In short
- The Rolex Bluesy is the two-tone Submariner Date in steel and yellow gold with a blue dial and blue bezel.
- There are three main references: the 16613, the 116613LB and the current 126613LB.
- The 16613 has an aluminium bezel insert; the later two have blue ceramic.
- Two-tone watches wear differently from steel, so check the gold links, bezel and polishing closely.
- We buy and sell the Bluesy, with private viewings by appointment in Hatton Garden.
The Rolex Bluesy is the collectors' name for the Submariner Date in yellow Rolesor, Rolex's combination of Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold, fitted with a blue dial and a blue bezel. It is the Submariner at its most self-assured: a professional dive watch, water resistant to 300 metres, finished in a way that works just as well with a suit as with a swimming pool. This page covers the three references that carry the nickname, how to tell them apart, and what to check when you buy or sell one.
What is the Rolex Bluesy?
Rolex does not use the name. Officially, every Bluesy is an Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date in yellow Rolesor. The “LB” at the end of the modern references stands for lunette bleue, French for blue bezel, which is the clue to the colour. The bezel itself, the winding crown and the centre links of the bracelet are 18ct yellow gold; the case middle and outer links are steel.
Rolesor is a long-standing part of the Rolex story. Rolex says the combination of steel and gold has featured on its watches since the early 1930s and that the name was registered in 1933. On the Submariner it produces a watch that is still a tool at heart, but warmer and more formal than the steel models. That contrast between purpose and polish is what most owners of a Rolex Bluesy say they love about it.
The nickname itself is simple: it is blue, and it has a relaxed, easy character. You will also see the watch called the “two-tone blue Sub” or just “the blue Submariner”, but Bluesy is the name most collectors and dealers recognise.
The three Rolex Bluesy references
| Reference | Years | Bezel insert | Case and movement | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16613 (blue) | Late 1980s to 2009 | Blue aluminium | 40mm, calibre 3135 | Older case with slimmer lugs; the insert can fade over time |
| 116613LB | 2009 to 2020 | Blue Cerachrom ceramic | 40mm, calibre 3135 | Broad lugs, sunray blue dial, Glidelock clasp |
| 126613LB | 2020 onwards | Blue Cerachrom ceramic | 41mm, calibre 3235 | Slimmer lugs, around 70 hours of power reserve |
The 16613 was made in several dial versions, including black and blue, as well as gem-set dials. When collectors say Bluesy about a 16613, they mean the blue-dial, blue-bezel version. The two ceramic references were made from the start with blue dials and blue bezels, and they also have black-dial two-tone siblings, the 116613LN and 126613LN, which are not called Bluesy.
The 16613: the original Rolex Bluesy
The 16613 belongs to the generation of Submariners with sapphire crystals and the calibre 3135 movement. Its proportions are slimmer than the later ceramic models, with narrower lugs and crown guards, and many people find it the most elegant of the three on a smaller wrist.
Its blue aluminium bezel insert has a softer, matte look than ceramic and can change shade with years of sunlight. Some owners love a gently faded insert; others prefer a crisp one. What matters when you buy is knowing whether the insert is original, because replacement inserts fitted at a service are common. The same goes for the dial and hands. A Rolex Bluesy 16613 with its original parts and a sensible service history is the version collectors look for.
The 116613LB: ceramic arrives
Rolex introduced the 116613LB in 2009. It brought the Rolex Bluesy into the ceramic era with a blue Cerachrom bezel insert, a royal blue dial with a sunray finish, and Chromalight luminous markers that glow blue in the dark. The case grew visibly broader at the lugs and crown guards, giving the watch more presence than the 16613 even though both are 40mm.
The bracelet gained Rolex's Glidelock extension system, which lets you adjust the length at the clasp without removing a link. Gold numerals on the blue ceramic make the bezel particularly legible. For many buyers the 116613LB is the definitive Rolex Bluesy: the modern ceramic look, with the familiar calibre 3135 movement inside.
The 126613LB: the current model
In 2020 Rolex updated the whole Submariner range, and the Rolex Bluesy became the 126613LB, with a 41mm case, slimmer lugs and the newer calibre 3235, which has a power reserve of around 70 hours. Rolex describes the dial as royal blue and the bezel insert as blue Cerachrom with gold-coated numerals and graduations.
