Introduction
Debuting in 1967, with the specific aim of bolstering Rolex's dive watch offering, the Rolex Sea-Dweller built upon the industry-leading dive watch credentials that the Submariner had earned Rolex over the previous 14 years. Created specifically with professional divers in mind, Rolex collaborated with diving companies like COMEX to perfect the Sea-Dweller's design and ensure it would be the ultimate dive watch. Featuring the ingenious Helium-Escape Valve that Rolex had patented the same year, a hugely impressive water resistance, and a sizeable case design, the Sea-Dweller rightfully toppled the Submariner as Rolex's most hardcore dive watch. Today offered in a few separate styles such as two-tone, with various dials, and in two different case sizes (43mm and 44mm), the Sea-Dweller has taken a leaf from the rest of Rolex's offerings and merged its tool-watch focused design with tasteful aesthetics, to create one of the most sought-after and best-equipped dive watches that any diver might ever need.
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 x 15mm
Model
Sea-Dweller
Movement
Automatic cal. 3035
Reference
16660
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1986
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Fitted with its pitch black dial, this example's tritium luminescent hour markers and hands stand out stunningly thanks to their creamy yellow patina. Additionally, as this is a later model, its dial features 18kt white gold surrounds for its hour markers which give it a more modern look.
THE CRYSTAL
While now ubiquitous amongst every Rolex model, the ref. 16660 introduced the sapphire crystal to the Sea-Dweller collection. Fitted without Rolex's signature cyclops lens at 3 o'clock, this sapphire crystal sets itself apart from other Rolex models that feature the date-magnifying bubble.
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 has recently been polished, and has chamfered edges on the lugs and no real visible wear on the surfaces. Caseback has the original black enameling intact on the engraving along the edge. Original glossy dial in near-mint condition with lightly aged markers that match the luminous hands. Bracelet has 12 links, 2 of which are removable. Little stretch is evident in the band.
Our Perspective
A transitional model of sorts, the ref. 16660 ushered in a new era for the Sea-Dweller as it modernized the collection with its new movement and crystal, increasing its robustness and ability to perform to the highest standard as its wearers often needed.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
