Rolex Submariner Automatic Chronometer 40mm Blue Dial Watch 16613 BLSO

Rolex Submariner Automatic Chronometer 40mm Blue Dial Watch 16613 BLSO

The Rolex Submariner 16613, widely known by the nickname “Bluesy,” is one of the most iconic two-tone sports watches ever produced. Manufactured between 1988 and 2009, this Yellow Rolesor model features a perfect marriage of 904L Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold. Its signature aesthetic is defined by the vibrant royal blue sunburst dial and a matching blue aluminum bezel insert. Unlike modern ceramic versions, the aluminum bezel on the 16613 has a classic metallic luster that many collectors feel offers a warmer, more vintage charm.

As a transitional reference, the 16613 saw several upgrades during its 20-year run, including the shift from Tritium to Super-LumiNova and the introduction of solid end-links (SEL) in the early 2000s. It is powered by the legendary Calibre 3135, a “workhorse” movement known for its incredible durability and precision. With its slimmer case profile and lug holes (on earlier series), the 16613 is often praised for being more wearable and proportionate on the wrist than the “Maxi Case” models that succeeded it.

Key Features

The Sunburst Blue Dial.

• Light Play: The “Bluesy” is famous for its sunburst dial, which uses a radial brushing technique to catch light. The color can shift from a bright electric blue in the sun to a deep navy in the shade.

• Evolution of Lume: Collectors often seek out “Swiss Only” dials (produced briefly around 1999) or the later Super-LumiNova versions for their functional glow, while “Tritium” dials (marked T<25) are prized for the creamy patina they develop over time.

Vintage Elegance vs. Modern Utility.

• Aluminum Bezel: The anodized aluminum insert is a hallmark of the five-digit Submariner era. While less scratch-resistant than ceramic, it is less brittle and develops a unique character as it ages.

• Gold-Through Clasp: Late-model 16613s (circa 2000+) featured “gold-through” clasps, where the yellow gold center link stripe continued all the way through the clasp buckle, a detail that significantly elevated the watch’s luxury feel.