SInce I was young, I was interested in watches and loved wearing them - Casio was the first real watch brand I started wearing in high school. Then a few years later, I started seeing Longines and Rolex on magazine covers, which got me more interested in the world of watches.
As I started reading, researching and watching content about watches for years, there was one particular watch model that really turned me into a watch enthusiast - that is the Rolex Submariner "Bluesy" - 116613LB, which is now the older generation of the Bluesy.
After I got my Datejust Wimbledon 41, there were a few Rolex models I wanted next: Daytona Panda, GMT Master Pepsi and of course, the Submariner Bluesy (two-tone).
I was in Christchurch earlier this month and I received a call from The Hour Glass on Queen Street - saying that a brand new Rolex Submariner Ref. 126613LB has arrived for me. I was very excited and could not wait to pick this up so I made an urgent, day trip back to Auckland, just to buy this.
This 126613LB has quite a lot of changes to the older 116613LB... And I personally like this new version much, much more and here are my reasons:
My wrist size is around 19cm and can comfortably wear 43mm easily. With this new Submariner being 41mm (the older one is 40mm), it fits me perfectly.
Adding to (1), despite the case diameter being larger by 1mm, it wears much more slimmer because the lugs are thinner - a design reflecting back to the first Submariner. The older Submarimer's lugs made the watch look too square and chunky, which I was not a fan.
The letterings on the dial are white and I prefer this more than the older gold letters.
When I initially got the call from The Hour Glass, I actually didn't accept it right away but told them to give me a little time to think about it. The main reason being - I was not sure if I can wear this on a daily basis. This two-tone Bluesy is possibly the most iconic Rolex model ever... But also the blue colour is very eye-catching.
After a day of thinking, I responded back - saying I will very happily take this because I knew if I didn't accept it, I would regret it.
After buying the watch, I started wearing it almost every single day. Surprisingly, I found this watch very versatile - can be matched with both dressy and casual outfits.
To be able to own this Bluesy, which got me into the whole watch collecting years ago, I also have been thinking about how much I have grown - both as a person and with my businesses... Whenever I look at this watch, it takes me back to some of the most challenging times of my journey... Like when I had less than $1 in my bank account or when I skipped meals because I was broke.
You know, you can tell (or assume) what a person's personality is like based on the watch he/she is wearing. To me, this Rolex Submariner Bluesy will always represent that I have to be bold, brave and innovative... But also a symbol to showcase how much I have grown - starting my business journey with absolutely nothing: no supportive friends, money. network...
Anyways, all I want to say is I absolutely adore this watch.
Finally, I would like to thank Sam and the team from The Hour Glass New Zealand for offering me this! If you are looking to purchase your luxury timepiece, visit The Hour Glass on Queen Street - the knowledge and service they offer are unmatched.
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Founder & Editor | Say Seowon Song
I run Caramel, a hospitality strategy and creative agency, and teach business and life strategies to ambitious people. I love talking business, coffee, food, watches and anything luxury. Connect with me.
Instagram: @forkandtruffle
Email: say@caramel.co.nz