Rolex Bluesy

[jwalker497]

I have always been a stainless, silver kind of guy for all my watches. I really don't like Gold watches and definitely never found 2 tone watches attractive. If anything, 2-tones were the "Ugliest" to me.

Up to this point...

But about a month ago, a new colleague came on board with our firm, with a classic 2-tone Bluesy Sub and I found myself starring it in meetings. At first, I thought, cool it's a sub, but not my cup of tea. I appreciated that he was a Rolex fan and a watch guy but up to this point, I have always found the 2 tone and yellow gold to be gaudy, not as elegant, and if anything, a terrible compromise. But, lately, I find myself staring at his watch in meetings and it's slowly, but surely growing on me. I actually find it curiously striking, despite my repugnance previously.

Now, his is the older model, a Non-maxi dial, sorry, I don't know the reference number, But I started to explore the idea of buying one, which is the point of this thread.

1) My first question in my reluctant research is this - What are the different reference models and the variances and price differences, approximately? I did a quick search but didnt find any threads related to my questions. If there are, please point me inm the right direction.

2) After a quick search, I understand there are definitely at least 2 references - The Newer 126613LB features white lettering and text on the blue Maxi dial and the older 16613LB with the non-maxi dial but the gold lettering on the blue dial face. Are there any other variations of a "Bluesy" that I should be aware of??

3) I also understand, after a very brief search, that the dial has some variations, some are flat and some are more reflective/sun-burst. Any further info on these variations and reference numbers that could help me understand the differences, that would be helpful.

4) Of all of the options, both new and Old, and everything in between, Which reference/model do you prefer and why?

[hutch300]

I think you will enjoy doing your own research more than us just giving you the answers. Do so searches on the forum and you'll see if you lose interest or fall in love.

[jwalker497]

Originally Posted by hutch300

I think you will enjoy doing your own research more than us just giving you the answers. Do so searches on the forum and you'll see if you lose interest or fall in love.

First, I thank you for replying and appreciate your trying to help, sincerely, but this doesn't answer any of my questions. While I appreciate the reply, The whole point of a forum and a community is to ask questions and seek knowledge from those who have more experience or information relative to the issues. If you don't agree or don't have any value to add, that's fine, but there is no need to respond, and definitely, no need to subjectify or quantify what your perception of my enjoyment would be.

I am trying to be very specific in my questions and only looking for respoonses m those who have had a similar experience or can clarify or add clarity to my questions.

[hutch300]

Since you are not new I was trying to be nice. I expect a member to put more than a little effort in before expecting others to answer what are lengthy questions. I also do believe that the research is fun and questions are for the informed to clarify something. Maybe we enjoy the forum differently - not looking for anything petty here.

That said I can answer #4. I have had a 116613LN and if I was to do it again I would get a 16613 with a tritium dial and holes case. All in all - condition would be what I care about in that model and prefer naked to save the money. I'd want to know service history or I'd get it done. I want a sub to be ready for anything and that means water. If I was do get a ceramic model I'd go 11 series and search for the flat blue dial. It pops.

Originally Posted by jwalker497

First, I thank you for replying and appreciate your trying to help, sincerely, but this doesn't answer any of my questions. While I appreciate the reply, The whole point of a forum and a community is to ask questions and seek knowledge from those who have more experience or information relative to the issues. If you don't agree or don't have any value to add, that's fine, but there is no need to respond, and definitely, no need to subjectify or quantify what your perception of my enjoyment would be.

I am trying to be very specific in my questions and only looking for respoonses m those who have had a similar experience or can clarify or add clarity to my questions.

[jwalker497]

Originally Posted by hutch300

Since you are not new I was trying to be nice. I expect a member to put more than a little effort in before expecting others to answer what are lengthy questions. I also do believe that the research is fun and questions are for the informed to clarify something. Maybe we enjoy the forum differently - not looking for anything petty here.

That said I can answer #4. I have had a 116613LN and if I was to do it again I would get a 16613 with a tritium dial and holes case. All in all - condition would be what I care about in that model and prefer naked to save the money. I'd want to know service history or I'd get it done. I want a sub to be ready for anything and that means water. If I was do get a ceramic model I'd go 11 series and search for the flat blue dial. It pops.

All good brother, no worries, I appreciate your response! Expectation is the ultimate form of discontent. None here, so we're good.

So how many variations are there?

I only know of 3, now...

16613 - Sun burst dial, yellow lettering, Clasp in an issue, Non-Maxi Dial

116613 - Maxi Dial, Maxi Case, still gold lettering on the dial. The dial is Flat/Matte not sun-burst.

126613 - Latest variation, Maxi dial, bacjk to the Sun-burst dial , but the lettering and font is while and not yellow. 41mm

Am I correct so far?

Anyting I am missing?

Of these 3 iterations, which is your favorite?

I do not like the flat dial so far, so of the 3 Its the first and the ladt, which i prefer the first becuase of the yellow gold font on the dial vs the white lettering/font.


Any thoughts?

