Rolex Smurf: The Complete Guide to the White Gold Submariner

The Rolex Submariner Date “Smurf” 116619LB is one of the most recognizable and desirable modern Rolex sport watches. Nicknamed the Rolex Smurf because of its all-blue design, this watch combines a blue ceramic bezel, blue dial, and full 18k white gold construction. It stands apart from every other Submariner because there is no steel version of the Rolex 116619LB. 

Looking for a rare timepiece to add to your collection? Time of Swiss, a trusted Los Angeles source for authenticated pre-owned Rolex watches, helps collectors find rare examples of this iconic Rolex Smurf watch.

What Is the Rolex Smurf?

The Rolex Smurf is the collector nickname for the Rolex Submariner Date reference 116619LB.

It is a 40mm Submariner made entirely from 18k white gold, with a blue dial and blue Cerachrom bezel. Because of that blue-and-white look, collectors quickly started calling it the “Smurf.”

The Rolex Submariner Smurf is also unique because it is the only Submariner offered exclusively in white gold. Rolex never made a steel version of this configuration.

Key details that define the Rolex Smurf watch include:

• Reference number: 116619LB

• Material: 18k white gold

• Dial: Blue dial

• Bezel: Blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel

• Bracelet: White gold Oyster bracelet

Learn more about the watch directly on the Rolex Smurf page from Time of Swiss.

Rolex Smurf Specifications

The Rolex white gold Submariner blue stands out because it combines luxury materials with the rugged performance of a dive watch.

What Are the Case and Bracelet Specifications?

The Rolex 116619LB uses a 40mm Oyster case made from solid 18k white gold.

The bracelet is also crafted entirely from 18k white gold, giving the watch a heavier, more substantial feel than a standard steel Submariner.

Key specifications include:

• Case size: 40mm

• Material: 18k white gold

• Bracelet: Oyster bracelet in white gold

• Water resistance: 300 meters / 1,000 feet

What Kind of Bezel Does the Rolex Smurf Have?

The Rolex Smurf blue dial is paired with a blue Cerachrom bezel.

The bezel is a unidirectional, 60-minute graduated dive bezel. Because it is made from Rolex Cerachrom ceramic, it resists scratches, fading, and UV damage.

Important bezel details include:

• Blue Cerachrom insert

• 60-minute timing scale

• Unidirectional rotating bezel

• Highly scratch-resistant finish

What Does the Rolex Smurf Dial Look Like?

The dial is one of the biggest reasons collectors want the Rolex Smurf.

The rich blue dial creates a monochromatic look with the blue bezel, while Chromalight hands and markers make it easy to read in low light.

The dial includes:

• Blue sunburst finish

• Date window at 3 o’clock

• Mercedes-style hour hand

• Chromalight lume with blue glow

What Movement Powers the Rolex Smurf?

The Rolex Submariner Date Smurf is powered by Rolex caliber 3135.

The 3135 is one of Rolex’s most respected movements because of its reliability, accuracy, and long-term durability.

Movement details include:

• Caliber: Rolex 3135

• Type: Automatic, self-winding

• Power reserve: Approximately 50 hours

• Certification: COSC chronometer-certified

Rolex Smurf Price: What Does It Cost?

The Rolex Smurf price is much higher than a standard steel Submariner because of its full white gold construction.

The last retail price for the Rolex 116619LB before it was discontinued was approximately $39,650. On the secondary market, most examples now trade between $38,000 and $55,000.

Several factors affect the current Rolex Smurf price:

• Year of production

• Overall condition

• Presence of original box and papers

• Whether the watch is New Old Stock or worn

• Polishing history and bracelet stretch

A full-set, unworn example with stickers can sell for significantly more.

Time of Swiss currently offers rare examples such as the Rolex Submariner Date “Smurf” 116619LB. We also regularly source rare Rolex Smurf watches that are difficult to find anywhere else.

The History of the Rolex Smurf

The Rolex Smurf was introduced in 2008 and immediately became one of the most talked-about Submariner models.

When Was the Rolex 116619LB Released?

The Rolex 116619LB debuted in 2008.

Rolex created it as a more luxurious version of the classic Submariner. It kept the same dive-watch DNA but upgraded the entire watch to 18k white gold.

The blue dial and bezel also made it instantly different from every steel Submariner on the market.

Why Did Collectors Start Calling It the Smurf?

The nickname came from collectors, not Rolex.

Watch enthusiasts noticed that the combination of blue dial, blue bezel, and white metal case resembled the blue-and-white look of the Smurfs cartoon characters.

The nickname spread quickly through online forums, auction catalogs, and watch communities. Today, almost every collector refers to the watch simply as the Rolex Smurf.

Is the Rolex Smurf Still in Production?

No. The Rolex Submariner Smurf was discontinued in 2020.

Rolex replaced the 116619LB with the newer reference 126619LB. The newer watch keeps the white gold case and blue bezel but switches to a black dial.

That means the original Rolex Smurf blue dial configuration is no longer in production, making the 116619LB even more desirable.

