Latest Vintage Piece

2000 Rolex Submariner “Bluesy” 16613 40mm. $14,500.00 CAD. Stock #505-00626

The Rolex Submariner 16613 from the late 1980s until around 2010 is a modern classic if ever there was one. The “bluesy” as it’s affectionately known is perhaps the most striking among a sea of conservatively coloured Rolex sports models. It’s that vivid royal blue dial and bezel framed in rich 18 karat yellow gold that will stop you in your tracks when you pass by our showcase. It’s not for everyone but if you’re going to wear a Rolex, why not have one that makes a statement. It’s pretty easy to make a case for the value of one of these compared to the common all steel 16610 Submariners that have selling prices pretty much exactly the same. With a bluesy you get are far more uncommon watch with that amazing sunburst blue dial, some premium 18 karat gold trim, and the identical specifications when it comes to diver credentials. You get a watch good for 300 meters, one way timer bezel indexed for 30 second increments, lab grown sapphire crystal, divers wetsuit extension, fliplock buckle, calendar, and bright luminous hands/markers the same as the steel version. This example dates from 2000 according to its P series serial number. The year 2000 features a few significant upgrades over the previous years and 1 important carryover. For the new millennium Rolex focused on upgrading the Oyster link bracelet. The buckle received a laminated stripe of 18 karat gold across the previous all steel buckle. The added gold stripe blended the buckle into the bracelet much better. End links attaching the bracelet to the case were now solid machined pieces rather than light stamped components. Finally the divers extension features solid links that cleverly lock into the buckle cap and can’t accidentally come open like the old version did. The 40mm Oyster case still features spring bar holes going all the way through the lugs making the bracelet easier to remove should you wish to swap for a leather or rubber strap. The “holes case” while old school is a more secure method to connect the bracelet to the case. If you saw how much actual spring bar extends into the case on a newer “no hole” case you’d understand exactly why these offer better security. This watch is in very good condition. It shows little sag in the bracelet and the embossed Rolex coronet on the buckle still shows excellent relief despite being over 20 years old. It has been lightly worn and shows only minor scratches and scuffs. The lab-grown sapphire crystal is 100% scratch and nick free. These crystal sits just over the bezel and can be subjected to impacts causing small chips along the edges, we’re happy to report this one is perfect. The dial, hands, and markers are also perfect and blemish free. Rolex retired these watches two generations ago and now make a ceramic bezel version that is 1mm larger  at 41mm. The new version ($23,950.00 CAD) 126613LB is great but somehow is not as bright as the vintage anodized bezels from the 16613 era. This watch does not come with original documentation or packaging, but it does come with our 1-year warranty and Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers travel shell. Estate priced at $14,500.00 CAD. Stock #505-00626.

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