[hutch300]

The 16613 and 116613 both had serti dials bit the 116613 it was only 2013 I believe. They also moved the 116613 from the flat blue (that ended up staying on the WG model) to a sunburst dial. You are right that the newer models have a nice bracelet with glidelock but I find the older 16613's to be comfortable as well. I have had my fair share of subs and I wear a 5513 most while also having the modern 11 series ceramic. I think the 16613 has a ton of charm and can be had with or without tritium and with or without lug holes. The 6 digit 116613 is nice but more flash/jewelry like.

Originally Posted by jwalker497

All good brother, no worries, I appreciate your response! Expectation is the ultimate form of discontent. None here, so we're good.

So how many variations are there?

I only know of 3, now...

16613 - Sun burst dial, yellow lettering, Clasp in an issue, Non-Maxi Dial

116613 - Maxi Dial, Maxi Case, still gold lettering on the dial. The dial is Flat/Matte not sun-burst.

126613 - Latest variation, Maxi dial, bacjk to the Sun-burst dial , but the lettering and font is while and not yellow. 41mm

Am I correct so far?

Anyting I am missing?

Of these 3 iterations, which is your favorite?

I do not like the flat dial so far, so of the 3 Its the first and the ladt, which i prefer the first becuase of the yellow gold font on the dial vs the white lettering/font.


Any thoughts?

[77T]

11613 LumiNova A serial number or after…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Callmepeshy]

Originally Posted by jwalker497

2) After a quick search, I understand there are definitely at least 2 references - The Newer 126613LB features white lettering and text on the blue Maxi dial and the older 16613LB with the non-maxi dial but the gold lettering on the blue dial face. Are there any other variations of a "Bluesy" that I should be aware of??

Between those two you mentioned was the 116613LB. Added the super case, maxi dial and ceramic bezel to the 16613LB. I also believe that there were two styles of the blue face on this model but can’t be sure.

[ducatiti]

Hello! Lots of Youtube vids out there comparing the different models. Yes, there is a flat blue dial that was only available for a couple of years.

If you think it's too flashy, check out the LN version.

Another feature that doesn't get mentioned much is that the latest version has AR coating underneath the crystal. This alone is well worth getting the 126 in my opinion..

[jwalker497]

Originally Posted by ducatiti

Hello! Lots of Youtube vids out there comparing the different models. Yes, there is a flat blue dial that was only available for a couple of years.

If you think it's too flashy, check out the LN version.

Another feature that doesn't get mentioned much is that the latest version has AR coating underneath the crystal. This alone is well worth getting the 126 in my opinion..

If you could point me to some of those videos, that would be appreicated.

Also, I never said it was too flashy, I dont even know what youre referring to. All, I know is at least there is an OLD and NEWER version, How many of each, I have no idea and looking to gather info.

[ducatiti]

More subtle two tone here for your reference..

[jwalker497]

Originally Posted by ducatiti

More subtle two tone here for your reference..

Very nice, but not into black dial 2-tone

[ducatiti]

Check out this quick video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2MlGlYSn4Y

Here is another one with the flat blue dial;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5ZHr1JJ8EQ

[ducatiti]

Check out this thread to help you decide :)

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=907487

[Big Tex Rolex]

11 series v. 12 series




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ducatiti]

Originally Posted by Big Tex Rolex

11 series v. 12 series




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[alphadweller]

Main differences that I can think of:

16613: sunburst dial, thin lugs, hollow links, stamped clasp, 48h PR 3135 caliber

116613: flat dial during a short time, then sunburst dial; fat lugs / supercase, maxi dial, solid links, milled clasp, 48h PR 3135 caliber with a few improvements (blue parachrom for example), gold lettering

126613: sunburst dial, thin lugs / redesigned case, maxi dial, solid links, milled clasp, 70h PR 3235 caliber, white lettering, AR coating underneath, bigger clasp

My favourite is the 126613, classic 5 digit case design with modern 70h PR 3235 caiber.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Main differences that I can think of:

16613: sunburst dial, thin lugs, hollow links, stamped clasp, 48h PR 3135 caliber

116613: flat dial during a short time, then sunburst dial; fat lugs / supercase, maxi dial, solid links, milled clasp, 48h PR 3135 caliber with a few improvements (blue parachrom for example), gold lettering

126613: sunburst dial, thin lugs / redesigned case, maxi dial, solid links, milled clasp, 70h PR 3235 caliber, white lettering, AR coating underneath, bigger clasp

My favourite is the 126613, classic 5 digit case design with modern 70h PR 3235 caiber.

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Here is an easy sum up..

16613.. sunburst blue dial, older ones may have a purple hue. In 2000 they got solid end links and gold through clasp, the 16613 has hollow midlinks. Take care to buy one in good condition.

116613.. 2010 - 2013 flat blue dial. Now has ceramic bezel, solid midlinks, glidelock.

116613.. 2013-2020 change from flat blue sunburst blue dial.

126613.. 2020-present. Sunburst blue dial, Now has 3235, white text and 41mm case.

These two sum it all up nicely.

