Rolex · Jan 31, 2026

Diving Deeper into Elegance — Wearing the Rolex Submariner Steel Gold on a Strap

The Rolex Submariner 116613LN blends stainless steel and yellow gold into one of Rolex’s most recognizable two-tone sports watches. This guide explores strap options that balance its weight, color contrast, and dive-watch heritage — without compromising the Submariner’s original character.

In This Guide :

About the Rolex Submariner 116613LN
Strap Fit & Buying Checklist
Best Strap Materials for the Rolex Submariner 116613LN
Our Top Replacement Strap Picks
Installation & Daily Use Tips
What Our Customers Say
Supported Models
FAQ

1. About the Rolex Submariner ref. 116613LN

Reference: 116613LN
Case Size: 40 mm
Materials: Oystersteel case, 18k yellow gold bezel and crown
Dial & Bezel: Black dial with gold accents, black ceramic Cerachrom bezel
Original Configuration: Two-tone Oyster bracelet (steel & yellow gold)

Introduced as part of Rolex’s modern two-tone Submariner lineage, the Submariner 116613LN occupies a unique position in the Rolex catalog. It combines the Submariner’s tool-watch roots with unmistakable precious-metal presence—sporty, luxurious, and instantly recognizable.

While most collectors associate the 116613LN with its steel-and-gold Oyster bracelet, wearing this reference on a strap reveals a different side of the watch. The challenge lies in balance: the yellow gold elements add visual and physical weight, and the wrong strap can easily feel disconnected or overly casual.

When the strap choice is right, however, the 116613LN becomes more versatile, lighter on the wrist, and surprisingly refined—without losing its Submariner DNA.

2. Strap Fit & Buying Checklist

Before choosing a strap for the Submariner 116613LN, these details matter:

Lug Width: 20 mm
Case Profile: Classic Submariner proportions with pronounced lugs
Weight Consideration: Yellow gold components add noticeable mass
Color Balance: Black, gold, and steel must remain visually aligned
Strap Thickness: Too thin feels insubstantial; too thick overwhelms the case

A well-chosen strap should support the case, not compete with it.

3. Best Strap Materials for the Rolex Submariner ref. 116613LN

Strap Material	Why It Works	Best For
Canvas	Matte texture tones down gold while preserving tool-watch character	Daily wear, understated steel-gold look
Italian Leather	Adds structure and warmth without overpowering the two-tone case	Smart-casual, refined everyday styling
Saffiano Leather	Clean grain, scratch-resistant, visually controlled	Office wear, modern luxury
Crocodile Leather	Elevates the Submariner into a true luxury sport watch	Formal settings, collector setups
Ostrich Leg	Natural scale pattern adds depth and character	Statement wear, enthusiast choice

4. Our Top Replacement Strap Picks

All Liger straps for the Rolex Submariner 116613LN are crafted with balanced proportions and proper taper, ensuring the watch feels intentional on the wrist — not overstyled.

Black Straps — The “Never Wrong” Choice

Black keeps the Submariner grounded and professional. It tones down the gold while reinforcing the watch’s original tool-watch DNA.

Canvas Black

Croco Black

Dappled Black

Brown Straps — Embracing the Gold

Brown leather works naturally with yellow gold, enhancing warmth without becoming flashy. This pairing feels intentional, classic, and mature.

Croco Caramel

Gaucho Oil Brown with side stitching

Nemesis Cotto with side stitching

Croco Tobacco

Saffiano Dark Brown

Epsom Truffle Brown

Exotic Browns — Character & Personality

For owners who want something distinctive without going loud. Natural textures add dimension while staying within the Submariner’s design language.

Ostrich Leg Black

Ostrich Leg Brown

5. Installation & Daily Use Tips

Use a proper spring-bar tool to avoid lug damage
Always protect the case during strap changes
Store the original bracelet carefully for long-term value
Avoid prolonged water exposure with leather or exotic straps
Rubber and canvas can be rinsed with mild soap and air-dried
If unsure, we’re happy to confirm fitment before ordering

6. What Our Customers Say

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I was hesitant to take the Wimbledon off the bracelet. But the dark green leather made the dial feel more intentional—less flashy, more balanced. It still feels like a Rolex, just easier to wear day to day.”

— Barker H., New York

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The fluted bezel worried me at first. I thought straps might make it look odd. The charcoal croco proved me wrong—it actually frames the watch better than I expected.”

— Jorris T., London

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I tried a few aftermarket straps before, and none felt right. The ostrich leg was different. It doesn’t scream ‘exotic,’ but up close it adds character. It finally feels like my Datejust.”

— Edmond B., Stockholm

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Denim sounded casual, but on wrist it works. The green numerals stand out more, and the watch feels modern without losing its identity.”

— Pauline G., California

7. Related Models We Support

Our straps are designed to fit Rolex Submariner references with standard lug construction.

We currently support:

Rolex Submariner Date 116613LN
Rolex Submariner steel references with 20mm lugs
Selected vintage and modern Submariner models originally delivered on bracelets

Explore the full Rolex strap collection here :

Not sure if your Submariner is compatible?
Send us a photo — we’ll confirm fitment quickly and accurately.

8. FAQ

Q: What is the lug width of the Rolex Submariner 116613LN?
A: The Submariner 116613LN uses a 20mm lug width. This is standard across most modern Submariner references, which makes strap selection straightforward—but proportions and thickness still matter for proper balance.

Q: Can I swim with a strap on the Submariner 116613LN?
A: No. While some of the leather straps we offer are treated for water resistance, they are not designed to handle the pressure, movement, and prolonged exposure involved in swimming or diving.

Q: Is it “correct” to wear a two-tone Submariner on a strap?
A: Yes. While the bracelet is iconic, straps—especially rubber and leather—have long been used by collectors to improve comfort and versatility.

Q: What strap color works best with yellow gold?
A: Black remains the safest and most balanced choice. Dark browns and deep neutrals also work well without competing with the gold.

Q: Should I choose a strap based on how I wear the watch, or just aesthetics?
A: How you wear the watch matters more. Daily use, office wear, or weekend use all benefit from different strap materials. The right strap should support the way you actually wear the Submariner, not just how it looks in photos.

Footer disclaimer :

Liger Straps is an independent strap maker and is not affiliated with Rolex SA. All watch names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for descriptive and compatibility purposes only.