Watch of the Week: The Rolex Submariner 16613

The history of one of Rolex’s most iconic watches began in 1953 when Rolex set out to create something the world had never seen before.  The result was the Submariner diver’s watch.  Equipped with Rolex’s legendary waterproof Oyster case, the Submariner timepiece could withstand depths of up to 100 meters.  The model that debuted at BaselWorld in 1954 also offered a matte black dial topped with lume and a rotating timing bezel.  Over 60 years later, hints of the classic style of the first Submariner can be found in many older and modern references, including the two-tone Rolex Submariner 16613 that we are showcasing here today.

The Rolex Submariner 16613 is a stunning watch.

The Road to the Rolex Submariner 16613

In the decades that followed the Submariner’s debut, many improvements were made to its design.  The case was upgraded to offer a resistance to depths of up to 1,000 feet, creating a durable sports watch as well as a reliable everyday companion.  The case was also upgraded to include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a larger 40mm diameter with a bigger crown guard, a unidirectional bezel, and a date display on the dial.  In the late 1960’s, Rolex introduced an all-gold variant to the Submariner line, expanding its purpose from professional use to a stylish and highly valuable collector’s item.

Rolex Submariner 16613 is a two-tone dive watch with a blue face.

Rolex’s First Steel and Gold Rolex Diver’s Watch

Just three short decades after the Submariner’s debut at BaselWorld, Rolex introduced the first steel and gold variation with reference 16613 in 1983.  Avid collectors were pleased with the harmonious blend of durable stainless steel and flashy, high-polish yellow gold on the case and bracelet.  The two-tone ref. 16613 was still capable of journeying far below the surface of the sea while making a stylish statement on land.

The mens Rolex Submariner 16613 pairs its two-tone finish with bold bezels and dials, further sealing its fate as a luxurious diver’s watch.  The bezel can often be found with a blue or black insert and yellow gold 60-minute graduations.  In most cases, the dial usually matches the bezel with either a black or sunburst metallic blue colorway.  Similar to the original Submariner, the dial is often topped with luminous hour markers and central Mercedes hands.  A highly sought-after and very distinct variation of the ref. 16613 is the Serti dial, which features either a champagne or silver dial set with diamond and sapphire hour markers.

The Rolex Submariner 16613 is perfect on the wrist wherever you are going.

An Excellent Collector’s Item

Two-tone Rolex watches are a favorite among collectors thanks to their affordable yet luxurious steel and gold finish. When paired with a dial topped with lume or precious stones, the ref. 16613 opens itself up to a broader range of investors.  Whether you opt for the traditional Submariner 16613 topped with lume or the Serti dial variation, one thing’s for sure; the reference 16613 is a smart investment for Rolex collectors of all budgets and professions.