What is a Rolex Supercase?

In the Rolex world, the term “supercase” (or “super case”) refers to the second-newest generation of Submariner and GMT-Master II models, which have relatively thick lugs. Here’s our quick guide to the Rolex supercase, produced in one form or another from 2005-2020.

Chronology

The first supercase model (that’s just a Rolex nickname, not an official term) was also the first Rolex with a ceramic bezel insert. Ref. 116718LN, a solid yellow gold GMT-Master II, debuted at Baselworld 2005.

By 2012, the entire Submariner and GMT-Master II lineups had supercases and ceramic inserts.

The current (post-supercase) GMT-Master II generation was phased in from 2018-2019, and likewise a Submariner with slimmer lugs came the following year.

What Does a Rolex Supercase Look Like?

Supercase Rolex models aren’t substantially wider or thicker than other models; they’re 40mm like many Rolex sports watches. But when you compare a Rolex supercase GMT or Submariner to an older model, you can see that the lugs are significantly larger/blockier, as is the crown guard.

You can find plenty of detractors online who aren’t fans of the supercase’s proportions, but it didn’t seem to slow down Rolex’s sales any, and I think it might grow to be appreciated more in due time. Nevertheless, the current models went back towards more “classic” lugs:

Rolex Supercase GMT Models

The supercase Rolex GMT was offered with a black ceramic bezel insert in three different metals: stainless steel, yellow gold or two-tone. The steel version was also offered with a blue/black (“Batman”) insert, plus there was a white gold model with a blue/red (“Pepsi”) insert. There were also 11 off-catalog models.

Here’s a full breakdown of supercase GMT’s:

Reference	Case metal	Bezel	Dial / Gems
116710LN	Steel	Black ceramic	Black dial; green GMT hand
116710BLNR “Batman GMT“	Steel	Blue / black ceramic	Black dial; blue GMT hand
116713LN	Steel / yellow gold	Black ceramic	Black dial; green GMT hand. watchguys
116718LN	Yellow gold	Black ceramic	Black or green dial. bobswatches+2
116719BLRO “Pepsi GMT“	White gold	Blue / red ceramic	Black dial initially; blue dial subsequently; “Pepsi.” watchbase+1
116748SA	Yellow gold	Blue sapphires and diamonds	Black dial; plain gold lugs and crown guards; plain gold Oyster bracelet. Confirmed through Rolex CPO and Phillips. bucherer+1
116748SANR	Yellow gold	Diamonds with black sapphire hour markers	Black dial; plain gold lugs and crown guards; plain gold Oyster bracelet. Confirmed through Rolex CPO. watchesofswitzerland
116748SARU	Yellow gold	Blue sapphires, red rubies and diamond hour markers	Black dial; plain gold lugs and crown guards; plain gold Oyster bracelet. bucherer+1
116749SABLNR	White gold	Blue / black sapphires	Black dial; plain gold case and Oyster bracelet; gem-set “Batman,” historically nicknamed “Bruce Wayne.” revolutionwatch
116758SA	Yellow gold	Blue sapphires and diamonds	Diamond-set lugs and crown guards; black or pavé dial; plain or diamond-set bracelet configurations. sothebys+1
116758SANR	Yellow gold	Diamonds with black sapphire hour markers	Diamond-set lugs and crown guards; black or pavé dial; plain or diamond-set bracelet configurations. revolutionwatch
116758SARU	Yellow gold	Blue sapphires, red rubies and diamond hour markers	Diamond-set lugs and crown guards; black or pavé dial; plain or diamond-set bracelet configurations. revolutionwatch
116759SA	White gold	Blue sapphires and diamonds	Diamond-set lugs and crown guards; black or pavé dial; plain or diamond-set bracelet configurations. revolutionwatch+1
116759SANR	White gold	Diamonds with black sapphire hour markers	Diamond-set lugs and crown guards; black or pavé dial; plain or diamond-set bracelet configurations. revolutionwatch+1
116759SARU	White gold	Blue sapphires, red rubies and diamond hour markers	Diamond-set lugs and crown guards; black or pavé dial; plain or diamond-set bracelet configurations. revolutionwatch
116769TBR	White gold	Trapeze-cut diamonds	“GMT Ice” / “Ice Master”; extensively diamond-set case, patterned diamond dial and diamond-set bracelet. bucherer+1

Supercase Submariner Models

Like the GMT of its era, the Rolex supercase Submariner was available in steel, two-tone, yellow gold or white gold. There were only two off-catalog Subs in this generation.

Reference	Case metal	Bezel	Dial / Gems
114060	Steel	Black ceramic	Black; no date
116610LN	Steel	Black ceramic	Black
116610LV “Hulk”	Steel	Green ceramic	Green
116613LN	Steel / yellow gold	Black ceramic	Black; diamonds optional until 2013
116613LB “Bluesy”	Steel / yellow gold	Blue ceramic	Blue (changed from flat to sunburst in 2013); diamonds optional until 2013
116618LN	Yellow gold	Black ceramic	Black; diamonds optional until 2013
116618LB	Yellow gold	Blue ceramic	Blue (changed from flat to sunburst in 2013); diamonds optional until 2013
116619LB “Smurf”	White gold	Blue ceramic	Flat blue dial; diamonds optional until 2013
116649EMBR	White gold	Emeralds and diamonds	Black or pavé diamond dial with emerald markers; diamond-set bracelet
116659SABR	White gold	Blue sapphires and diamonds	Blue lacquer dial or pavé diamond dial with sapphire markers; diamond-set lugs and crown guards

Movement

Supercase Rolexes all have trusty 31xx-generation in-house movements. The no-date supercase Submariner has caliber 3130, while the Sub Date has the 3135 and the 1167xx GMT’s have the 3186. Because of the supposed low amplitude issues of the 32xx calibers in current-generation models, some collectors prefer the supercase models.

Pre-owned prices for Rolex supercase references are generally near or below current equivalent list prices, with pre-owned black-dial models available as low as $10,000. And you don’t have to spend any time on a Rolex waitlist for one. There’s a lot to like.