What year did Rolex change the SS/18K color blue on the Submariner's face?

[parnelli]

Am interested in the SS/18k Sub with blue face.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/submar...13lb-0005.html

I've been told that the model changed a couple years back and has a "new" blue color and ceramic bezel. How long ago was that?

Is there a "preferred" blue color among Rolex enthusiasts? IE do they like the new color or old color better.

MSRP is $13,400.

Is a 15% discount achievable? (I've been offered 12.50%)

How can I tell exactly what year that a watch was made after 2010?

Finally, anything else I should know/consider about this model?



Thank you!!

[Colin10101]

I believe around 2011? I'm not entirely sure though. I personally prefer the violet-ish blue that was on the old 16613.

[Canook]

The 16613lb(older style sub) had a sunburst dial
The 116613lb(maxi/ceramic) had a powder blue(smurf) dial upon its release and was later changed to a newer sunburst dial about 2011-12 but there was still NOS kicking around after that date.... i have a 2014 powder blue dial now but they stopped making them a couple years before that.
which one? general consensus is most prefer the sunburst dial, for me i've had both i actually prefer the powder blue on the 6 digit and the sunburst on the 5 digit
That is my personal pref but i like the fact the powder blue is not as bling and also a little unique as it was a short run....

There is no right or wrong its what you like

[Eric Chan]

The new sunburst dial was released in summer/fall of 2013.

[lord91]

Was this also the case for the YG version? First flat blue, later the sunburst dial?

[parnelli]

Thanks for the info

[GerardoG]

We had a very interesting conversation with Rolex during our Houston GTG (posted on Meeting Place). They confirmed that, when they released the smurf blue on the upgraded 2 tone sub, sales DROPPED. This is why they changed to sunburst.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

We had a very interesting conversation with Rolex during our Houston GTG (posted on Meeting Place). They confirmed that, when they released the smurf blue on the upgraded 2 tone sub, sales DROPPED. This is why they changed to sunburst.

makes sense. thanks for the info.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by parnelli

Am interested in the SS/18k Sub with blue face.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/submar...13lb-0005.html

I've been told that the model changed a couple years back and has a "new" blue color and ceramic bezel. How long ago was that?

Is there a "preferred" blue color among Rolex enthusiasts? IE do they like the new color or old color better.

MSRP is $13,400.

Is a 15% discount achievable? (I've been offered 12.50%)

How can I tell exactly what year that a watch was made after 2010?

Finally, anything else I should know/consider about this model?



Thank you!!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=537152

19% off and no taxes from a very solid highly reputable seller.

this is even tempting me...

[Rick_Nashville]

I have the 1st-gen 'powder blue' edition of the 116613LB and I'm really happy with it. As beautiful as the sunburst blue dial is (and I own a 1996 sunburst 16613, so I understand its appeal), I give a slight edge to the powder blue configuration on the 116613LB because imho the dial is a better match for the ceramic blue bezel. Also, the powder blue nickname is kind of misleading because in actuality it is a deep, rich, majestic blue that is quite complex in its own right. As others have said, you can't go wrong with either watch, so get the one that appeals to you the most. Fyi, the powder blue dial is still produced for the white gold blue-dial Sub (116619), so if you can find one of these at an AD, you can audition the powder blue dial in person. Hope this is helpful! My powder blue says hello.

[watchwatcher]

It's a great watch...one of my all time faves. I would buy right, here from one of our trusted sellers, if you can't at least get 15% from your AD.

[KDS777]

I have the sunburst dial on my YG sub and it is my preference.......having seen the smurf dial on the WG sub before I bought this watch.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Rick_Nashville

I have the 1st-gen 'powder blue' edition of the 116613LB and I'm really happy with it. As beautiful as the sunburst blue dial is (and I own a 1996 sunburst 16613, so I understand its appeal), I give a slight edge to the powder blue configuration on the 116613LB because imho the dial is a better match for the ceramic blue bezel. Also, the powder blue nickname is kind of misleading because in actuality it is a deep, rich, majestic blue that is quite complex in its own right. As others have said, you can't go wrong with either watch, so get the one that appeals to you the most. Fyi, the powder blue dial is still produced for the white gold blue-dial Sub (116619), so if you can find one of these at an AD, you can audition the powder blue dial in person. Hope this is helpful! My powder blue says hello.

to be honest it matches the bezel much better.

[parnelli]

So "sunburst" is the name of the latest blue?

[Cerachrom12]

Originally Posted by parnelli

So "sunburst" is the name of the latest blue?

Yes, it is similar to the previous generation 16613 and 16618. When viewed in direct sunlight, the dial appears to have "sun rays emanating from the center of it radiating outward. A kind of iridescent effect. The flat blue, or "smurf" shade dial is flat, and does not have the iridescent "sunburst" appearance.

[Gaijin]

[parnelli]

Thank you. This definitely explains things better