We’ve got 3 blue submariners
The Rolex Submariner in blue is a sight to behold. Distinct, bold, and highly attractive, it is available in two-toned, yellow gold, and white gold versions. With diving watches that look this good, it’s hard to pick our favorite.
Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel
The combination of rugged stainless steel, luxurious yellow gold, and a striking blue face make for a great looking watch. Two popular versions of the Rolesor Submariner in blue are the discontinued ref. 16613 and the current model, ref. 116613. The Sub 16613 was first unveiled in 1988 and gained immense popularity during its more than 20-year production.
In 2009, Rolex introduced the ref. 116613 to replace the older version, and it came equipped with several enhancements. Fans of the older Submariner 16613 prefer its more elegant and refined look, while those who lean towards the newer Submariner 116613 appreciate its sportier appeal with the “Maxi Dial” with larger indexes and thicker hands, ultra-resistant “Cerachrom” ceramic bezel, and heftier lugs. Although both references are sized at 40mm, the current ref. 116613 wears larger on the wrist thanks to its redesign.
The Oyster bracelet of the latest two-tone blue Submariner was also revamped to include the new “Glidelock” extension system, allowing wearers to make the bracelet longer when necessary without the need for tools. A perfect feature when slipping the Sub over a diving suit.
Yellow Gold
Definitely, the flashiest among the blue Rolex Submariners, the solid yellow gold models with the unmistakable blue dial and bezel is indeed a looker. Again, similar to the Rolesor Subs, the two top choices for full yellow gold versions are the older ref. 16618 that is no longer in production and ref. 116618, which is part of the present Rolex catalogue.
The Submariner 16618 was in production from 1990 for about 20 years, while the 116618 was presented to replace its predecessor in 2008. The introduction of the new ref. 116618 is quite a departure from the previous reference boasting the “Maxi Dial”, “Cerachrom” diver’s bezel, more robust Oyster case, and enhanced Oyster bracelet with the “Glidelock” extension feature.
It’s down to a matter of personal preference when choosing between the vintage classic 16618 and the modern 116618, where timeless elegance reigns supreme with the former and dynamism and innovation is the name of the game with the latter.
White Gold
Rolex turned a few heads when it launched the 18k white gold Submariner during the 2008 Baselworld show. Only available with a blue dial and bezel configuration, the 116619 is a subtler interpretation than its yellow gold counterpart, yet just as exclusive and luxurious. The 18k white gold boasts all the usual suspects of a modern Rolex sports watch – scratchproof “Cerachrom” bezel, “Maxi Dial”, redesigned 40mm Oyster case, and improved Oyster bracelet with the “Glidelock” mechanism – and is a stunning example of the latest generation of the iconic Submariner.
Like the other Submariners among the current collection, the ref. 116619 is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3135 automatic mechanical movement. The caliber is outfitted with the patented Parachrom hairspring for optimal resistance to external elements to keep the timepiece ticking along accurately for generations to come.
