Confused about the TT blue sub 116613....HELP

[Investr]

Ok it looks as if the TT sub 116613 blue dial comes/came in two shades of blue..... Sunburst blue and a darker blue(referred to as bluesy). It seems as if the sunburst is newer. Do you guys ever see the darker version at ADs or only the newer sunburst dial OR do some dealers have both? Also, which of the two do you prefer? Thanks guys.....

[Clutch Cargo]

I have one with the darker blue. I think it looks much better. If you compare them side by side, the sunburst dial makes the watch appear smaller.

[ExplorerChris]

Sunburst all day long
That dial in the direct sunlight is hypnotic

[T01]

Some prefer the smurf blue where as other gravitate towards the sunburst, really depends on what speaks to you the most!

Also, I've seen both at the ADs.

[Investr]

Yikes this might be tricky

[pfg1]

Sunburst is newer......quietly "reintroduced" by Rolex in April 2013 and rolled out in USA in in July 2013. Will a Rolex AD or RSC exchange the smurf dial for the newer sunburst dial for free or a reduced fee?

[Eric Chan]

The other version is no longer being produced by Rolex. There may be some in some AD's, but the sunburst dial is now the dial for the TT LB.

My preference is the sunburst. An absolutey stunning dial.

Here is a picture of me trying it on at an AD earlier this year.

[Danny83]

Difficult choice i have the flat blue myself

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Eric Chan

The other version is no longer being produced by Rolex. There may be some in some AD's, but the sunburst dial is now the dial for the TT LB.

My preference is the sunburst. An absolutey stunning dial.

Here is a picture of me trying it on at an AD earlier this year.

Nice shot, Eric.

The Bluesy is actually the sunburst dial, it was first on the old Sub 16613 when it got this nickname. The flatter dial on the first ceramics, before the Sunburst dial was introduced last year, is actually the smurf dial, altho the Smurf refers more often to the WG Sub.

[The Submariner]

At one point I owned both. I had the flat blue and then the sunburst came out. I tried everything in my power to convince myself that the flat blue was better....In the end I couldn't deny the fact that the Sunburst (Blue or green) is the most beautiful dial that Rolex makes....

Here is the proof...

[ExplorerChris]

For me the flat is just that flat.
That sunburst jumps out at you, it captures your attention and says look at me and you can't resist.
You look at it and not because you wonder what time it is, with that dial time becomes secondary.
I've said it so many times, that dial is hypnotic...

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by T01

Some prefer the smurf blue where as other gravitate towards the sunburst, really depends on what speaks to you the most!

Also, I've seen both at the ADs.

yep and the other caveat is that the bezel is smurf blue so it doesnt match the sunburst if that matters

[Case61]

Originally Posted by The Submariner

At one point I owned both. I had the flat blue and then the sunburst came out. I tried everything in my power to convince myself that the flat blue was better....In the end I couldn't deny the fact that the Sunburst (Blue or green) is the most beautiful dial that Rolex makes....

Here is the proof...

Ditto! and great shots.

[Number3]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

yep and the other caveat is that the bezel is smurf blue so it doesnt match the sunburst if that matters

Is that right? It looks darker in the TT shots above, or is that just the lighting?

[Sublover2166]

I think Rolex realized they made a mistake by going with a flat blue dial on the TT Blue Sub. So, they changed back to the original "sunburst" blue dial and quietly phased out the flat. The consensus here on the forum is the majority loves the sunburst dial, as it gives a 3 dimensional effect just like the green dial on the Hulk. Myself included in previous statement.

[captkevin]

Sunburst for me and yes the stickers are off the watch now

[Chelseafan]

I like both actually...If buying new you have no choice. If buying preloved then I would choose the very best you can find and buy it. Both really nice.

[jack81]

Originally Posted by The Submariner

At one point I owned both. I had the flat blue and then the sunburst came out. I tried everything in my power to convince myself that the flat blue was better....In the end I couldn't deny the fact that the Sunburst (Blue or green) is the most beautiful dial that Rolex makes....

Here is the proof...

