Description

The Rolex Submariner 16613 has been stirring up our interest and passion for magnificent timepieces for over twenty years so it is undeniably one of the most famous and attractive Rolex models. This stunning watch is extremely appealing to both young and mature Submariner fans as it enjoys a seamlessly elegant and luxurious design, as well as excellent technical and functional qualities. Its enduring success recommends it as a remarkable timepiece for those who prefer classic beauty.

The two-tone Submariner 16613 was released in 1988. This instantly recognizable style icon has been among the first Rolex models to be equipped with the new in house 3135 Calibre self-winding movement. This distinctive diver’s watch with the elegant black dial black bezel and two tone bracelet has been the most fashionable compromise between sporty and luxury for over 20 decades. Its rapid ascension was brutally ended by the launch of a younger and more modern version, the 116613. This model was introduced at the BaselWorld Show in 2009. Its predecessor was upgraded with a more attractive case design, a newer type of bracelet which had solid gold center links, a better movement and a new folding clasp.

Unlike its more recent version, the classic 16613 Submariner had a particular vintage look and feel. The main qualities that enhanced this traditional design are also the differences that one can notice when comparing the new 116613 with the original 16613. The most pronounced distinction is the dial. The older one has a rich, shimmering black surface whereas the contemporary one has a matte finish. Also, the 16613 does not have the notorious “Maxi Dial” design which means larger and easier to read hour markers and hands. Its dial is more discrete and dressy looking. Over this subtle and elegant watch face there is a scratch resistant sapphire crystal that is enhanced by a Cyclops lens that has an anti-reflective coating applied to offer better legibility.

At the exterior of the watch we notice a couple of very important differences as well. The vintage Submariner has more subtle looking crown guards and case lugs than the modern versions. At that time the “Super case” design wasn’t that popular so Rolex preferred to produce the 16613 with a classic and elegant looking case. The size of the case is the same on both new and traditional models. It measures 40 mm and is manufactured from 904L solid stainless steel. Also, the older two tone Submariner comes with hollow center links which make the watch feel lighter and more comfortable on the wrist.

The Submariner 16613 two-tone with black dial comes with a Rolex 3135 Calibre. This self-winding automatic movement is acknowledged as a highly durable and precise mechanism that is ideal for a diver’s watch. Its robustness and functionality are the qualities that make it so valuable for professionals who need a cutting edge diving instrument.

Even though production for the 16613 Rolex Submariner has been discontinued, this timepiece remains an iconic design with a rich heritage. There are numerous Rolex enthusiasts who still consider it the quintessential two-tone Submariner, a classic collectible that will never be outmatched by the modern upgrades.

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