Two-Tone Rolex Submariner Review

If you’re considering your next statement piece, check out this Two-Tone Rolex Submariner review.

I chose my Two-Tone Rolex Submariner because of its understated elegance. It wasn’t flashy or loud. 

With the Two-Tone Rolex Submariner ref 126613LN, I love the attention it gets for looking different from my steel Submariner.

The Submariner Is the Perfect Collectible

The Rolex Submariner watch is a classic design that has a timeless appeal. When it was first released in 1953, its design was primed for use underwater.

It was the brand’s second-greatest breakthrough, following its Oyster case in 1926. Amongst its many great features, the Submariner offered a 100-meter watch resistance, which was later extended to 300 meters. 

At the time, its design was incredibly innovative and paved the way for other dive watches that followed. Non-divers also loved the Rolex Submariner. 

Its handsome, rugged looks were clean and instantly identifiable. For those like me who want a classic design but with modern features, the Submariner is the one. 

I’ll explain why after giving a brief history:

History of the Rolex Submariner Rolesor

It may surprise some to learn that Rolex didn’t release a two-tone version of the Submariner for 30 years. These two-tone versions are always offered with black or blue bezels and matching dials. 

Others with diamond-set decorations are known as Serti dials. 

The name given to the two-tone case, however, is Rolesor. These watches combine yellow gold with steel elements together to create a bi-color design. 

The ref 16802 was the first to be released in 1984. This was followed by the 1988 version, fitted with a different movement. 

The 16613 remained in production for 20 years, undergoing many modifications. These included new luminous material on the dial elements and bracelets with solid end links.

More changes came with the arrival of the 2009 ref 116613. Its “Supercase” was beefier, and the watch came with a new durable clasp. A Cerachrom insert on the bezel also replaced the previous aluminum one. 

When the 126613 arrived in 2020, it brought with it a larger case of 41mm and slimmer lugs. Another important update was the new generation Caliber 3235, complete with a slew of patents. 

The Chronergy escapement boasts a 70-hour power reserve, propelling a pair of Chromalight-coated Mercede hands around the dial.

Key Features of the Rolex Submariner

There are many enjoyable features in the design of the Rolex Submariner. They’re precisely the reason why the Submariner makes such a great investment piece. It doesn’t matter whether you choose the Submariner for its style or practical features. 

You know, when you invest in a Submariner, you’re getting a solid timepiece that will hold its value. Here are a few of its defining features:

The Movement

With its self-winding movement, my Rolex Submariner runs smoothly and accurately. Newer movements, compared with older ones, offer even more advantages. 

They come fitted with a Parachrom hairspring, promising ten times better accuracy than a traditional hairspring. They’re also resistant to temperature changes and shocks. 

The newer Caliber 3235 also comes with an impressive 70-hour power reserve. It’s what I call “weekend-proof”. What I mean is that you can take the watch off on Friday and return to it on Monday morning to find it still ticking. 

Diving Features

The fact that the Rolex Submariner now has a 300-meter water resistance makes it the perfect diving tool. 

The brand’s patented Oysterlock safety clasp ensures the bracelet stays secured onto the wrist in any given situation. The clever mechanism will never unlock itself, so you don’t need to worry about losing it when navigating rough waters. 

It’s also fitted with a Glidelock extension system. This feature allows you to make fine adjustments to the bracelet when needed. It’s something I find incredibly useful, especially after eating a large meal or becoming too hot. 

There’s also a legible, luminous dial and a practical rotating bezel that add to its innovative dive features. I’ll talk about them a little later on.

Of course, there are so many Rolex Submariner watches to choose from. They all share some great features, but the question remains as to which is best. 

Choosing a model from an already broad collection of robust dive watches is tricky. It’s all down to personal preference. I love my two-tone Submariner ref 126613LN, possibly for different reasons than you may think.

Why I Love the Two-Tone Rolex Submariner

Today, you can pretty much put Submariner watches into different categories depending on age. Two of the most popular models include the 16610 reference.

