Rolex Submariner 116613LB Review
A diving watch that can be worn in a tux? Get the full scoop inside!
Rolex Submariner 116613LB Review
Movement
Before talking about the aesthetic beauty of the Submariner 116613LB, let's tear it apart from the inside out. One of the things of beauty that you can't see (since this watch has a solid case back) is Rolex's in-house caliber 3135, the 31-jewel automatic movement. Furnished with Rolex's proprietary magnetic resistant Parachrom hairspring, this self-winding wrist bling will run for approximately 48 hours on a full wind. The highly precise caliber is first COSC certified and then brought back to Rolex for further testing until it reaches a minimum accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, at which point Rolex designates the watch as a Superlative Chronometer.
Durability
This watch, like most Rolexes, is built tough and build solid. Rolex decided to apply some of their innovative hallmarks to this watch. Features such as the highly scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert which fights the color fading normally associated with long exposure to UV rays.
Bracelet
Another very convenient feature is built into the bracelet and buckle. Rolex's patented Glidelock Extension System on the clasp allows you to easily make quick 2mm changes to the bracelet size for a total of 20mm.
Water Resistance
While the Sub does have great water resistance at 1,000 feet/300 meters, which is great for scuba diving or board diving, you would need a different type of diver's watch to go much deeper than that. The Rolexes that offer a greater level of water resistance include the Sea-Dweller at 4,000 feet or the Deep Sea at 12,800 ft / 3,900 meters. The good news is that the Submariner uses a screw-down crown with Rolex's Triplock locking crown so things will be on lock-down.
Size
The Submariner 116613 is a 40mm watch which is an averagely sized watch. The trend for men's watch sizes is growing and watch sizes, in general, are getting larger for both men and women.
Visibility
The electric blue dial has great visibility offering a stark contrast between its gold-rimmed luminous hour markers and lumen-filled hands and dial. You'll also see Rolex's "Mercedes" hour hand which is pretty hard to miss, even in the dark. The Cyclopes date magnifier is another very distinctly Rolex feature. Aside from being highly visible under low-light conditions, this watch has lots of wrist presence. From the sapphire blue dial to the many polished parts of the patented Rolesor and Stainless steel 40mm in diameter case and bracelet links it provides extra shine and will become one of the accessories that will add so much to your look.
Price
One of the things that set the Rolex 116613LB from other Submariners is the list price. For a new one, at $13.5k, it's a notch above the entry-level Submariner Dates such as the stainless steel Black Sub # 116610LN and the "Submariner Hulk" reference # 116610LV but since it uses two-tone steel and gold materials, it's not their most expensive all yellow gold or white gold models either. You can even pick up one that is a previously owned model for a few thousand less. In terms of pricing, the Goldilocks of watches would have said: "This one's just right." But if you want to buy one, get in line. Even the above link will show you that this is not the easiest watch to get your hands on.