Rolex Reveals 2020 Submariner Range Upgrade: New 126613LN Gold and Black Submariner

It’s time for Rolex to reveal what’s new for 2020! When Baselworld is officially cancelled, it looks like Rolex will stick to its tradition so there will be no novelties in 2020.

This turned out to be wrong, and on September 1, 2020, Rolex revealed its novelty to the world, including the discontinuation of many different models. The biggest news of 2020 is the upgrade of the entire Submariner range. 2020 means a huge upgrade for the Submariner range, as every model in the range gets an update. This is not surprising, however, as the upgrade is a no-brainer considering that the Submariners all use Rolex’s previous-generation caliber 31XX movement, at a time when the brand has launched its new generation caliber 32XX.

One of Rolex’s 2020 announcements is an upgrade to its existing black two-tone Submariner, reference 116613LN. The biggest change compared to its predecessor is of course the latest generation of the movement, but there are also many visual tweaks and improvements to its design. The watch received a new reference number 126613LN. Let’s dig a little deeper and see what this watch is all about.

"It features a unidirectional rotating bezel with Cerachrom inserts and a solid-link Oyster bracelet. The latest generations of the Submariner and Submariner Date remain faithful to the original models launched in 1953. In watchmaking, the Submariner represents a historic turning point; it sets the standard for dive watches."

New 2020 Rolex Submariner 126613LN

The Submariner series has long consisted of two two-tone models. This includes two models, one blue and one black. Initially, they carried the reference number 16613, then 116613 and now 126613. For blue, the reference ends in LB (Lunette bleu), and for black, the reference ends in LN (Lunette Noir), referring to the color of the bezel.

So, what's new?

In terms of visual changes, the biggest difference is that the case size has increased from 40mm to 41mm, so it is now called the Submariner 41. A mere 1mm increase in diameter might not seem like much, but for Rolex, it is. This takes into account the fact that the model has never been larger than 40mm in its history.

But while you might think the new 126613LN would be more wear-resistant than its predecessor, it won’t be. This has to do with the lugs becoming slimmer and more refined, somewhat reminiscent of the reference model 16613 Submariner. So while the watch is larger on paper, it wears more or less the same as the square lug design, and the lug design is more elegant, making it look smaller on the wrist than it actually is.

Since Rolex is a brand about evolution rather than revolution, the design of the watches has remained more or less the same. It combines 18ct gold and 904L (Oyster) steel. The watch has a black Cerachrome bezel insert and a unidirectional rotating bezel. The watch comes on a three-link Oyster bracelet in gold and steel and features Rolex’s Glidelock extension system. Another change concerns the bracelets. To match the increase in size, Rolex has also slightly widened the bra, from 20mm to 21mm.

Bracelet has polished center links and brushed sides.

Rolex Submariner 126613LN Specifications

• movement: Rolex caliber 3235
• calibre: 41mm
• Lug width：21mm
• Waterproof:300m/1000 feet
• Power reserve:70 hours