Watch Anatomy Vol. 28: Submariner Date (Ref. 116613, 126613)

What do you look for when choosing a mechanical watch?

Many people would probably answer "design," "functionality," and "asset value." Of course, appearance and resale value are very important points, but by increasing your knowledge and understanding of the historical background of brands and models, minor changes over the years, and other factors, you will likely come to love watches even more and enjoy the fun of choosing one. In this column, we will provide as much information as possible about mechanical watches to both beginners and advanced watchers, and will provide a thorough analysis and explanation to help you choose a watch.

This time, we will be focusing on the Rolex Submariner "Ref. 116613, 126613," so please read to the end.

Fourth-generation Rolesor Submariner Ref. 116613

The Ref. 116613, released in 2009, is a fourth-generation Submariner Date model crafted with Rolesor, a combination of stainless steel and 18K yellow gold. Combining robust diver's performance with a luxurious feel, it gained popularity with its two color options: blue (LB) and black (LN). The Cerachrom bezel and maxi dial dramatically improved durability and legibility.

Basic specifications : Year of manufacture: 2009-2020 Case: 40mm
Material: SS/18KYG
Bezel: Cerachrom unidirectional rotating bezel Water resistance: 300m
Movement: Cal.3135

The lugs and case have been thickened, giving the watch an overall more substantial feel. The design has evolved to exude a more luxurious feel than previous models.

Dial

〇116613LB (Early Blue Lacquer)

〇116613LB (late model Sunray Blue)

〇116613LN (black lacquer)

Like the solid gold model, the 116613LB (blue dial) has been changed from the early production matte dial (lacquer) to a vibrant blue sunray finish. The LN (black dial) features a lustrous black lacquer finish. The indices and hands are enlarged "maxi dials," boasting high visibility even in dark places.
There are also two-tone models with diamond indices.

〇116613GLB (Blue lacquer with diamond indexes)

night light

Chromalight luminous material is used, which emits a long-lasting blue light and ensures excellent visibility even during night dives.

bezel

The blue or black Cerachrom insert highlights the PVD-coated gold graduations and is scratch-resistant and virtually resistant to fading.

Movement

It is equipped with the Caliber 3135, a legendary movement that has supported Rolex since 1988 and is highly regarded for its reliability, durability, and precision.

Fifth-generation Rolesor Submariner Ref. 126613

The Ref. 126613, released in 2020, is a fifth-generation Submariner equipped with the latest caliber, Cal. 3235. The case diameter has been enlarged to 41mm, while the lug width has been slimmed down, resulting in a balanced silhouette. This current combination model combines the elegance of Rolesor with the latest technology.

Basic specifications <br>Year of manufacture: Around 2020~
Case: 41mm
Material: SS/18KYG
Bezel: Cerachrom unidirectional rotating bezel Water resistance: 300m
Movement: Cal.3235

The newly designed case improves comfort, and despite the case diameter being 1mm larger, the overall impression is sleek.

Dial

〇126613LB (Sunray finish blue)

〇126613LN (lacquer finish black)

The 126613LB has been available in a sunray blue finish since its inception, while the LN has been available in a black lacquer finish. Like the previous model, both models feature a maxi dial for excellent visibility. The blue dial is now even more vibrant than before, further enhancing the sense of luxury.
Additionally, the diamond index specification that was available in the previous model is not currently available.
To distinguish between "Ref. 116613" and "Ref. 126613", if there is a crown mark between "SWISS MADE" at 6 o'clock on the dial, which is proof that it is equipped with a new caliber, then it is a "Ref. 126613".
Another distinguishing feature of the LB is that the letter colors are different, with "Ref. 116613" having gold letters and "Ref. 126613" having white letters.

night light

Chromalight luminous material continues to be used. It emits blue light, making it easy to read in the dark and providing long-lasting illumination.

bezel

The watch features a blue or black Cerachrom insert, and the gold scale is finished with a PVD coating, making it both scratch-resistant and luxurious. This is also the same as the previous model.

Movement

This watch is equipped with the new Rolex-developed movement, "Cal. 3235." Equipped with the Chronergy escapement, it is highly resistant to magnetic fields and shocks, and boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Its precision and reliability have been further improved.

summary

The fourth-generation Rolesor model, Ref. 116613, which was released in 2009, is a highly refined combination model that dramatically improves durability, visibility, and luxury with its Cerachrom bezel and maxi dial.
In addition, the fifth generation "Ref. 126613", which was released in 2020, is equipped with a 41mm case and the latest movement "Cal. 3235", making it a current combination model with a more sophisticated design and practicality.

Both are representative of the Rolesor line, which combines luxury with the Submariner, and can be said to symbolize the technological evolution of each era.

See you again in the next model explanation!
See you next time!!