Rolex Submariner Two-Tone Blue Ceramic — A Classic Done Right

The Watch That Needs No Introduction

Some watches ask you to explain them. This one does not. The moment someone spots that midnight-blue dial and the deep ocean bezel on your wrist, they already know. The Rolex Submariner in two-tone blue is one of those rare pieces that feels both timeless and immediately recognizable — a watch you can wear every single day and still feel like you chose something special.

Blue and Gold, Built to Last

This particular Submariner pairs a stainless steel case with solid yellow gold accents — on the bezel ring, the crown guards, and woven through the Oyster bracelet in that classic alternating pattern Rolex calls Rolesor. At 40mm it wears beautifully on most wrists: substantial enough to make a statement, never so large that it overwhelms. The dial is a rich, layered blue that shifts slightly depending on the light — sometimes inky, sometimes almost cerulean. Above it sits a blue ceramic bezel marked with the classic dive-time scale. Ceramic holds its color and resists scratching far better than the aluminum bezels of earlier generations, which is one reason collectors genuinely seek out this reference. A decade from now the bezel will look as good as it does today.

What Makes This Reference Special

The 116613LB — the "LB" standing for the blue bezel version — launched with the ceramic bezel upgrade that transformed the Submariner line. That move from aluminum to ceramic was significant: it meant no more fading, no more scratching the bezel insert on a dive cylinder or a door frame. For a watch that is genuinely meant to be worn and not just admired, that matters. This reference has been a favorite among collectors who want a Submariner that works as a dressy piece on Friday evening and a sporty companion on Saturday morning without missing a beat. The two-tone configuration sits in an interesting sweet spot — it has the warmth and visual richness of gold without committing fully to a precious-metal case, and that flexibility shows in how the watch wears across different settings.

Condition and What Comes With It

This example is from 2016 and is offered in used condition — honestly worn, honestly priced. It comes with its original Rolex papers, which matter: they give you the reference, serial number and purchase history that savvy buyers want, and they anchor the authenticity story. There is no box included with this piece. Every watch that leaves My Watch Dealer has been checked on our own in-house bench, comes backed by a two-year store warranty covering the movement, and is accompanied by a MyLuxApp-certified written appraisal. Insured overnight shipping with a signature requirement means it arrives safely, and if something isn't right on arrival, unworn in-stock pieces are eligible for return within seven days of delivery.

What to Know Before You Buy

If you're new to the two-tone Submariner, a few things are worth keeping in mind. The Oyster bracelet on this generation features solid-link construction — it's a bracelet that wears in rather than wears out. The clasp has the Glidelock extension system built in, which lets you make small, tool-free adjustments over a wetsuit or over a shirt cuff without reaching for a spring bar. For sizing, 40mm is the classic Submariner footprint; Rolex moved to 41mm in 2020 with the updated 126613LB, so if you prefer the slightly trimmer, more traditional proportions, this generation is actually the one many longtime fans prefer.

My Watch Dealer is an independent luxury watch reseller based in the Los Angeles jewelry district — not an authorized dealer, which means the prices reflect the open market rather than a manufacturer's list. You're welcome to visit the showroom by appointment at 650 S. Hill St. in downtown LA, or reach the team directly at (213) 373-4424, Monday through Friday.

This is a Submariner that has lived a little — and is ready to keep going for a long time to come.