It's been a long time since we've done a hands-on review of a Rolex timepiece. While we've never been big fans of the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller ref. 116660 since its launch several years ago, we've always liked the looks of the D-Blue dial version a.k.a. James Cameron that came out in August of 2014. A watch that doesn't fly under the radar due to its crazy thick case construction —17.7 mm thick—, this ultra-resistant diver's watch was engineered by Rolex to conquest the deep.
Posts tagged #Sea-Dweller
Insider: Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600. A Discontinued Classic.
By far one of the most iconic Rolex references in conjunction with the Submariner. The Sea-Dweller originally launched in 1967 was developed as a sturdier and deeper rated Submariner for the french industrial deep-sea diving company COMEX S.A.
Back in 1967 the reference number for the Sea-Dweller was ref. 1665 and it had a depth rating of 610m/2,000ft. The Sea-Dweller also incorporated a helium release escape valve for gas decompression chambers. This model also lacks of a cyclops —date loupe— providing a cleaner and more simple look in comparison with its sibling the Submariner Date.
The Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 watches also known as Double-Red Sea-Dwellers are highly collectible and very coveted by vintage Rolex collectors around the world. The DRSD as it is commonly known in the watch collecting world, had 2 red text lines on the watch dial which led to an unofficial "Double Red" designation under watch collectors for these watches.
Picture courtesy of www.doubleredseadweller.com
The Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 models were displaced by the Sea-Dweller 4000 model ref. 16600 rated to a depth of 4,000ft/1,220m. The last Comex Sea-Dweller 4000 Rolex reference number is 16600 and this watch was issued to Comex divers since 1992. Today, the ref. 16600 is now discontinued after the launch in 2008 of the DeepSea Sea-Dweller ref. 116660 with a depth rating of 12,800ft/3,900m.
This wonderful diver's watch is very solid with a glossy raised white gold surround minute markers, a decompression times uni-directional rotating bezel, date aperture, triple-lock screwdown crown, oyster bracelet with divers extension and a flip-lock clasp. The case and bezel setup construction is definitely thicker than that on the Rolex Submariner and the HRV —Helium Release Valve— is located at the 9 o'clock position. This reference has no lug holes as of the early 2000s and is fitted with a solid-link oyster bracelet.
Experience: Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 16600 in the Turks and Caicos. In its Element.
As we head to the tropical waters of the Caribbean, our next stop will be at the Turks and Caicos Islands just east of Cuba and north of the Dominican Republic. This hidden paradise is not only quiet and picturesque, but for those seeking adventure, it offers some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in this area of the world. Additionally, the beach at Grace Bay in the island of Providenciales has been named one of the 'Best Beaches in the World'. During our trip we stayed at the Somerset on Grace Bay, a fantastic quiet hotel with condo/suite accommodations and a great stretch of beach and excellent food.
The Sea-Dweller is just a great beach watch companion. Not far from the Somerset we walked to the Coral Gardens Reef and then to Smith's Reef. Two of the best spots for snorkeling and off shore scuba diving. The Sea-Dweller performed as expected with its rugged case, comfortable bracelet and easy to read dial.
Watch shopping in the island of Providenciales is very limited and quite disappointing. We found a very small dealer with a limited selection of Breitling and Rolex watches. Nothing out of this world. After a couple of days relaxing at the Somerset, we decided to finally walk to Smith's Reef and the Coral Gardens Reef. Not far from there you'll find the Gansevoort Hotel. Snorkeling is definitely worth it as the reef starts just at around 20-30 feet from the beach. These two snorkeling/diving spots offer a wide variety of fish and marine life guaranteeing a great time.
For more info on the Somerset click here.
