An automatic, stainless steel, Rolex Submariner  "Date" model. The Rolex Submariner reference 16613 was introduced in 1988, replacing the short-lived reference 16803 and establishing the two-tone Submariner as a permanent part of the Rolex collection. The 16803 had been introduced only a few years earlier as the first officially produced Submariner combining stainless steel and yellow gold, or “Rolesor” in Rolex terminology. The 16613 retained much of its appearance but introduced an important mechanical change with the arrival of Rolex’s caliber 3135. 

Produced for approximately twenty years, the 16613 became one of the longest-running versions of the Submariner. Its 40mm Oyster case combined stainless steel with an 18-carat yellow, along with the two tone Oyster bracelet. A sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnifier, unidirectional aluminum timing bezel and 300-meter water resistance placed it firmly within the specifications of Rolex’s modern professional watches.

Rolex offered the reference primarily in two configurations. The 16613LN paired a black dial with a black aluminum bezel insert, while the 16613LB combined a blue dial with a matching blue bezel. The latter would become particularly associated with the reference and is now widely known among collectors as the “Bluesy.

In 2009 the 16613 was replaced by the reference 116613. Although still nominally 40mm, the new generation introduced the heavier “Super Case,” larger dial furniture, a substantially redesigned bracelet and clasp, and a scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic bezel in place of aluminum.

The dial in these early models is perhaps the crowning glory to these watches. The beautiful deep blue changes to a deep purple when turning the watch in the light. It is quite the party trick and an optical illusion. These dials have  now for this colour change. 

 The dial is marked "Swiss - T < 25", meaning that this dial has applied Tritium luminous material. This material replaced the highly dangerous, and radioactive Radium in 1963, and then was replaced by Luminova circa 1999. Just like radium, tritium was also radioactive; however, it came with a much lower level of radiation and a much shorter half-life. While tritium was exponentially safer than radium, it only had a half-life of twelve years. This meant that after just a few decades, only a tiny fraction of the initial luminescence would remain. Additionally, as tritium ages, the color changes, which creates often beautiful, and highly sought after patinas on the luminous markers on these older Rolex watches. Tritium was far from perfect, which lead Rolex to search for a better alternative. However, in collecting vintage watches with luminous material applied, Tritium is most desirable. The markers and hand set are original to the watch, colour match both under natural light and UV light and are in perfect condition. There is some loss to the glossy finish to the center of the dial where the hand set sits, although this cannot be easily seen with the naked eye, and is being mentioned for full transparency.

The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, caliber 3135, Rolex’s automatic, chronometer-grade movement that would become one of the company’s most important and long-lived calibers. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and incorporating a quick-set date, it replaced the caliber 3035 found in the preceding 16803. The 3135 ultimately remained at the heart of the Submariner Date for more than two decades, earning a reputation for durability, accuracy and straightforward servicing.

The case is as you would expect to find with a tool watch now over thirty years old, with slight scratches and light signs of wear. It has however never polished, which was very common practice with watches from this period. The bezel insert is correct and original to the watch and mint. The pip set in the arrow at the sixty minute mark is original and present. The bracelet is also all original. It is a 93153 with 401B end links, and original date code ) for having been made in 1990. It is also presented unpolished, tight with little to no sag, with diver extension, and three removable links. 

Not only is the watch presented in this condition, it is also a "full set". It has the original outer card box with Rolex sticker on the outside with correct information, inner plastic box, "Your Rolex Oyster" and "Submariner" brochures, serial number hang tag, Rolex anchor, wax tag, and, most importantly, paperwork from Rolex, having been sold at Kern jewellers in 1990.

This is a superb watch, for someone looking for a collectible 'vintage' Submariner. As mentioned prior, this model represents a twist to the classic Submariner model aesthetically. Plus, with the new case, sapphire crystal and better bracelets it is more durable and harder wearing watch. Add to that the Rolex upgraded COSC quality movement and better sealing, and you have an every day, dependable, hard working watch with all of the charm of a classic Rolex Submariner with this magnificent, colour changing dial.