Personally speaking, Rolex have never made the exact config of this watch that I'd ideally like, but the 116613LB with the flat blue dial is by far the closest. The only thing I'd change on that particular piece is the gold text to white. Other than that, the 116613 with the flat blue dial is perfect IMO - the dial matches the ceramic bezel in a way the sunburst dial never does, it's got the Supercase, the maxi dial, the 3135 movement, the 6 digit build...... all of which I love.

PS - The one thing I hate the most about every single variant of this watch is the AWFUL nickname. I've always found "Bluesy" to be toe-curlingly cringe inducing. YMMV of course!

[Schweinwerfer]

Why is this forum suddenly full of Bluesy threads? I think it unreservedly is because this particular watch is not something most people can pull off. It's a somewhat flashy summer watch and the bezel and sunray dial colour don't go well together. I would deffo go for the glossy blue enamel dial. But not as two tone ;)

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Schweinwerfer

. It's a somewhat flashy summer watch and the bezel and sunray dial colour don't go well together. ;)

Agreed on the flashy bit
Bezel and dial can look very similar, depending on lighting conditions.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by jwalker497

I have always been a stainless, silver kind of guy for all my watches. I really don't like Gold watches and definitely never found 2 tone watches attractive. If anything, 2-tones were the "Ugliest" to me.

Up to this point...

But about a month ago, a new colleague came on board with our firm, with a classic 2-tone Bluesy Sub and I found myself starring it in meetings. At first, I thought, cool it's a sub, but not my cup of tea. I appreciated that he was a Rolex fan and a watch guy but up to this point, I have always found the 2 tone and yellow gold to be gaudy, not as elegant, and if anything, a terrible compromise. But, lately, I find myself staring at his watch in meetings and it's slowly, but surely growing on me. I actually find it curiously striking, despite my repugnance previously.

Now, his is the older model, a Non-maxi dial, sorry, I don't know the reference number, But I started to explore the idea of buying one, which is the point of this thread.

1) My first question in my reluctant research is this - What are the different reference models and the variances and price differences, approximately? I did a quick search but didnt find any threads related to my questions. If there are, please point me inm the right direction.

2) After a quick search, I understand there are definitely at least 2 references - The Newer 126613LB features white lettering and text on the blue Maxi dial and the older 16613LB with the non-maxi dial but the gold lettering on the blue dial face. Are there any other variations of a "Bluesy" that I should be aware of??

3) I also understand, after a very brief search, that the dial has some variations, some are flat and some are more reflective/sun-burst. Any further info on these variations and reference numbers that could help me understand the differences, that would be helpful.

4) Of all of the options, both new and Old, and everything in between, Which reference/model do you prefer and why?

2) I think you're overlooking the first six digit reference, the 116613, and within that reference there were two variations of blue, flat and sunburst.

4) Coin toss between the 116 series, sunburst, and the newer 126 models. On the other end of the spectrum, I wouldn't buy any 5 digit reference that didn't have gold through the buckle, but that's just me.

[thesharkfactor]

Here is an easy sum up..

16613.. sunburst blue dial, older ones may have a purple hue. In 2000 they got solid end links and gold through clasp, the 16613 has hollow midlinks. Take care to buy one in good condition.

116613.. 2010 - 2013 flat blue dial. Now has ceramic bezel, solid midlinks, glidelock.

116613.. 2013-2020 change from flat blue sunburst blue dial.

126613.. 2020-present. Sunburst blue dial, Now has 3235, white text and 41mm case.

[Dave O]

Sometimes I find the two tone bracelet a too flashing so I experimented with some Rubber B straps. This is the one I ended up with and just love it!!! Makes it a little more sporty and i can always switch back to the bracelet when i feel the need.

[2thdock]

Originally Posted by Dave O

Sometimes I find the two tone bracelet a too flashing so I experimented with some Rubber B straps. This is the one I ended up with and just love it!!! Makes it a little more sporty and i can always switch back to the bracelet when i feel the need.

This is a great look.

[Uned]

I have always been a fan of blue Rolex watches and this is no exception.

[Jawnz]

My commercial real estate realtor wears one of these

[Mastergreenhand]

I love the bluesy. One day I must have one!

[thesharkfactor]

This is my 16613.. it’s an early 90’s watch in used condition, this one has a stunning almost black dial with blue and now going purple hue sunburst. I’ve not had this long, the plan is to have the bracelet repinned and the case refinished by a specialist.
This is my favourite model for a Bluesy: Pre 2000 with lugholes and tritium dial, lovely creamy patina markers and purple hues. Very comfortable, more so than the post 2000 with this bracelet/endlink.

[jwalker497]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

This is my 16613.. it’s an early 90’s watch in used condition, this one has a stunning almost black dial with blue and now going purple hue sunburst. I’ve not had this long, the plan is to have the bracelet repinned and the case refinished by a specialist.
This is my favourite model for a Bluesy: Pre 2000 with lugholes and tritium dial, lovely creamy patina markers and purple hues. Very comfortable, more so than the post 2000 with this bracelet/endlink.

Love this!!

[HogwldFLTR]

I'm with 12!!!!