NEW BLUE COLOR AND NEW CLASP ON THE V SERIES and other issues

[sakuman]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some clarification here on 3 issues...

I am looking at buying a new TT Blue 16613 Rolex sub.

1.It seems like there is a lot of confusion around the V serial number. I have been told that in 2009 Rolex came out with 2 different V series Models.

One model is the old metal model (with V serials) and the other is the new model (Ceramic model) also with V serial?

Is this accurate? can someone please confirm that both the old and new models are both V serials?

2. I compared the old model (I'll call it the metal model) side by side to the new ceramic model and noticed that the beautiful blue color was changed on the ceramic model! it is no longer as nice as it used to be. furthermore, the blue on the bezel and the blue on the dial do not match perfectly on the ceramic model!!!! The metal model (the model matches perfectly).

3. Is it possible to purchase the new style clasp that comes with the ceramic model and attach it to the old model strap? if so how mush would it cost to 1. purchase the new clasp and 2. have it installed on an older version 16613?

the only thing I like better about the ceramic version is the new clasp which is fantastic (i tried it) and much improved over the old model.

so I am thinking of buying the nicer looking metal model and transferring the new clasp to it.

this way i"d get the best of all worlds;

- the lower price of the older model.
-the nicer blue colour.
-the blue color bezel matching the blue color of the dial
-the new "snap" clasp.

Does anyone have answers to these question???

THANKS!!!!

[Daniel]

Sakuman,

I'm gonna try to help:

1 - I don't know about the v serial, but the ceramic model has a difference reference number: 116613. There is a "1" before the first 1 on de metal model reference

2 - I noticied it too.

3 - I believe not. The new clasp come with the new model, but you can install the new one in the metal model.

Sorry about the english.

from brazil

[Tools]

This was moved from the Reference Library...which is for reference.

The Main Rolex Discussion Boards are for discussion and questions concerning various Rolex models and features..........

[Deyn Man]

#3. well, if you're asking if its possible, then the answer is YES
however, a new bracelet with new strap will cost you too. total cost of the "metal model" + the new clasp may even be more than the ceramic model... :

[sakuman]

A new bracelet and strap would cost a lot for sure. i was wondering if i could simply replace the clasp without replacing the strap. how much would that cost?
Sakuman

[sakuraba]

Welcome to TRF!

Let me try to answer your questions:

1) Rolex goes by model number, so all different types of models will have the same letter prefix (ie M, V).
2) I have noticed the difference between the shades of blue between the 16613 (metal) and the 116613LB (ceramic). Which one is better is highly subjective.
3) Not sure if the clasp is interchangeable, but there is someone on this forum who switched a YM's clasp with the newer clasp so I would guess it's possible.

Hope this helps!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by sakuman

A new bracelet and strap would cost a lot for sure. i was wondering if i could simply replace the clasp without replacing the strap. how much would that cost?
Sakuman

It is likely that the glidelock clasp is interchangeable with the older clasp as the bracelet tapers down to the same size links...

If there was a place to actually buy one, I would be in that line........

[Pablo Escobar]

The new Ceramic bracelet has solid gold links now, so buying the bracelet only could get expensive.

[rayt]

the new sub 2 tone ceramic has a better Blue color tone(really fits the ceramic bezel)compare to the older model 2 tone sub with aluminum bezel.. the blue dial 2 tone sub with ceramic bezel is really a very handsome watch!nice!

[Mystro]

I found the new blue to be flat looking with less dimension than the older blue. The new blue will not match a blue sapphire. This means a lot if your going to go all the way and order a Serti Submariner. From my unscientific poll, most dont like the new blue.

[Subexplorer]

Hello Sakuman!!

I share your same feelings about the old TT blue sub and present ceramic models. I invite you to check my post about my purchase of the 16613 a few days ago: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=110626

Old model you refer is reference nr 16613, and the new model which replaces that one is the reference nr 116613.

I don´t know about the serial numbers, but what you need to know, is that they are different reference numbers as stated above.

I guess it is possible to exchange the clasps, but problem is where to get the original piece and its price as a spare part.

I agree with you regarding the new color (a pastel lighter blue shade) which I don´t personally like, but I understand that this is a very personal thing, and what I don´t like may be the like of others. Tastes are very particular things.

I didn´t wish to miss the opportunity of not getting a brand new 16613 any more, and that was the reason I bought it now.

Best cordial regards, Abel

Originally Posted by sakuman

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some clarification here on 3 issues...

I am looking at buying a new TT Blue 16613 Rolex sub.

1.It seems like there is a lot of confusion around the V serial number. I have been told that in 2009 Rolex came out with 2 different V series Models.

One model is the old metal model (with V serials) and the other is the new model (Ceramic model) also with V serial?

Is this accurate? can someone please confirm that both the old and new models are both V serials?

2. I compared the old model (I'll call it the metal model) side by side to the new ceramic model and noticed that the beautiful blue color was changed on the ceramic model! it is no longer as nice as it used to be. furthermore, the blue on the bezel and the blue on the dial do not match perfectly on the ceramic model!!!! The metal model (the model matches perfectly).

3. Is it possible to purchase the new style clasp that comes with the ceramic model and attach it to the old model strap? if so how mush would it cost to 1. purchase the new clasp and 2. have it installed on an older version 16613?

the only thing I like better about the ceramic version is the new clasp which is fantastic (i tried it) and much improved over the old model.

so I am thinking of buying the nicer looking metal model and transferring the new clasp to it.

this way i"d get the best of all worlds;

- the lower price of the older model.
-the nicer blue colour.
-the blue color bezel matching the blue color of the dial
-the new "snap" clasp.

Does anyone have answers to these question???

THANKS!!!!

[JJ Irani]

To the OP: I can confirm one thing for sure.....100%.

I have personally seen both models at my local AD only recently and both were V series.

JJ