Rolex Smurf vs. Hulk vs. Starbucks: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference between these watches is material, color, and exclusivity.

Rolex Smurf vs. Hulk

The Rolex Smurf vs Hulk comparison comes down to white gold versus steel.

The Hulk is more affordable and still highly collectible. The Smurf is rarer and far more expensive because of its precious metal construction.

Rolex Smurf vs. Starbucks

The Starbucks is the modern green Submariner with a black dial and green bezel.

The Smurf is the more exclusive option. The Starbucks is easier to buy and better suited to buyers who want a current-production steel Submariner.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Rolex Smurf is best for collectors who want the rarest and most luxurious version of the Submariner.

The Hulk is best for collectors who want a discontinued steel model with strong resale potential.

The Starbucks is best for buyers who want a green Submariner they can still buy new today.

Time of Swiss carries a wide range of collectible Rolex references. Browse all Rolex watches at Time of Swiss to compare the Smurf with other Submariner models.

Why the Rolex Smurf Is So Rare and Desirable

The Rolex Smurf watch is rare because Rolex built it entirely from white gold.

No other Submariner has ever been offered only in white gold with a matching blue dial and bezel.

Several things make the watch especially desirable:

• It is the only true white gold Submariner blue model

• The Rolex Smurf blue dial is no longer in production

• White gold models are made in much smaller numbers than steel versions

• Collectors want both the luxury aspect and the sport-watch design

• Demand remains strong on the secondary market

The watch also appeals to two very different buyers. Some want a luxury watch that looks understated from a distance. Others want one of the rarest modern Rolex Submariner references available.

Is the Rolex Smurf a Good Investment?

Yes, the Rolex Smurf has been a strong long-term performer, although no watch investment is guaranteed.

The value of the Rolex 116619LB has remained high because the watch is rare, discontinued, and made from precious metal.

Collectors generally look for:

• Full set with box and papers

• Unpolished case and bracelet

• Original bezel and dial

• Low production-year examples

• New Old Stock or stickered examples

The best-performing examples usually sell well above original retail.

Still, buyers should choose a watch they genuinely enjoy, not only one they expect to increase in value. Market conditions, overall condition, and timing always matter.

Time of Swiss is a trusted LA-based source for authenticated Rolex watches and can help buyers find the right example. Browse all Rolex watches at Time of Swiss to compare available models.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rolex Smurf

Why is it called the Rolex Smurf?

The nickname comes from the blue dial, blue bezel, and white gold case. Together, they create a blue-and-white color combination that reminds collectors of the Smurfs.

What is the reference number for the Rolex Smurf?

The Rolex Smurf is reference 116619LB.

Is the Rolex Smurf made of white gold?

Yes. The case and bracelet are both made from solid 18k white gold.

What is the current Rolex Smurf price?

Most examples currently sell between $38,000 and $55,000, depending on condition and completeness.

What is the difference between the Rolex Smurf and the Hulk?

The Smurf is white gold with a blue dial and bezel. The Hulk is steel with a green dial and bezel.

Is the Rolex Smurf still in production?

No. The original Rolex Smurf blue dial 116619LB was discontinued in 2020.

Can you buy a Rolex Smurf pre-owned?

Yes. Buying pre-owned is usually the easiest and most realistic way to get one.

Time of Swiss in Los Angeles often carries authenticated pre-owned examples, including new and old Stock, including full-set pieces. 

Where to Buy the Rolex Smurf

Most buyers will not find the Rolex Smurf through an authorized dealer.

The watch has been discontinued, and even before that, dealer allocations were extremely limited. Today, the pre-owned market is the best place to buy one.

Time of Swiss has been serving collectors since 1990 and is one of Los Angeles’ trusted sources for authenticated pre-owned Rolex watches. The store is located at 640 S Hill St H-29, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

Collectors buying a Rolex Smurf from Time of Swiss benefit from:

• Full authentication

• Transparent condition reports

• Access to rare and discontinued references

• A 1-year warranty on pre-owned pieces

• Immediate availability without waitlists

Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned Rolex Smurf

Always confirm that the watch is reference 116619LB.

Check the white gold case carefully because white gold shows wear differently than steel. Over-polishing can reduce value.

Inspect the blue Cerachrom bezel closely. Chips, cracks, or fading can significantly affect price.

A full set with the original box, papers, and warranty card will almost always be worth more.

If you are a collector looking to offset the cost, you can also sell or trade your Rolex through Time of Swiss.

The Rolex Smurf: A White Gold Submariner Worth Every Penny

The Rolex Smurf remains one of the most distinctive Submariners Rolex has ever made.

The combination of solid white gold, blue bezel, and Rolex Smurf blue dial gives the watch a look that no other Submariner can match. Because the original 116619LB has been discontinued, demand continues to grow among serious collectors.

Time of Swiss is a trusted destination in Los Angeles for authenticated Rolex Smurf watches, including rare full-set and New Old Stock examples.

Browse the current Rolex Smurf collection at Time of Swiss, explore all our Rolex watches at Time of Swiss, or call (213) 891-0909 to ask about sourcing a specific piece.