.
Does the 16613 have a ceramic bezel?
No. The 16613 has an anodised aluminium bezel insert that can fade and scratch; the ceramic Cerachrom insert arrived with the 116613 in 2009.
Request a Submariner 16613 sourcing quote
Tell us the dial colour, preferred serial range or year, condition and whether papers are required, plus your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs, papers and final price before you commit. Catalogue entries: 16613 blue dial, 16613 champagne serti dial; browse the used Submariner collection, the two-tone watches collection, or sell or trade your Submariner.
Related reading: Submariner 126613LB Bluesy guide · Submariner 16610LV Kermit guide · Vintage Submariner authentication · Submariner price guide.
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