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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Sea-Dweller
Movement
Automatic cal. 3135
Reference
16600
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
2001
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
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 excellent overall condition. Case is strong, with thick lugs that show minor signs of surface wear, with small scratches and marks visible. Bezel is clean and shows little to no wear. Original dial near-mint with no signs of aging. Bracelet has 11 links total, 1 of which is removable. It shows little stretch and fits an approprox 7 1/4" wrist. Watch comes with original double box set as well as guarantee certificate and accessories.
Our Perspective
An iconic piece of watchmaking, it wasn’t often that these timepieces remained unworn and preserved in their original packaging. Such was the infancy of the watch investment market at the time compared to today; watches were typically worn as they were intended. As a result, watches like our example here are scarce indeed.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
