Rolex Smurf

Rolex Smurf Submariner 116619LB: The White Gold Submariner in Blue

The Rolex Smurf is the collector name for the Submariner Date ref. 116619LB, introduced at Baselworld in 2008 and produced until 2020. It was the first Submariner Rolex ever made in 18k white gold, and it remains the only white gold Submariner with a blue dial and a matching blue Cerachrom bezel. From across a room it passes for a steel dive watch with an unusually vivid dial. On the wrist the weight gives it away immediately, and that is exactly the appeal: a full precious metal Rolex Submariner that does not announce itself. We buy, sell, and trade the Rolex Smurf in every condition, from unworn full sets to used pre-owned watches.

The "LB" stands for Lunette Bleue, French for blue bezel. The nickname came from the color, a bright, flat blue on both dial and bezel that reminded collectors of the cartoon characters, and it has been the name the watch is searched, bought, and sold under ever since. When Rolex moved the Submariner to the 41mm case in 2020, the white gold model continued as the ref. 126619LB with a black dial, which closed the all blue chapter after a twelve year run.

Rolex Smurf Specifications

What Makes the Smurf Special in Hand

Two things set it apart the moment you pick it up. The first is weight. Solid 18k white gold through the case and every link of the bracelet makes the Smurf dramatically heavier than a steel Submariner of the same size, and owners tend to describe that heft as the best part of wearing it. The second is the dial. Where most blue Rolex dials use a sunburst finish that shifts with the light, the Smurf's blue is a flat, glossy lacquer that stays a clear, saturated blue indoors and out, matched closely by the ceramic bezel.

The case is the same 40mm Maxi shape used across that generation, with wide lugs and heavy crown guards, so it wears larger than older Submariners. White gold is also softer than steel, which is why case condition matters more on this reference than on almost any other Submariner. We are always happy to FaceTime a Smurf so you can see the lugs, the dial, and the bezel before you buy.

Rolex Smurf Price and Market History

Pre-owned Rolex Smurf examples typically trade from $38,000 to $52,000+, with late production full sets at the top of that range. For most of its production life the Smurf could be bought pre-owned for less than its retail price, which finished at about $38,000. That changed after it was discontinued in 2020: with no blue dial white gold Submariner to replace it, the supply is fixed, and values have held at or above that final retail figure since.

Where a specific watch lands in the range comes down to four things: the condition of the white gold case and whether it has been heavily polished, bracelet stretch, completeness (box, warranty card, booklets, hang tags), and production year, with 2018 to 2020 watches drawing the most interest. We will walk you through current comps on any Smurf you are considering, ours or not.

Smurf vs. Cookie Monster vs. Bluesy

Choose the Smurf if you want the all blue look in solid white gold and a reference whose story is finished. Choose the Cookie Monster if you prefer a black dial, the 41mm case, and the newer movement with a 70 hour power reserve. Choose the Bluesy if you want blue on blue with visible yellow gold at a lower price. If green is more your color, the steel Hulk comes from the same generation, and the Kermit is where the colored Submariner story began.

How to Buy a Rolex Smurf With Confidence

The Smurf has not been sold new since 2020, so every purchase is a pre-owned purchase, and at this price the dealer matters as much as the watch. Here is what we check on every Smurf, and what you should expect any dealer to confirm:

• Gold and hallmarks. The case and bracelet are solid 18k white gold, never plated, and carry the correct gold hallmarks. Weight is the quickest tell: a genuine Smurf is far heavier than any steel Submariner.
• Rehaut and crystal. The inner bezel ring is engraved with a repeating ROLEX pattern and the watch's serial number, and the sapphire crystal carries a tiny laser etched crown at 6 o'clock.
• Dial. Correct flat blue lacquer, crisp printing, and white gold surrounds on every index. Replacement or refinished dials are the biggest value killer on this reference.
• Bezel. Genuine blue Cerachrom with sharp platinum filled numerals, a luminous pip, and a firm, precise 120 click action.
• Case and bracelet condition. White gold marks and polishes away more easily than steel. Look for full, even lugs, sharp crown guards, and a bracelet without heavy stretch.
• Movement. A genuine Caliber 3135 with the blue Parachrom hairspring, timed on our equipment and pressure tested for water resistance.
• Completeness. Box, warranty card, booklets, and hang tags all add value. Every listing we post states exactly what is included, nothing assumed.

New Unworn & Used Pre-Owned Rolex Smurf

We buy, sell, and trade the Rolex Smurf in every condition, from unworn full sets to used pre-owned watches with honest wear. Every watch is authenticated in house at our Oak Park, Michigan showroom, and we will FaceTime any Smurf in hand so you can see the dial, bezel, and case for yourself. If you own a Smurf or any Submariner you are ready to move, start a quote on our Sell My Watch page, or ask about trading toward another piece. Looking for a specific year or full set? Tell us through our contact page or call or text 248-422-0909 and we will source it.

Ships fully insured nationwide from our Oak Park, Michigan showroom via FedEx Hold for Pickup at your nearest FedEx location. Call or text 248-422-0909. Browse every Rolex Submariner we carry, see more gold Rolex watches, or shop all Rolex.

Rolex Smurf FAQ

Complete Reference Index

Rolex Smurf (2008 to 2020): 116619LB, Submariner Date, 40mm 18k white gold, blue lacquer dial, blue Cerachrom bezel, Caliber 3135. The Smurf name applies to this single reference only.