Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) vs Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13

Two divers compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $500–$1,000

Quick Verdict

The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 ($500–$1,000) delivers Seiko In-House Automatic technology in the tier below the Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) ($10,000–$25,000). The Prospex Samurai SRPL13 measures 41.7mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135. Both represent excellent choices in the diver category.

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Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)

Rolex

Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)

$10,000–$25,000

Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13

Seiko

Prospex Samurai SRPL13

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureRolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13
Price$10,000–$25,000$500–$1,000
Case Size40mm41.7mm
MovementAutomatic, Rolex calibre 3135Automatic Caliber 4R35
Caliber TypeRolex 3135, Superlative ChronometerSeiko In-House Automatic
Power ReserveAbout 48 hours41 Hours
Water Resistance300m (1,000 ft)200m (20 ATM)
CrystalSapphire Crystal, CyclopsHardlex Crystal
Case MaterialOystersteel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor)Stainless Steel
OriginSwiss MadeMade in Japan

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Rolex's design language vs Seiko's approach

The Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) features a Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor) case at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops protection. The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 offers Stainless Steel construction at 41.7mm with Hardlex Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Rolex

Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135 vs Automatic Caliber 4R35

The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) runs the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135 (Rolex 3135, Superlative Chronometer, About 48 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Prospex Samurai SRPL13 uses the Automatic Caliber 4R35 (Seiko In-House Automatic, 41 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Rolex

40mm vs 41.7mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 at 41.7mm. Water resistance differs: 300m (1,000 ft) vs 200m (20 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Seiko

Seiko sits in the lower tier

The Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops with About 48 hours, against Hardlex Crystal and 41 Hours on the Prospex Samurai SRPL13. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Rolex

300m (1,000 ft) vs 200m (20 ATM)

The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) is rated to 300m (1,000 ft) while the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 handles 200m (20 ATM). The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Rolex

Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial)

Choose the Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) if you prioritize Rolex 3135, Superlative Chronometer engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 300m (1,000 ft) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic, Rolex calibre 3135 with About 48 hours power reserve.

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Seiko

Prospex Samurai SRPL13

Choose the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 if you value Seiko In-House Automatic technology, Made in Japan heritage, and 41.7mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic Caliber 4R35 with 41 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) and Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 represent two distinct approaches to the diver category — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Seiko delivers Made in Japan engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

On price, the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 sits a band lower ($500–$1,000 against $10,000–$25,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPL13 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $500–$1,000. However, the Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) at 40mm with 300m (1,000 ft) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Prospex Samurai SRPL13 at 41.7mm with 200m (20 ATM) is similarly capable. The Submariner Date 116613LB (steel and yellow gold, blue dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops while the Prospex Samurai SRPL13 uses Hardlex Crystal.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.