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
Guarantee Certificate, Dive Table, Calendar, Leather Folder
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Sea-Dweller
Movement
Automatic cal. 3035
Reference
16660
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1987
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch and papers
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a Mk. 4 dial, this ref. 16660's black dial is glossy and features 18kt white gold surrounds for its luminous hour markers. A way to differentiate between Mk. 3 and Mk. 4 glossy dials is the hyphen between "SEA" and "DWELLER", as on this dial, which is missing on the Mk. 3 dials.
THE CONSTRUCTION
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
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has some scratches and light nicks. The case back retains all the enamel in the engravings, with some light scratches. The bezel is well defined, with light scuffs, and the insert is clean with a couple of minor marks. The glossy dial shows light spidering visible in certain lights and a little discoloration in the lume plots. The hands have light oxidation. The watch is fitted with a solid link Oyster bracelet with surface marks and light play between the links. It is fitted with 10 links, 2 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7 3/4” wrist. Comes with original papers, calendar card, diving table card, translation papers, and wallet.
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
