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Lot #2016

Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 Glossy Dial

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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

Watch Only

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 only

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 deep yellow patina that is swallowed by the black dial and bezel that surrounds them.

THE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL

While now ubiquitous amongst every Rolex model, the ref. 16660 introduced the sapphire crystal to the Sea-Dweller collection. Without a cyclops lens at 3 o'clock, this sapphire crystal sets itself apart from other Rolex models that feature the lens.

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. Watch appears to have been recently polished, and at the edges are sharp and chamfered, with no visible scratches or dings. Bezel insert has a few marks as shown in the images. The dial is in excellent condition. There is a few areas of oxidation on the surface, specifically around the date window. The luminous dots and hands have aged to a dark yellow color. Bracelet has 14 links with 4 removable links. There is little stretch.

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