Having come a long way from being the poster boy for dive watches, the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller watch is one of the most sought-after wristwatches for recreational divers, professional divers, and watch collectors. There is no disputing the fact that its excellence, precision, and high-tech materials remain unmatched in this niche.

Have we been able to pique your interest? Still, don’t get too excited because of these specs and the high demand for Rolex as a brand; this is one of the hardest-to-find timepieces to find out there.

The Rolex Sea-Dweller Watch Collection Through History

Long recognized as a brand that chaperones explorers to all ends of the Earth, Rolex is the actual inventor of the first water-resistant timepiece. The journey began in 1927 when Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf prepared swimmer Mercedes Gleitze with what was later named the Oyster waterproof wristwatch after she swam the English Channel. Following a 10 hours stint in the water, she came out with the watch still working faultlessly. That was the beginning of Rolex’s intense and extended affair with water exploration.

Decades later, in 1960, a Rolex dived to the deepest depths of the Marianas Trench in the Pacific Ocean, fitted to the hull of the Trieste Bathyscaphe. This timepiece was in the care of Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh. As we didn’t expect at the time, this watch kept perfect time. As a consequence, this event led to the launch in 1967 of the first Rolex Sea-Dweller. This watch boasted water-resistant capabilities down to 4,000 feet or 1,220 meters.

Later on, in 2012, James Cameron, who had been the director of Titanic and Avatar, got hooked on ocean exploration while filming Titanic, and took on a quest to dive solo. He did this in a vessel known as the DeepSea Challenger. This dive was to go to the deepest depths of the oceans.

He embarked on this mission as a partner of Rolex and National Geographic. James Cameron dived 10,908 meters (35,787 feet) in the Challenger to take practical ocean floor samples. Cameron took with him a specially crafted timepiece known as the Rolex DeepSea Challenge. This watch was created for the mission and was water-resistant to 12,000 meters. Once again, this prototype watch, fitted to the Challenger, kept the time flawlessly.

Further history!

To commemorate that expedition to the bottom of the sea, Rolex created a special edition Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller watch with a D-blue gradient dial for more luminescence. You can find two versions of this timepiece in the Rolex Sea-Dweller line up. However, getting one of these Rolex DeepSea James Cameron versions for sale is almost impractical. Getting a pre-owned Rolex Sea-Dweller is feasible, but may take some time. Here, at Diamonds By Raymond Lee, we make the search as effortless as possible.

Chronicles of the Deepsea Sea-Dweller Watch’s Growth

One decade later, Rolex reviewed the structure of the Sea-Dweller. There came the blue Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller. Also, the “Submariner 2000” collection faded away entirely. This was to help solidify the Deepsea Sea-Dweller as a distinct model.

In 1978, a more significant update came in the shape of the Ref 16660. With this model, came a larger helium release valve and a sapphire crystal. This watch’s depth rating was also increased to 1,220 meters or 4,000 feet.

Later on in 1988, Rolex unveiled the Ref. 16600. This timepiece built on the updates that came in ten years before the time. Modifications included a shiny black dial and strong end-links on the bracelet to make it a formidable offering. Giving life to the piece was the caliber 3135, depicting the latest creations from Rolex during that period. Here is a Rolex model that will stay in production for the next two decades. Finally, in 2008, this model got a replacement in the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Ref 116660.

However, with time, it became evident that the Deepsea was not convenient for every Rolex enthusiast. Enthusiastic fans of the Sea-Dweller missed their beloved model. Therefore, after a six-year recess, Rolex brought back the Sea-Dweller 4000. With this Ref 116600, we got a Glidelock bracelet, a slimmer 40mm case, and a ceramic bezel. Still, Rolex retained that all white text on the black dial and no cyclops over the date window as it had always been.

Into The Blue Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 43mm

General Technical Specifications

Case

43mm Oyster, Oystersteel monobloc middle case with a screw-down case back and crown with Triplock triple waterproofness system. Comes with a unidirectional rotatable 60-minute finished, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert. All in ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in platinum and waterproof to 4,000 feet or 1,220 meters.

Dial

Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops lens hovering over the date. Equipped with center hour, minute and seconds hands. Features instantaneous date, stop-seconds for accurate time setting. The Chromalight display comes with long-lasting blue luminescence on hour hands and markers.

Movement

Powered by a caliber 3235 bidirectional self-winding movement via Perpetual rotor. Features a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, Chronergy escapement with the best level of energy efficiency. Boasts a 70-hour power reserve and is certified as Superlative Chronometer.

In-depth Details of the Case

The most significant change with the latest blue Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller is the size of the case. For the previous models, they had the same 40mm diameter as the Rolex Submariner. That was a relaxed and fitting size.

This size was well fitting to most wrists. Still, the Sea-Dweller is not a timepiece made for most wrists. This watch’s planned use is as a professional grade dive time tool. This distinction explains why the case is now 43mm in diameter. With the larger size, it is easier to see and use underwater.

More so, this increase in stature also distinguishes it from the Submariner. Prior to this, the only way to tell the two apart from a short distance away was by the tell-tale cyclops one had. As it was, that too has changed with the latest releases.

