Introduction
First released in 1967, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was launched as an upgraded version of Rolex’s ever-popular Submariner collection. With an increased water resistance of 610m versus the Submariner's 200m and a helium-escape valve to alleviate pressure within the case during its wearer's ascent back to the surface, the Sea-Dweller was a dive watch truly built for professionals. Amongst its many variants, the ref. 16600T that we have here debuted in 1988 and saw the longest production periods out of any Sea-Dweller – 20 years, with its discontinuation in 2008 leaving room for Rolex to introduce the Deepsea. With its black dial and aluminum bezel, lack of cyclops date magnifier, solid end links, and comfortable 40mm stainless steel case, the Sea-Dweller ref. 16600T blends some of watchmaking's creature comforts, in its robust construction, with some pieces of vintage detailing like its bezel and old-style Oysterlock clasp that have enabled it to remain a truly iconic piece of Rolex design and engineering.
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Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Anchor
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Sea-Dweller
Movement
Automatic cal. 3135
Reference
16600
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
2003
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, Box, Hang Tag, Anchor
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring the signature black dial and black bezel combo that have adorned Rolex's dive watches for decades, the Sea-Dweller's most telling detail is the absence of a cyclops lens over the date aperture at 3 o'clock that features across the Sea-Dweller's sibling, the Submariner.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring 40mm in diameter and just under 15mm tall, the Sea-Dweller ref. 16600 pre-dates Rolex’s move to make the Sea-Dweller a far larger watch than what inspired it, the Submariner, and hence retains a familiar presence on the wrist.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint overall condition. There is very minimal surface wear on the watch, and it appears very lightly used only. The caseback still retains all the original black enameling and the factory finish in the center of the caseback. The bracelt has 12 links total, 2 of which are removable. There is no stretch.
Our Perspective
An incredibly capable tool watch, it wasn’t often that examples like the Sea-Dweller we have here remained almost entirely unworn for nearly two decades. Such was the infancy of the watch investment market at the time compared to today; watches were typically worn as they were intended straight away. As a result, watches like our example here are scarce indeed.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