That is a stunning pic of gorgeous watch. Top notch.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

yep and the other caveat is that the bezel is smurf blue so it doesnt match the sunburst if that matters

Actually Tom this is a myth. I thought this too at first as in the ADs the bezel seems too dark but in normal light they match pretty closely. Rolex, as usual, know what they are doing. Here's a couple of normal, indoor pics.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Number3

Is that right? It looks darker in the TT shots above, or is that just the lighting?

look at the second pic in post # 10

lighting has alot to do with the way the colors look

[thewatchguy93]

Originally Posted by Investr

Ok it looks as if the TT sub 116613 blue dial comes/came in two shades of blue..... Sunburst blue and a darker blue(referred to as bluesy). It seems as if the sunburst is newer. Do you guys ever see the darker version at ADs or only the newer sunburst dial OR do some dealers have both? Also, which of the two do you prefer? Thanks guys.....

Oh gosh, what are you planning this time??!


You are correct in noticing the two different styles. There is the old blue, commonly known and referred to as the "flat blue" non metallic, and the new blue, also known as the sunburst. Much more vibrant, and a little more faithful to the original colour 16613LB.


Remember don't flip!



Dino

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by AK797

Actually Tom this is a myth. I thought this too at first as in the ADs the bezel seems too dark but in normal light they match pretty closely. Rolex, as usual, know what they are doing. Here's a couple of normal, indoor pics.

thanks Neil, I stand corrected cause post 16 above to me seems like they dont match, and the lighting really does play with your (my) eyes

in any event both awesome!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

thanks Neil, I stand corrected cause post 16 above to me seems like they dont match, and the lighting really does play with your (my) eyes

in any event both awesome!

Absolutely Tom, lighting is everything, but in truth even when they don't perfectly match in really bright light it still looks pretty stunning so as you say it's all good!

[bobernet]

On TT or YG, I prefer the sunburst. It's warmer and compliments the yellow gold color. On the WG, I much prefer the flat "smurf" color. Seems cooler and a compliment to the white gold.

Don't think you can go wrong either way, but that's my preference.

[thewatchguy93]

Originally Posted by AK797

Actually Tom this is a myth. I thought this too at first as in the ADs the bezel seems too dark but in normal light they match pretty closely. Rolex, as usual, know what they are doing. Here's a couple of normal, indoor pics.

How could I forget too compliment you on such a stunning piece... Congrats on your 18ct's Neil.. There is no such feeling that comes close to wearing a solid 18ct piece. Rolex particularly..

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by AK797

Nice shot, Eric.

The Bluesy is actually the sunburst dial, it was first on the old Sub 16613 when it got this nickname. The flatter dial on the first ceramics, before the Sunburst dial was introduced last year, is actually the smurf dial, altho the Smurf refers more often to the WG Sub.

Thanks Neil.

The sunburst dial was one of the biggest attractions to the 16613 LB for me and when it was not carried over to the 116613 LB (back then), I turned my attention to other Rolex watches. Now that the sunburst dial is back, my sights are set on the 116613 LB once again, as you know from my previous posts.

My plan is to wait a few years before purchasing that one as I have spent a sizeable amount (for me) this year on three beautiful timepieces. My 40th is three years away and what better way to celebrate a milestone birthday with a Rolex. The pictures of your 116618 LB are absolutely stunning. The sunburst dial is a true work of art. Pictures like that make it really difficult to wait for purchases. Must excercise some self control.

[Nycturbovr6]

Love the bluesy

[watchwatcher]

Love the sunburst. As others have said, the flat blue is making its way out of dealer inventory...although I will add I saw one just last week at my AD.

Here's a pic of mine to aid in the process.

[The Submariner]

When I first bought the Smurf TT in 2012 I didn't realize that there was a difference from the old bluesy sunburst. Then when the new Bluesy sunburst that came out in early 2014 I felt like I had been duped.

So..at first I started sticking up for the Flat smurf dial, naturally because I was kinda stuck with it. It's also beautiful but IMHO I secretly thought the sunburst was better. Then after a while I couldn't take it anymore and flipped it for the 2014 Sunburst bluesy and never looked back....

Don't worry, I'm checking myself into rehab as we speak.....

[DCheeta]

I don't know why, but on the white gold Sub I LOVE the flat "smurf" blue, but on a Sub with any kind of yellow gold I prefer the sunburst dial. Not sure why, but there it is.