To guarantee it is fitting on the wrist, Rolex adjusted the case of the Sea-Dweller. Now, the lugs are shorter and more cupped and the height to width ratio is in better ratio. We have a big, but not as big as the Rolex Deepsea Ref 126660.

Hemming the dial is a unidirectional rotatable 60-minute finished bezel with advanced specs. This bezel comes equipped with a patented black Cerachrom bezel insert produced by Rolex itself. This ceramic is practically scratch-proof and its color gets no dent from ultraviolet rays. Rolex coats the numerals and graduations on the bezel with a thin layer of platinum.

Also, you will see the bezel comes with 1-minute markings from 0 all the way to 60. That is not the case for the bezel of the Submariner wristwatch. On that model, the markings run from 0 to 15 only.

In-depth Details of the Dial

The improvement in case size was surprising. Still, it wasn’t the most contentious modification from the Swiss watchmaker. That change instead came on the dial layout. To be more specific, it is on the sapphire crystal safeguarding the dial.

Following half a century of no cyclops, Rolex included a cyclops over the date of its blue Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller. That change pissed a lot of people off. Majority of the model’s fans cherished the fact that it didn’t have this polarizing feature. Or let’s say it didn’t have it then.

Rolex gave a simple explanation for this. Before now, the company had not been able to devise a technical solution that would make room for a cyclops to stay untouched on deep dives. With this, they finally did. With a cyclops in place, the date becomes easier to read. Understand that Rolex is all about continual modifications and this isn’t a shock. So, if there is a way to ensure the watch delivers more utility, it will be done.

In addition, a larger case also implies there will be a larger dial. Rolex chose to keep everything in proportion by keeping the hands and indexes bigger. With that, we get the extra benefit of making the Sea-Dweller more readable. This modification is striking when you put the new model and old model side by side for comparison.

For the watch to stay legible in all conditions, the black dial comes with Rolex’s innovative Chromalight display. That addition radiates a unique blue glow in low light situations. With the blue glow, you get that amazing and uniform luminosity that lasts up to eight hours.

In-depth Details of the Bracelet

The bigger dimensions of the case created the need for a larger bracelet. We got a new solid-link Oyster bracelet in Oyster Steel. Same material but a different size measuring 22mm. Thu size is an upgrade from its 20mm predecessor.

More so, this bracelet comes with a bigger buckle. Check out the buckle on the previous Ref 116600, you will understand why it got criticized for being too slim. Now, Rolex has rectified that issue with this new change. We now have an Oysterlock safety clasp that staves off accidental opening.

Also, there is a double extension system that makes room for adjustments to be made without the use of any tool. With that, the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit up to 7 mm thick and still remain relaxing. Then, there is the Fliplock extension link which extends the bracelet by 26 mm.

If you want this timepiece for day to day wear with a normal suit, the Rolex Glidelock system permits that fine adjustment of the bracelet length as you wish. You can make adjustments in 2mm increments for an aggregate of roughly 20 mm.

In-depth Details of the Movement:

Inside the Sea-Dweller Ref 126600 is the new generation caliber 3235 that powers all its functions. That is the same movement that works in the Rolex Datejust 41. Thanks to this self-winding mechanical movement, developed and manufactured by Rolex you get 14 patents in total. This total includes the new Chronergy escapement.

Thanks to this escapement, you can combine high energy efficiency with great reliability. Being a product of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic disturbance. Superior efficiency and new barrel architecture suggests a power reserve of 70 hours. With this caliber 3235, you have an element that holds up the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. Thanks to this, it is very detailed (−2/+2 seconds per day) and dependable.

An Overview of the Common Rolex Sea-Dweller Watches

Although the Deepsea model of the Sea-Dweller has enhanced its features as mentioned already, all of the Sea-Dweller watches have particular features and functions they share. First is the Oyster Steel that all of the Sea-Dweller timepieces (and bracelets) are made of. They are a specially developed steel in the 904L steel collection. This addition is deemed to be a super alloy that is resistant to corrosion and is most frequently used in chemical industries and the aerospace industry.

You will find that each watch comes with an Oyster bracelet (three-row) with the brand’s Oysterlock folding safety clasp and built-in Glidelock system. With this, you have room for a subtle adjustment of the bracelet size (without the use of tools). Thanks to that, it can be worn over a wetsuit.

Each watch comes with a patented Helium escape valve that Rolex first created in 1967. Also, every watch comes tested in a Hyperbaric chamber. Likewise, the brand’s patented TripLock winding crown guarantees water resistance. Furthermore, the Sea-Dwellers come equipped with a cyclops magnifying lens over the date for better legibility.

Finally, these watches get powered by the caliber 3235 self-winding mechanical movement. This movement is shock resistant and anti-magnetic. It is a product of the brand’s patented Chronergy escapement which helps it deliver higher efficiency. Again, there is also a paramagnetic alloy for the rotor and hairspring. These elements make the watch almost 10 times more accurate than those with regular hairsprings.

On a concluding note, every Sea-Dweller including the Blue Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller is a Certified Rolex Superlative Chronometer. This implies that it has passed tests done by Rolex that are more stringent than the regular COSC chronometer norms.

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