From the front, the quickest way to spot the newer watch is the small Rolex crown printed between “SWISS” and “MADE” at six o'clock, which the 116613LB does not have. The newer case also looks more tapered from above. The full specification is on the official Rolex Submariner Date 126613LB page.
How to tell which Rolex Bluesy you are looking at
- Bezel material. A matte, printed blue insert means a 16613. A glossy ceramic insert with gold numerals means a 116613LB or 126613LB.
- Six o'clock. A small Rolex crown between “SWISS” and “MADE” points to the 126613LB.
- Lugs. Slim lugs on a 16613, broad lugs on a 116613LB, slimmer, more tapered lugs on a 126613LB.
- Clasp. A Glidelock clasp means one of the ceramic references.
- Reference number. Engraved between the lugs at 12 o'clock and printed on the warranty card or certificate.
If a listing does not state the reference clearly, ask for a photograph of the card beside the watch, or of the case number. A seller who has the watch in front of them can do that in minutes.
Which Rolex Bluesy should you choose?
There is no single right answer, and the best way to decide is to try the different generations on. As a rough guide, the 16613 suits someone who likes slimmer proportions and the softer look of an aluminium bezel, and who is happy to own an older watch that may need servicing. The 116613LB is the choice for the bold, broad-lugged ceramic look with a proven movement. The 126613LB is the one to buy if you want the newest Rolex Bluesy, the longest power reserve and, depending on the date on its card, the chance of some of Rolex's guarantee remaining.
Whichever you pick, buy the best example you can rather than the cheapest reference. An original, honestly worn watch with its papers will give you more pleasure, and fewer questions when you come to sell, than a heavily polished one with a story to explain.
Buying a pre-owned Rolex Bluesy: what to check
A two-tone Rolex Bluesy needs a slightly different eye from a steel Submariner, because 18ct gold is softer than Oystersteel and wears in its own way.
- The gold centre links. Gold scratches more easily than steel, and links can wear where they meet. Look at the bracelet from the side for sagging or stretch, and check the clasp closes firmly.
- Polishing. Each polish removes a little gold from the bezel and links. Look for crisp edges on the gold bezel and the centre links; rounded, softened edges suggest heavy polishing in the past.
- The bezel. On ceramic models, check the insert for chips at the edge. On the 16613, look at the aluminium for scratches and uneven fading. The bezel should turn anti-clockwise only, with firm clicks.
- Originality. Ask whether the dial, hands, insert and bracelet are original, and whether any diamonds or stones were set by Rolex. Aftermarket parts reduce value.
- Papers. The serial and reference on the papers must match the watch exactly.
- Service history. Ask when the watch was last serviced and by whom, and whether there is paperwork. Older 16613s in particular may be due one.
Rolex's guarantee
Rolex watches sold new since July 2015 carry a five-year international guarantee from the date of sale on the card. A recent 126613LB may still be within it; most 116613LBs and every 16613 will be outside it, so the seller's own warranty matters.
Every pre-owned watch we sell comes with our 12-month mechanical warranty from delivery, unless the listing says otherwise. Our guide to buying a pre-owned Rolex covers the wider checklist.
What affects the value of a Rolex Bluesy
We do not publish figures on this page, because the market changes and each watch is different. These are the factors that make the biggest difference when we value one.
Reference. The three generations are valued separately, and the ceramic models sit in a different part of the market from the 16613.
Condition of the gold. Because gold shows wear readily, a Rolex Bluesy with sharp, lightly worn gold parts stands out from one whose bezel and links have been rounded by polishing.
Completeness. Box, papers, booklets and spare links all help. A spare gold-and-steel link is worth keeping, because it can be costly to replace. Our guide to box and papers explains why the full set matters.
Originality and service. Original dial, hands and insert, plus a documented service, make a Rolex Bluesy easier to buy with confidence and easier to sell later.
The Bluesy and its blue-bezel relatives
Blue is a recurring colour in the Submariner family, and the Bluesy is not the only option. These are the watches buyers most often compare it with.
The 18ct gold Submariner. The 126618LB has the same blue dial and blue bezel combination in solid yellow gold. It is heavier and more opulent; the Rolex Bluesy is the more versatile everyday choice.
The white gold Submariners. The 116619LB, made from 2008 to 2020 with a blue dial and blue bezel in 18ct white gold, is widely known as the “Smurf”. Its successor, the 126619LB, has a black dial with a blue bezel. Both look like steel from a distance, which is a very different statement from the obvious gold of a Rolex Bluesy.
