Review: The Rolex Submariner 116613 vs 16613

Rolex Submariner 116613 vs. 16613

The Rolex Submariner is one of the world’s most desirable and recognisable watches. The Submariner has not only flaunted the wrists of many noteworthy celebrities but also made appearances in the famous James Bond franchise. However, this legendary diver watch line has seen numerous changes since its inception. Rolex has offered it in all 904L Oystersteel, solid 18ct gold and also, in two-tone steel and gold (popularly known as ‘Rolesor’).

We will be today comparing between two of the most legendary references of bi-tone Rolex Submariner – Rolex 116613 and Rolex 16613.

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Reference 116613 vs 16613: The Two-Tone Rolex Submariner

Although Rolex developed the Submariner in 1953, the watch made its debut officially at Basel Watch Fair in the following year. Featuring a 100m depth rating, the iconic watch paved the way for today’s contemporary dive watches. Some of the significant upgrades the Submariner underwent include:

• The brand added a date display in the 1960s
• In the late 1970s, the switch was made from acrylic to sapphire crystals
• The photoluminescent lume was used instead of radioactive tritium in the 1990s.

While Rolex introduced the aluminium bezel Submariner Reference 16613 in 1988, the reference 116613 made its debut in 2009. However, the Rolex Submariner ref. 116613 sports a more rugged Cerachrom ceramic insert instead of aluminium bezel along with the new bracelet and case design.

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The Rolex Submariner 16613

Rolex continued the production of the reference 16613 for more than twenty years. This particular model was available in several variations. For example:

• On the one hand, there was a blue or black dial and bezel set option, whereas, on the other hand, one could opt for an exquisite ‘Serti’ silver or champagne dials embellished with lug holes, gemstones on the case or no holes as well as different luminescent material on the dial.
• The watch flaunts a flat-link Oyster bracelet, 18ct yellow gold centre links and an Oyster clasp.

However, among the reference variations, two components that stayed consistent are the two-tone steel and gold-finished case, and aluminium bezel insert.

The Rolex Submariner 116613

While Rolex released the modern Submariner reference 116613 in Yellow Rolesor, it paved the way for a newer-style known as ‘Super Case’. The fact is that reference 116613 retains the 40mm case diameter but it appears a little bit larger.

• The crown guards and lugs are broader
• The manufacturer offered a new mounting design to the bezel that eventually made the case look more robust. 
• Moreover, the case sports a virtually scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic insert that does not fade in colour like aluminium.
• The reference 116613 also features the Rolex’s proprietary ‘Chromalight’ on its dial, offering a vibrant blue glow for nearly 8hours.

Like reference 16613, the new Rolex Submariner 116613 model comes in a black or blue dial and bezel set. However, the ones with ‘Serti’ dials are available only in black or blue. Besides, they do not also flaunt sapphires set on the 12, 9 and 6 o’clock hour markers. Instead:

The ‘Serti’ dials Rolex Submariner reference 116613 feature eight diamonds set and luminous indexes on 12, 9 and 6 o’clock locations.

Conclusion: Reference 116613 vs 16613

The Rolex Submariner 116613 and 16613 are equipped with the perpetual movement - Calibre 3135 with 48hours power reserve. However, Rolex has fitted an updated Parachrom paramagnetic blue hairspring to the Calibre 3135 housed within the modern reference 116613. Thus, it offered better resistance to temperature variations and shocks.

The Rolex Submariner reference 116613 renders a more comprehensive look than its earlier iteration. Moreover, this watch sports solid end-links, solid gold centre links, an Oysterlock clasp and a Glidelock extension system.

Although the Submariner 116613 model looks more contemporary, the watch still shares many similarities with the Submariner 16613. However, the similarities lie here:

• Both the references come in a versatile bi-tone finish, and with similar dial and bezel colour options
• Moreover, both of them feature an Oyster bracelet that sits comfortably and enables for effortless adjustments over the wetsuits
• More significantly, the reference 116613, as well as the reference 16613, is water-resistant up to 300m (1,000ft).

Nonetheless, the Rolex Submariner is indeed a diver watch legend. Thus, both the Submariner reference 116613 and 16613 are likely to command a high resale value when selling them in the pre-owned market. However, whether you are looking to sell a Rolex Submariner or sell Rolex watches of any other collection, you must get in touch with a trustworthy watch buyer in London or any other big cities to ensure you are getting the best possible deal.