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To distinguish a Submariner as "Blue," it must have a blue dial. For as long as Rolex has produced the Submariner in precious metal, there have been numerous variations of the Rolex Submariner Blue.
The first Submariner to display the time on a blue dial was the ref. 1680/8, not to be confused with the stainless steel edition under ref. 1680. The latter was the very first Submariner to feature a date display. Before the ref. 1680 came to market in the 1960s, the Submariner was only produced with a dateless dial.
A few years later, the first all-gold edition was released to market via ref. 1680/8 and, for the first time, featured either a black or blue dial and aluminum bezel. The release of ref. 1680/8 marked a significant time in Submariner history as the dive watch was now seen as more of a luxury timepiece rather than just a tool watch.
Two-tone editions followed not too far behind in the 1980s. Like the all-gold Submariner, the two-tone, or Yellow Rolesor, references were also produced with either a black or a blue bezel and dial. The addition of stainless steel throughout the case and bracelet created a mid-level option that appealed to a greater range of collectors. This metal option was also seen as more wearable as it wasn't quite as flashy as Rolex watches in all-gold.
Rolex began rolling out the ceramic Cerachrom bezel with their 6-digit series. Compared to aluminum, Cerachrom is much more resilient. It won't scratch, fade, or corrode as quickly as aluminum and holds a richer hue. It was during this time that the Maxi dial made its debut as well. This dial option is distinguished by larger hour markers and wider hands and is available in a handful of color options, including blue.
The first white gold Submariner ref. 116619 made its debut during Baselworld 2008. At first glance, it appears as though the 116619 is a stainless steel Sub with a blue dial and bezel. What it is, however, is a solid gold Rolex crafted from near-flawless 18k white gold. A rich blue Cerachrom bezel and matching blue Maxi dial earns this luxe interpretation of the Submariner its charming nickname "Smurf."
Movement: Numerous movements have powered the Submariner series throughout its history. The three main movements featured in the blue Rolex Submariner are the calibers 3035, 3135, and, more recently, 3235.
Oyster Case: Ref. 1680/8 featured a 40mm Oyster case with water-resistance up to 200 meters. It didn't take Rolex long, however, to improve that resistance to 300 meters. To this day, the Submariner remains waterproof up to 300 meters/1,000 feet. The case, on the other hand, grew in 2020 from 40mm to 41mm alongside the 1266XX series.
Oyster Bracelet: The Submariner is only produced on the three-link Oyster bracelet. Clasp options vary, with modern editions featuring the tool-free Glidelock extension system.
When it comes to the blue dial Submariner, there are currently numerous options available at retail and on the secondary market. Shopping on the pre-owned market will often net the best price as most Rolexes depreciate after being purchased at retail.
Our website offers the best selection on the market. Every Rolex is priced to fair market value and is certified pre-owned, ensuring the best deal on the market today. Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Submariner Blue.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariners distinctive blue dial, Cerachrom bezel, waterproof case and large luminescent markers are just a few of many reasons why collectors cannot get enough of this iconic dive watch. While some prefer the no date models the date window references are just as stylish. Visit our pre-owned Rolex Submariner collection page to view additional timepiece options for sale.
The most notable characteristic of this model Sub is the blue bezel and/or dial. Designed and manufactured in-house by Swiss watchmakers, this finely crafted timepiece is a work of art. The oyster bracelet is designed to be both functional and comfortable, even when worn over a diving suit.
Some of the references for this model include:
When you are searching for a good deal on a Rolex watch you will not find better value. A Pre-Owned diving watch for sale on our website offers used watch shoppers the opportunity to get the best deal and find the perfect watch due to our large inventory.
Some of the different metal options for this reference include stainless steel, two tone (steel & gold), 18k yellow gold, and white gold. All Sub models include a unidirectional rotatable bezel, which is corrosion-resistant and made from ceramic or aluminum on vintage models. The Movements are all Swiss made and hold up in the most rigorous environments.
The case size of a ref. 16610 or 116610 measures 40mm in width. Many have noted that the 116610 appears larger on the wrist than the 16610.
The 40mm Oyster Sub is a divers watch that is built to withstand underwater diving. Water-resistant depth will vary and can usually be found printed on the dial.
This model watch is 40 mm and often one of the most popular model watches.