The Rolex Sea-Dweller remains one of the more underrated Rolex sports models on the market, and this reference 16600 hits a sweet spot in the model’s history. The original sea-dweller reference 1665 was produced in the late 60s as Rolex’s attempt to create a more robust dive watch than the submariner. Though at first glance a sea-dweller might look just like a submariner, there are a few quintessential differences in this reference 16600: a thicker case/crystal with the iconic helium escape valve to allow greater saturation diving, a non-cyclops date window, and solid end-links on early references compared to hollow end-links on their same-year submariner counterparts. There is no denying the iconic status of the submariner, but we think these unique differences make the sea-dweller a little bit cooler and more durable of a watch.
This particular example dates to 1996 and is in great original condition. The tritium hands and hour markers have developed a creamy patina and its glossy dial has no defects. The bezel has slight scratches throughout and carries a tritium pearl with matching patina. The case appears to have been slightly polished but still shows thick, even lugs and sharp chamfers. The original 93160 bracelet shows light stretch and includes 15 total links (including solid end-links). There is a small nick on the crystal near the 11’ o'clock marker but it is almost undetectable in-hand.
Condition: The watch has been checked by a certified watch maker and is running extremely well and keeping good time. Serviced in 2015.
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- Brand: Rolex
- Model: Sea-dweller
- Reference Number: 16600
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: 3135
- Case material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Original Tritium dial
- Bracelet material: Stainless Steel 15 Total Links
- Year of Production: 1996
- Case diameter: 40 MM
- Lug width: 20 MM
- Lug to lug: 48 MM
- Thickness: 14.5 MM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 4,000 ft
- Warranty: Free 6 Months Repair Warranty
