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1997 Rolex Submariner 16613 – Two-Tone Blue Dial

Details

The Bluesy, exactly how it should be

The Rolex Submariner “Bluesy” has always occupied a unique place in the lineup. Sport watch at its core, but unapologetically expressive, it’s the reference that leaned into color and gold without losing credibility. This 1997 example captures that balance well, pairing the deep blue dial and bezel with a two-tone case and bracelet that feel unmistakably of the era.

Why this reference endures

The appeal of the Bluesy has never been subtle. The blue dial and bezel give the watch personality, while the yellow gold bezel and center links add warmth and contrast without tipping it into novelty. It’s a configuration that feels confident rather than flashy, especially when it hasn’t been overworked or polished into softness.

Clearly presented condition

Condition is strong and transparently described. The watch remains unpolished, retaining its original shape and definition. The bracelet is tight, the dial is perfect, and the crystal is clean. There is a scratch on the lower right lug that should be noted, consistent with careful wear over time rather than abuse. Mechanically, the watch is running exceptionally well, showing stable performance and healthy operation.

A classic sports Rolex with personality

This is not a rare Submariner, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a well-preserved example of one of Rolex’s most recognizable and enduring configurations, offered in honest condition and ready to wear.

For someone who appreciates the Submariner but wants one with a bit more presence and character, this Bluesy fits naturally into both daily rotation and a broader Rolex collection.

Key Specs

Piece Name: Bluesy submariner

Reference: 16613

Model: Submariner

Year: 1997

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 40mm

Bezel: 18K gold

Bracelet: Two Tone

Dial: Blue

Wrist Size: 7-7.5in

History

The Submariner arrived in 1953 as the first wristwatch water-resistant to 100 meters, purpose-built for diving. A rotating bezel calibrated for dive timing, luminous indices and hands, a screw-down crown, and a bracelet that wore comfortably over a wetsuit: every detail solved a specific problem.

What nobody planned was what happened next. James Bond wore one on screen. Explorers wore them on expeditions. Architects wore them to meetings. The Submariner became the reference point for the modern sports watch — the watch every other sports watch has been measured against ever since.

References 14060 (no date, cleaner dial), 16610 (with date and cyclops), and 168000 (an earlier transitional reference) in our inventory span the mid-1980s through early 2000s. At 40mm with a 300-meter water resistance rating, these are not compromised vintage watches — they are fully functional, extraordinarily robust instruments that also happen to be some of the most beautiful watches ever made.