Rolex Submariner Date Rolesor / Black / Cerachrom 116613ln-0001

There’s a reason collectors keep coming back to the Rolex Submariner 116613LN. It is still the Submariner at heart, but the mix of gold and steel gives it a different energy – less tool watch, more daily flex. The black dial keeps things grounded, while the yellow gold details add just enough luxury without going overboard.

If you’ve always liked the idea of a dive watch you can wear beyond the beach, this one fits the bill. So, let’s take a look at where this model came from and how it earned its place in the Submariner lineup.

Watch our tour video about the Rolex Submariner Date Rolesor 116613LN.

The Submariner has been around since 1953, built for divers who needed a reliable, no-nonsense tool on the job. Over the years, it stayed close to those roots, even as Rolex fine-tuned the design with better movements, updated cases, and tougher materials.

By the 1980s, Rolex introduced something different: a version of the Submariner that paired stainless steel with 18k yellow gold. Rolex called this mix of materials Rolesor – a term they’ve used since the 1930s to describe watches made with both steel and gold. It gave the Sub a fresh identity without changing what made it great underwater.

The 116613LN came out in 2009, replacing the long-running 16613. It brought in modern updates like a ceramic bezel insert, wider lugs, solid center links, and the trusty Caliber 3135 movement. The black dial and bezel kept things classic, while the gold accents gave it that extra pop on the wrist.

It was built for the same purpose as every Sub before it, but with a bit more ideal for collectors who wanted something functional.

Now let’s check out how the case and bracelet bring that mix of utility and polish to life.

The case of the Submariner 116613LN measures 40mm across and is made from Rolex’s own 904L stainless steel – a material known for holding up well against saltwater and wear. You’ll find 18k yellow gold on the bezel, crown, and center links, giving the watch just enough contrast without being over the top. The case is about 12.5mm thick and spans 48mm from lug to lug, so it sits comfortably even on medium wrists.

The wide, squared-off lugs are part of what collectors call the “Super Case” era. They give the watch a bolder shape than older Submariners, without changing the core proportions. The top surfaces of the lugs are brushed, while the sides of the case are high-polished. On the right side, the Triplock screw-down crown helps seal the case tight, offering water resistance up to 300 meters more than enough for diving or swimming.

The watch comes on a classic Oyster bracelet, with brushed steel on the outer links and high-polished gold through the center. It has the Rolex Oysterlock clasp for safety and includes a Glidelock extension system that lets you make quick micro-adjustments, so no tools needed. If you’re throwing it over a wetsuit or just loosening it after lunch, it is one of the easiest bracelets to live with.

Let’s take a closer look at the dial and bezel, the two key details that give this Submariner its signature look.

The black dial on the Submariner 116613LN is a big part of what gives this watch its confident look. Finished in a glossy lacquer, it has a smooth, almost liquid appearance that catches the light without making the watch hard to read.

Each hour marker is framed in 18k yellow gold, not just to match the case, but to keep them from tarnishing over time. The hands follow the familiar Submariner style, with the Mercedes hour hand and plenty of luminous material for visibility in darker settings. The lume used here is the Rolex Chromalight, which glows blue and holds its brightness longer than standard lume types.

At 3 o’clock, you get a date display, topped with a Cyclops lens that magnifies it for easy reading. Around the edge of the dial, Rolex has engraved its branding into the inner ring (known as the rehaut) which also carries its serial number.

Surrounding the dial is a black Cerachrom bezel insert, made from the brand’s own scratch-resistant ceramic. It has a glossy, mirror-like finish that reflects light in a way that complements the black dial and gold accents. The numerals and markers are engraved and then filled with a thin layer of gold, adding contrast without affecting the smooth surface.

With the dial and bezel setting the tone, it’s time to look at what’s driving this Submariner beneath the surface.

Inside the 116613LN is Rolex’s Caliber 3135 – a movement collectors know well. It’s been around since the late 1980s and was used across many of the brand’s most popular models for decades. It earned a reputation for being reliable, accurate, and easy to service.

The 3135 runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and uses 31 jewels to reduce friction in key areas. It has a power reserve of about 48 hours, which means you can take it off for a day or two and it’ll still be ticking. It also comes with a quick-set date function and hacking seconds, so setting the time and date is straightforward and precise.

The bezel on this Submariner is unidirectional, meaning it turns only in one direction – a key safety feature for divers. It is designed this way so you can measure elapsed time without the risk of accidentally extending it. One click gives you a clear, solid feel, making it useful on land as it is underwater.

One of the important upgrades in this movement is the Parachrom hairspring. It is made from a special alloy that helps protect the watch from magnetic fields and changes in temperature – something you’ll appreciate if you wear your watch every day.

As with all modern Rolex movements, the 3135 is tested in-house to meet the Superlative Chronometer standard, which means it runs within -2 to +2 seconds per day once cased. That kind of precision makes it a strong choice for a watch that’s built to be worn, not just admired.

Now let’s talk about how this Submariner actually feels on the wrist. 

The Submariner 116613LN wears a little differently than its all-steel counterpart. The added gold gives it more weight, and you’ll notice it the moment you pick it up. But once it’s on the wrist, the balance feels right because of the solid bracelet and Glidelock clasp that help keep everything in place.

At 40mm wide and around 12.5mm thick, the watch has enough size to feel solid on the wrist, but not so much that it feels bulky. The high-polished center links and glossy bezel reflect light more than the steel version, so the watch tends to stand out in a room, especially under natural light or indoors with good lighting.

Despite the flashier look, it doesn’t feel out of place in everyday settings. So, whether you’re just in a T-shirt or a blazer, the 116613LN wears confidently and comfortably. For those who’ve never tried a two tone Sub before, the 116613LN shows how gold and steel can work together in a way that still feels practical enough for everyday use.

Here’s a quick table that covers all the core specs of this model. 

Summary of Features

You can spend days comparing references, case shapes, bezel colors – but sometimes, the one you keep coming back to is the one you should try. The 116613LN has that effect.

It still has the black dial, the Oyster bracelet, and the rotating bezel, but once it’s on your wrist, the mix of steel and gold gives it a completely new vibe.

You’ve seen Submariners before, but this one gives you that extra feeling. You know it when you try it on and if you’re drawn to it, that probably means something.