Thanks to its original-looking aesthetics, also the earlier 5513, a model that was sought-after for its rarity.

In 2020, Rolex chose to increase the size of the case from 40mm to 41mm. Although it was only a major change to fans, it was huge. 

That said, the 41mm models have been welcomed just as well into the collection. As my Submariner ref 126613LN proves, the watch feels surprisingly compact, wearing well under the cuff of a dress shirt. 

This generation of watches is fitted with the most recent movement in the series, the Caliber 3235. The green and black Kermit collectible lives within this generation. 

Other collectible versions include the 16613, released in 1983. Its blue dial and bezel combination is known as the “Rolex Bluey”. Then there is the 116610 Hulk model, a collectible design adorned with a green dial and bezel. 

The Rolex Submariner Two Tone 126613LN is a great all-around daily beater with just a couple of downfalls. 

Aside from the clasp being a bit of a scratch magnet, its feature-packed spec is super impressive. As any Rolex collector will tell you, you get what you pay for. 

The model has a tough sapphire crystal glass front, a robust bezel, a legible dial, and plenty of water resistance. Its winning feature for me is the gold and steel colorway combined with a black dial. 

Classic and universal, it pairs with pretty much any outfit in my wardrobe. That said, it definitely looks best with black jeans or a black jacket.

The Dial

As already mentioned, the ref 122613LN can be dressed up or dressed down accordingly. The dial is just as striking. 

It features a Chromalight display, allowing you to read the time when underwater or at night. The hour track is a mix of different shapes, and the hands have been cleverly broadened for added legibility.

This essential feature eradicates any confusion when referencing the time quickly.

The Case

As well as 300-meter water resistance, the 126613LN has a unidirectional rotating bezel. They designed the feature for diving safety. Although I don’t wear the watch for diving, its practical design is unfaltering. 

This tool for underwater survival turns only in the counter-clockwise direction. It means that dive time can never be accidentally extended. Perfect for measuring decompression stops, its 60-minute scale is primed for intuitive timekeeping underwater. 

On top of this, the bezel is also beautifully knurled in 18k yellow gold to match the crown.

It rotates notch by notch, providing a satisfying click that you can both hear and feel.

Other Features

The Rolex Submariner Two Tone (AKA Rolesor) ref 126613LN has a winding crown with a Triplock triple waterproofness system. The feature ensures the internal environment of the watch stays dry for the Calibre 3235 to do its job. 

Working in these optimal conditions, it delivers an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day. 

The engine also provides a 70-hour power reserve once fully wound.

The Cyclop’s date window at 3 o’clock really finishes the design of the Submariner Rolesor off.

Both the date and no-date options are considered highly collectible by fans. The first date version of the Submariner was released in 1968 —ten years before the first gold Submariner. 

What I like about this watch is how it combines both elements tastefully.

My Recommendation  

I’m not one for braving the seas, but the great thing about the watch is that you don’t have to. You don’t need to be a dive watch lover to appreciate its beauty. 

The Rolex Submariner Two Tone ref 126613LN carries the iconic look of the classic Sub but gets noticed easily. Without being flashy, the watch is modest and bold, and I like that.

Given its opulent yellow gold and steel design, it does need to be taken care of, especially the clasp. It’s not that difficult to accumulate a good deal of scratches on the clasp. However, there are clasp protectors on the market to mitigate this problem. 

Polishing the watch is a good way to restore its youth every so often. On the other hand, polishing it too much can wear the metals down.

I love the adjustability of the clasp and the readability of the dial. My wife can also get away with wearing this version. This is where the slider feature comes in handy — no tools are required to adjust the size!

Lastly, the gold in this watch really pops against the steel. It adds a more indulgent twist to the classic steel reference — a particularly useful quality for elevating more formal attire. 

One thing I do know is that the model will serve me well for years to come. When I eventually want to trade it in for a younger (or older) model, I’ll have no trouble selling it.

Fingers crossed that whatever scratches the clasp acquires over time will only add to its character!

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