Rolex - Submariner – Blue – 16613 – 1999

*Orders outside the US are wire payment only*

Location: United States

Year: 1999

Reference number: 16613

Accessories: Watch Only

Condition: Very Good

Material: Steel and 18K Yellow Gold

Color Dial: Blue

The Rolex Submariner reference 16613 represents a golden era of tool watch design, when the two-tone sports watch reached its apex of sophistication. Introduced in 1988 and produced through the early 2000s, this configuration paired the bulletproof functionality of the Submariner platform with the warmth and presence of 18k yellow gold accents. This 1999 example showcases the striking blue dial and bezel combination, a variant that offered a compelling alternative to the traditional black configuration and has developed a devoted following among collectors who appreciate its unmistakable character on the wrist.

The 40mm Oyster case combines 904L stainless steel with 18k yellow gold, featuring a unidirectional rotating bezel with blue aluminum insert and gold numerals. Inside beats the caliber 3135, Rolex's workhorse automatic movement featuring a Parachrom hairspring, KIF shock protection, and COSC chronometer certification. The movement provides a 48-hour power reserve and drives the time display with central seconds, alongside the date complication at three o'clock magnified by the cyclops lens. The case is rated to 300 meters and fitted with a triplock winding crown and sapphire crystal, maintaining the Submariner's legendary credentials as a legitimate dive instrument.

The combination of blue and gold delivers remarkable wrist presence while remaining versatile enough for both casual and formal settings, a testament to the Submariner's enduring design language. The Rolesor construction shows beautifully developed patina potential, with the steel and gold aging at different rates to create a lived-in aesthetic that only improves with time. This reference predates the Super Case redesign of 2008, offering collectors the classic proportions and slimmer profile that defined the Submariner for decades. The 16613 remains one of the most wearable and charismatic tool watches Rolex has ever produced.