The steel sports models. If you want colour without gold, look at the green Submariners, the Hulk and the Starbucks, or a GMT-Master II such as the blue and black Batman. If you like the idea of steel and gold on a sports watch but want a second time zone, a two-tone GMT-Master II is the natural alternative.
Wearing and looking after a two-tone Submariner
A Rolex Bluesy is as tough as any Submariner, but the gold parts reward a little care. Wipe the bracelet with a soft cloth after wearing, rinse the watch in fresh water after swimming in the sea, and screw the crown down fully after setting the time or date. Resist the urge to have the gold polished every time it picks up a mark; light wear is part of a watch that is worn, and polishing removes metal for good.
When the watch needs a service, or if it starts gaining or losing time noticeably, our sister business Alpha Group, in the same building, carries out servicing, repairs and restoration. Keep every service paper with the box and card, because a documented history makes a real difference when you sell a Rolex Bluesy.
Selling your Rolex Bluesy?
We buy two-tone Submariners outright for our own stock, including all three Bluesy references. There is no consignment and no commission, so the agreed price is what you receive. Send photographs over WhatsApp for a quick initial valuation, then bring the watch to Hatton Garden by appointment or send it to us.
- Tell us about the watch. Reference, year and what comes with it, including any spare links.
- Free, no-obligation valuation. We explain how we arrived at our offer.
- Visit or send it insured. We pay for fully insured postage or collection if you cannot come in.
- Paid within 24 hours. Once we agree a price and authenticate the watch in person, we pay by secure bank transfer within 24 hours.
A complete set with box and papers is valued higher. You can also part exchange your Bluesy towards another watch, and if yours is worth more, we pay you the difference. See sell your Rolex Submariner and sell your Rolex for more.
See a Rolex Bluesy in Hatton Garden
Blue dials and gold both change character in different light, so a two-tone Submariner is one of the watches that really benefits from being seen in person. Our Hatton Garden showroom is at 9 St. Cross Street, London EC1N 8UB, in London's historic jewellery quarter and a short walk from Farringdon and Chancery Lane stations. Every viewing is by appointment, so the visit is private and uninterrupted.
We are open Monday to Friday 10:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 12:00pm to 4:30pm. A £100 deposit reserves a watch for 3 working days while you arrange to come in. Buying from home instead? UK delivery is free, fully insured and signed for, you have 14 days to return the watch for a full refund, and Klarna finance is available at checkout.
- Inspected and authenticatedEvery watch is checked by experienced specialists, with serial numbers and components verified before it is offered.
- 12-month warrantyPre-owned pieces carry a 12-month warranty against movement defects. Unworn watches carry the manufacturer's own cover.
- Fully insured deliveryFree, fully insured and signed-for delivery across the UK.
- 14-day returnsFourteen days to change your mind from the day your watch arrives. We cover the return postage.
Rolex Bluesy: frequently asked questions
Which watch is the Rolex Bluesy?
The two-tone Submariner Date in Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold with a blue dial and blue bezel. The references are the 16613 in its blue version, the 116613LB and the 126613LB.
What does LB mean in the reference?
It stands for lunette bleue, French for blue bezel. The same system gives LN for a black bezel and LV for green.
Is the Rolex Bluesy solid gold?
No. It is yellow Rolesor: the bezel, crown and centre bracelet links are 18ct yellow gold and the rest is Oystersteel. The solid yellow gold version with the same colours is the 126618LB.
How can I tell a 116613LB from a 126613LB?
Look at six o'clock on the dial: the 126613LB has a small Rolex crown between “SWISS” and “MADE”. It is also 41mm rather than 40mm, with slimmer lugs. The reference on the card confirms it.
Does a two-tone Submariner show wear more than steel?
Generally, yes. Gold is softer than steel, so the bezel and centre links pick up marks more readily. Light wear is normal; heavy polishing to remove it is the thing to avoid.
Will you buy a Rolex Bluesy without papers?
Yes. The box and papers add to the value, but they are not essential for us to buy. We check the watch in person, tell you how the missing items change the figure, and make a firm offer.
Can you find a specific Bluesy for me?
Yes. We source specific watches for clients on request. Tell us which of the three references you prefer and whether you need box and papers, and we will let you know what we find.
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Kings & Queens Watches is an independent dealer and is not affiliated with Rolex.
