The two-tone Rolex Submariner pairs a steel case and bracelet with 18 ct yellow gold on the bezel, crown and bracelet centre links, a combination Rolex calls Rolesor, and it has run through several references from the 1980s to today, most with a blue or black dial and the nickname "Bluesy" attached to the blue versions. This guide covers the two-tone Submariner's generations, how the current 126613LB compares with the earlier 116613LB and 16613, dated 2026 prices and what to check before buying. Bizak & Co. sources the two-tone Submariner to order; the two-tone watches collection and the used Submariner collection list the configurations we can seek.
Last reviewed on September 26, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Prices are dated observations, not quotes.
What is a two-tone Rolex Submariner?
Rolex introduced a date Submariner in steel and yellow gold Rolesor in the early 1980s, and the combination has stayed in the catalogue in one form or another ever since, sitting between the all-steel Submariner and the far costlier solid gold versions. The steel case and bracelet centre keep the weight and durability of the sports model, while the gold bezel, crown and bracelet centre links add warmth and a dressier read. Dial colours have varied by generation, but the blue-dial, blue-bezel version has consistently drawn the "Bluesy" nickname, first attached to the 16613 and carried forward to its successors.
Two-tone Submariner generations compared
| 16613 (1988 to 2009) | 116613LN/LB (2009 to 2020) | 126613LN/LB (2020 to date) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case | 40 mm | 40 mm | 41 mm |
| Bezel insert | Anodised aluminium | Ceramic Cerachrom, introduced on this generation | Ceramic Cerachrom |
| Movement | Calibre 3135 | Calibre 3135 | Calibre 3235, 70-hour reserve |
| Bracelet clasp | Standard fold-over | Glidelock extension | Glidelock extension |
| Bizak catalogue, 26 Sep 2026 | From US$9,597 pre-owned | From US$15,070 pre-owned | From US$16,368 pre-owned |
Source: the Rolex Submariner collection page, which lists the current 126613LN and 126613LB, and Rolex watch care and service for the service and parts policy that applies to discontinued generations.
The 16613: the original modern two-tone Bluesy
The 16613 ran for 21 years with an aluminium bezel insert in blue or black, a 40 mm case and the calibre 3135. Its blue-dial, blue-bezel version is the watch that earned the Bluesy nickname before Rolex's ceramic bezels existed, and because it predates Cerachrom, its bezel insert fades and scratches in a way the later ceramic versions do not, which some buyers actively prefer for the vintage character it develops. It remains the most affordable route into a two-tone Submariner with a date.
The 116613LN/LB: ceramic bezel arrives
Rolex introduced the ceramic Cerachrom bezel across the Submariner range in 2009, and the two-tone version carried it in black (116613LN) or blue (116613LB). The ceramic insert does not fade or scratch the way the 16613's aluminium insert does, and the case gained the Glidelock bracelet extension, which allows tool-free micro-adjustment for wetsuit or seasonal wrist changes. It kept the 40 mm case and calibre 3135 of its predecessor, making it a straightforward upgrade for buyers who wanted the ceramic bezel without a case size change.
The 126613LN/LB: the current two-tone Submariner
The current generation, introduced in 2020, grew the case to 41 mm and replaced the calibre 3135 with the calibre 3235, extending the power reserve to about 70 hours. The ceramic bezel, ultra-durable Chromalight lume and Glidelock extension continue from the previous generation. It is the version an authorised dealer sells new today, in either the black 126613LN or blue 126613LB. Our Submariner 126610LN guide covers the all-steel equivalent for comparison.
Two-tone vs all-steel Submariner: which to choose?
The two-tone version costs more than an equivalent all-steel Submariner because of the gold content in the bezel, crown and bracelet centre links, and it reads as dressier, which suits buyers who want one watch that moves between casual and formal settings. The all-steel Submariner is the tougher, lower-maintenance choice for daily sports use, since gold marks more easily than steel even in small doses. Buyers who already own a steel sports watch and want a second piece with a different character are the most common two-tone buyers; those buying a first Submariner more often start with steel.
How does a two-tone Submariner wear?
At 40 mm on the 16613 and 116613 or 41 mm on the current 126613, the two-tone Submariner wears identically in proportion to its all-steel counterpart, since the case dimensions do not change between the metal combinations. The gold bracelet centre links are noticeably softer than steel and show fine scratches sooner, so the outer steel links do most of the work protecting the bracelet's appearance over time. The added weight of the gold components is modest and not something most wearers notice in daily use.
How much is a two-tone Rolex Submariner? Prices in 2026
- Retail. The current 126613LN and 126613LB carry a premium over the all-steel 126610LN at Rolex's list prices; current figures sit on the Rolex product page linked above.
- Secondary market. Blue-dial "Bluesy" examples across all three generations have generally traded at similar or slightly higher levels than the equivalent black-dial version, reflecting steady demand for the colour combination.
- Bizak catalogue asks. On 26 September 2026 our sourced catalogue listed pre-owned 16613 examples from US$9,597, 116613LN/LB examples from US$15,070, and the current 126613LB from US$16,368, all sourced to order.
Those figures describe what we saw and will move. Ask for a dated quote for the exact generation, dial and set; our Submariner price guide explains how to compare quotes.
Buying a two-tone Submariner: what to check
- Bezel insert. On a 16613, confirm the aluminium insert's fade or wear is consistent with its stated age; on ceramic-bezel generations, chips are the main concern rather than fading.
- Gold wear. Inspect the bracelet centre links and crown for deep scratches; gold marks more easily than steel and heavy wear here affects value more than on an all-steel watch.
- Warranty card and box. A full set matters more on the older 16613 given its age; on the two ceramic-bezel generations a full set is more commonly available.
- Bracelet extension. On 116613 and 126613 models, test the Glidelock extension for smooth, secure adjustment.
- Case and lugs. Sharp lug chamfers and even brushing on the steel portions; rounded edges indicate repeated polishing.
- Price against the band. A full-set blue-dial example offered well under the market is the single most reliable warning sign.
Our authentication process describes what we inspect before dispatch.
Quick answers
What is a two-tone Rolex Submariner?
A Submariner combining a steel case and bracelet with 18 ct yellow gold on the bezel, crown and bracelet centre links, a combination Rolex calls Rolesor, offered continuously since the early 1980s.
What does Bluesy mean on a Submariner?
A nickname for the blue-dial, blue-bezel two-tone Submariner, first attached to the 16613 and carried forward to the 116613LB and current 126613LB.
What is the difference between the 16613 and 116613?
The 16613 uses an anodised aluminium bezel insert that fades over time; the 116613, introduced in 2009, uses a ceramic Cerachrom insert that resists fading and scratching, plus a Glidelock bracelet extension.
How much is a two-tone Rolex Submariner?
Bizak's sourced catalogue listed pre-owned 16613 examples from US$9,597, 116613LN/LB from US$15,070, and the current 126613LB from US$16,368 on 26 September 2026, sourced to order.
Is the two-tone Submariner the same size as the steel version?
Yes. Each generation shares its case dimensions with the equivalent all-steel Submariner; only the bezel, crown and bracelet centre links differ in material.
Request a two-tone Submariner sourcing quote
Tell us the generation, dial colour, condition and whether the warranty card is 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: 126613LB Bluesy, 116613LN two-tone, 16613SC two-tone; browse the two-tone watches collection, the used Submariner collection, or sell or trade your Submariner.
Related reading: Submariner 16613 Bluesy guide · Submariner 126613LB Bluesy guide · Submariner 126610LN guide · Submariner price guide.
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