Two-Tone Submariner 16613 vs 116613 Comparison Review - Old Pre Ceramic Vs New Ceramic

Rolex Submariner watches are a favorite for professional divers and Rolex watch collectors alike. Over the years, Rolex has evolved the collection, updating the younger models with different materials, dial designs and improved water resistant technology. Today we’re going to look at the Rolex Submariner 16613 in comparison to the Rolex Submariner 116613.
Both coveted collector’s items feature rotating bezels, a Rolesor (two-tone steel and gold) case design, and Rolex’s archetypal diver safety features, yet there are a number of differences that give each model its own identity within the iconic Submariner collection. The first Rolex Submariner watch was created in 1953 and changed the history of diver’s watches forever. Following the invention of the Oyster watch, the unbeatable water resistant qualities and modern design of the Submariner set benchmarks within the Swiss watchmaking industry, not to mention providing professional and amateur divers with a safe and practical tool for exploring deep and daring depths below the surface of the ocean.
The Rolex Submariner 16613 was introduced in 1988 and was the last of the Submariner models created with an aluminum bezel. 21 years later and the Rolex Submariner 116613 showcased a completely redesigned aesthetic and a new material for the bezel. The new, Cerachrom bezel of the Rolex 116613 model promised significantly more scratch resistance, enabling it to incur day-to-day knocks and bumps without a fuss, a must for facing extreme underwater conditions.
Both the Rolex Submariner 16613 and 116613 feature a three handed dial design with a date aperture located at 3 o’clock. Their cases are crafted from robust Oystersteel (904L stainless steel), offering with 300 meter water resistance. The ref. 116613 however, sports Rolex’s innovative “Super Case”- a broader, chunkier, and beefier-looking case design with thicker lugs and crown guards, albeit still confined to the same comfortable 40mm diameter of its predecessor. The Cerachrom bezel of the Rolex Submariner 116613, together with a new bezel mounting design enhances a matching blue or black Maxi dial. There’s slightly more variety to choose from when it comes to the dial of a Rolex Submariner 16613, like the option of a champagne (gold) or silver gem-set “Serti” dial; however the 116613 dials feature Chromalight blue lume for enhancing legibility in the darkest of conditions.
In terms of the in-house movement capable of powering these bold and daring Rolex Submariner watches, both models are equipped with the self winding Caliber 3135 which delivers a 48 hour power reserve and performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. COSC certified and resistant to shocks and to temperature variations, both the 16613 and 116613 share the movement, the only difference being the updated blue Parachrom hairspring of the 116613.
The bracelet of a Rolex Submariner 16613 watch will vary depending on the year the particular model was manufactured. All Submariner 16613 bracelets feature hollow center links, and older 16613 bracelets may also feature hollow end links too. Meanwhile, on the redesigned Submariner 116613 Oyster bracelet, the gold center links are completely solid. A folded metal clasp with a safety latch and fold-out wetsuit extension on the Submariner 16613 will enable you to attach the watch to the wrist over the top of heavy diving gear. The Rolex Submariner 116613 features a machined Oysterlock safety clasp with the brand’s patented Glidelock extension system, which will allow you to easily expand the band to 20mm in 2mm increments for a secure and comfortable fit.
To sum up - the Rolex Submariner 16613 and 116613 models share similar DNA in their fundamental design - the 40mm case diameter, the two-tone bracelet, their finely tuned Cal. 3135 self-winding movement, and a choice between either blue or black dials and bezels. The Maxi dial of the later 116613 watch features larger, chunkier hands and indexes to fit in line with the beefier case along with Chromalight lume, surrounded by a Cerachrom bezel. The 16613’s case comes with either lug holes or no holes (depending on the year), an aluminum bezel insert, and hollowed-out center bracelet links as opposed to the solid ones of the Rolex Submariner 116613.
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[@detonator2112]

The older version is much better looking. Slimmer, more beautiful shape and those spiky crown guards make it an icon.

[@rockon21ful]

Strictly talking the blue dial, the older version has a much better looking case, dial, creamy date wheel compared to the stark white on the new model and personally I prefer a aluminum bezel insert compared to ceramic. The case is so much more sexy on the 16613 than what can only be described as a brick on the new sub, dial on the older model just blows it away with colors that are so much more vivid & again the cream colored date wheel is much more classic looking than the white wheel on the new watch. That being said the bracelet and clasp are so much better on the new watch and in a perfect world would take the 16613 case, dial, bezel and date wheel with a new bracelet and clasp. Hear rumblings about a new Sub coming out next year with maybe slimmed down lugs but I wont believe it until you guys at Bob's report this info. Another solid video, keep up the amazing work.

[@Fredrikwatchesandartwork]

I own a Rolex sub 16613 Bluesy. I think is more Classic and more Beautiful then the New 👍🥂

[@ramoncote1620]

Same here. I don’t care for the new case😊

[@buzzufy]

116613 submariner is one the most beautiful watches ever, solid one! Sporty elegant

[@mrglock2313]

These 2-tones are BOSS

[@Odat]

Having seen and handled the 116613lb and 126613lb in person, I much prefer the newer version. The case dimensions are much nicer especially with the thinner lugs and more elegant case. Secondly the white lettering freshens up the dial and goes perfectly with the indexes. The gold lettering on the previous models ages the watch and makes it look oldish. Can’t beat ceramic for shine and scratch resistance!. The upgraded bracelet now in 21mm instead of 20mm centers the watch much better on the wrist especially with the wider clasp. Not to mention the 70 hour power reserve. Imo, the 126613LB takes the bluesy to a whole new level. Refined and done right!. In the end, they are all nice!

[@TheCompton2010]

I have a 16613. I like the older watch better, but like the newer bracelet better.

[@RichBuddy]

Do you know why on some models of the 116613 they framed the date window in gold, but in most models they did not? I have a version of the 116613 smurf blue w/diamond hour markers with a framed date window in gold. the gold window makes all the difference.

[@jomaxd]

Is there a nickname for the black and gold one?

[@michaelwallace4043]

I love it. I have the 16613LB

[@XPoochie]

Great Video, thanks a lot 🤗

[@L8bro]

Classic 16613 pls :)

[@1MrErling]

great video

[@gypsyalex999]

Going price of 16613?

[@pacosandoval4090]

Nice

[@TheseEndlessNights]

The older one is worlds better. I hope they bring back the old style, the new ones look awful in comparison.

[@dynamitedmoney]

Blusey 🤤

[@roger5621981]

New one is better. Love rolex

[@uropy]

Blue ones look much better.