Bob’s Spotlight: Rolex Submariner 116619 “Smurf”

While the bright blue Submariner ref. 116619 may be nicknamed after a children’s cartoon character, there is certainly nothing child-like about this ultra-premium Rolex dive watch. Beefy, incredibly luxurious, and rather expensive, it’s a version of the Rolex Submariner that is seldom seen out in the wild, so let’s shine the spotlight on the “Smurf” Submariner 116619.

The Look of the Rolex Submariner 116619

The Rolex Submariner ref. 116619 made its debut at Baselworld 2008. To the untrained eye, this may look like a standard stainless steel Submariner, but it’s far from your average dive watch. The Submariner 116619 is crafted from solid 18k white gold, which certainly makes this more of a luxury sports watch than a Rolex tool watch. However, like all Rolex dive watches, the Submariner 116619 is built for the task at hand should the need arise – but more on that later.

The Submariner ref. 116619 retains the characteristic 40mm Oyster case but features wider lugs and bigger crown guards than its predecessors, therefore it wears noticeably bigger, despite actually not having a larger case diameter. As a contemporary model, this Rolex Submariner is outfitted with a unidirectional rotating bezel fitted with a Cerachrom ceramic insert, in addition to thicker hands and larger hour markers on the dial.

However, the most striking feature of the white gold Submariner ref. 116619 is the vibrant blue color of the dial and bezel, which is the reason for its “Smurf” nickname. It’s worth noting that the blue dial on the Smurf is different than the blue dials fitted to other gold and two-tone Submariner watches. While blue Submariner dials have historically been a dark blue with a metallic sunburst finish, the dial on the Smurf is a bright flat blue color with a glossy lacquered surface.

The Functionality of the Rolex Submariner 116619

Despite the fact that very few Submariner ref. 116619 watches will probably never go for a dive given its luxurious 18k white gold construction, it is still built as a professional diving watch. As such, like all modern Rolex Submariners, the reference 116619 can safely plunge to 1,000 feet (300 meters) deep below the surface of the ocean.

Additionally, to accommodate thick diving suits, the Submariner ref. 116619 features the clever Glidelock extension system on the clasp of its white gold Oyster bracelet.No tools are required to make the bracelet longer or shorter, and the bracelet can be expanded up to about 20mm in 2mm increments. Should the bracelet need to be adjusted, simply slide the Glidelock mechanism until the perfect fit is reached.

For optimal legibility in low light conditions, the hands and blue dial of the Smurf Submariner are finished with Chromalight, which is Rolex’s own proprietary luminescent material that glows blue rather than green. It’s said that Chromalight lasts longer than traditional green-glowing lume and is easier to see in the dark. In addition to the luminescent hands and hour markers, there’s also a luminous plot on the bezel to make tracking immersion times while diving even easier.

Powering the time and date functions of the Submariner ref. 116619 “Smurf” is the famous Rolex in-house Caliber 3135 automatic movement, which offers users a 48 hour of power reserve. First introduced in the late 1980s, the Cal 3135 movement is a reliable and proven workhorse, and it is widely considered to be among the best mechanical movements for everyday wear and use.

The Popularity of the Rolex Submariner 116619

With its dramatic look and hefty price tag, it’s not surprising that the solid 18k white gold Submariner ref. 116619 is a popular model among celebrities. We’ve spotted it on the wrist of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, actor Will Arnett, rapper Tinie Tempah, and even actor, comedian, and musician Jack Black.

However, in addition to celebrities, the blue Submariner ref. 116619 is a popular choice among Rolex fans too. However, due to having an official retail price of $38,350 (as of January 2020), owning one of these incredibly luxurious Rolex dive watches is reserved for only a select few.

While not everyone is a fan of its “Smurf” nickname, countless collectors around the world love the unique look and functionality of the Submariner ref. 116619. What are your thoughts on this ultra-premium solid white gold and bright blue Submariner? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.