About the Rolex Smurf
Released in 2008 alongside the yellow gold version, the white gold Submariner ref. 116619LB is commonly known as the Submariner Smurf thanks to its bright blue bezel and dial paired with its white metal case and bracelet. The Smurf was the first white goldSubmariner wristwatchever made by Rolex and it was in production for 12 years. Since Rolex no longer produces this particular reference, buying Submariner Smurf watches can only be done via the pre-owned market.
Submariner Smurf History
2008 marked the launch of a new generation of Submariner watches, which carried six-digit reference numbers. The first two models that kicked off the collection were full gold editions - one in yellow gold (ref. 116618) and, for the first time in the Submariner's history, one in white gold (116619.)
In addition to the new material option, the white gold Submariner ref. 116619LB stood out for its vibrant blue Cerachrom bezel and blue dial. Cerachrom is Rolex's proprietary ceramic alloy that is both scratch and fade resistant.
Due to the combination of the white metal and blue features, the ref. 116619LB picked up the "Submariner Smurf" nickname within the Rolex collecting community. The Submariner Smurf was a part of the Rolex lineup for 12 years until it was replaced in 2020 by the Submariner 126619LB. While the newest white gold Sub also includes a blue Cerachrom bezel, it now has a black dial rather than a blue one, therefore it does not retain the Smurf nickname.
- 2008: Rolex introduces the Submariner ref. 116619LB "Smurf"
- 2020: Rolex discontinues the Submariner Smurf
Submariner Smurf Reference and Features
There's only one Rolex reference that goes by the nickname Smurf:
- Submariner Date ref. 116619LB
The watch includes the following features:
- Case: 40mm, 18k White Gold
- Bezel: Blue Cerachrom, Platinum Coated Engraved Markings, Unidirectional, Graduated to 60 Minutes
- Dial: Blue, Chromalight Luminescence, Date Window
- Crystal: Sapphire with Cyclops Magnification Lens
- Caliber: 3135 Automatic Movement, 48-Hour Power Reserve, Quickset Date, Hacking Seconds
- Bracelet: 18k White Gold Oyster with Glidelock Diver's Extension Clasp
- Water-Resistance: 300 meters
While white gold may look very similar to stainless steel to the untrained eye, those in the know will immediately recognize that the blue bezel and blue dial combination is exclusive to the 18k white gold Submariner Smurf ref. 116619LB. The letters "LB" in the reference number is short for the French words "Lunette Bleu," which translates to "Blue Bezel." While there are "LB" editions of yellow gold and two-tone Submariner watches, the blue shade of the white gold Smurf is notably brighter.
Buying Submariner Smurf Pre-Owned vs. New
When it was in production, the Submariner Smurf was the most expensive standard Sub in Rolex's catalog with a retail price tag of $38,350 - even pricier than the yellow gold version. However, since Rolex no longer produces the Submariner 116619LB, the only way to get your hands on one is to buy it from the secondary watch market.
Since Rolex discontinued the reference, prices for Submariner Smurf watches have increased in the secondary market. Prices for a pre-owned Submariner Smurf start at $38,995 while prices for unworn versions start at $41,995.
Rolex Smurf Reference Number(s):
116619LB
Years Rolex Smurf was Produced:
1008 - Present
Rolex Smurf Nickname Origin:
Rolex's reference 116619 Submariner is craft entirely from solid 18-karat white gold, and features a blue Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel insert and dial. Although it represents Rolex’s premium offering in the Submariner line of watches, the reference 116619 has been nicknamed the "Smurf" due to its blue and white color profile, and the bright, flat hue of its dial and bezel insert. Although it has a cartoon nickname, the "Smurf" Submariner costs more than any other contemporary Submariner reference, and it truly represents the apex of luxury and function.
Rolex Smurf Celebrity Associations:
Robert Herjavec, Michael Bay, John Mayer, Karim Benzema
Unique Features for the Rolex Smurf
A blue ceramic dial and bezel insert, with a 60-minute scale - made from Cerachrom.
