The Rolex Deepsea 136668LB in 18k Yellow Gold with Blue Dial and Bezel

The Rolex Submariner and Sea-Dweller are iconic diving watches that have achieved legendary status in horology. Originally launched in 2008, the Deepsea is Rolex’s hardcore diving instrument with a water resistance of 3,900 meters (and 11,000 meters for the Deepsea challenge of 2022). The model was updated at Baselworld 2018 with the reference 126660 featuring the newest generation of Rolex movements, the automatic 3235 caliber with 70h power reserve. We now get the first ever Deepsea in yellow gold and it is decked in blue!

Gold is not necessarily the first material you would think of for a hardcore diving watch. From a functional perspective, you expect specifically simple things or straightforward choices – steel or titanium. Still, gold is highly resistant to corrosion, making it a perfectly legitimate choice for a watch frequently exposed to salt water. And its weight might add a sense of robustness too. In all respects, besides its utilitarian character, it reinforces the Deepsea as a solid statement-piece, commending attention both underwater and on land.

The gold version of the Rolex Deepsea Reference 136668LB in gold retains quintessential attributes of its predecessors. Its 44mm x 17.7mm case has the same look and architecture with a thick, slightly dome crystal. The screw-down case back is fashioned out of RLX titanium. It still meets the most exacting requirements of professional divers with its 3,900 meter water resistance, its RLX titanium helium relief valve and its unidirectional rotating bezel. Among the innovations brought with this gold version, Rolex underlines that their ring lock system now integrates a compression ring made of blue ceramic.

The yellow gold Deepsea is decked with a blue dial with a bezel insert and compression ring in matching colour. The Rolex high-emission Chromoalight display ensures optimal legibility in all conditions.

Inside the gold case, we still have the automatic 3235 caliber. Originally announced at Baselworld 2017, this new generation Rolex caliber features an improved Chronergy escapement, a new gear-train and barrel, as well as enhanced antimagnetic properties. It is COSC-certified and internally certified, as a superlative chronometer – with -2 to +2 seconds a day (after casing).

The yellow gold Deepsea 136668LB is presented on a 18ct yellow gold 3-link Oyster bracelet. Patented ceramic inserts allow to enhance its flexibility and longevity. It is secured to the wrist by the fitted the dependable Oyster clasp with Glidelock extension which allows the watch to be worn over a diving suit –  with 10 notches of approximately 2 mm each the bracelet length can be adjusted up to some 20 mm. (The Fliplock extension has been removed from the Deepsea since 2022).

The new Rolex Deepsea 136668LB will retail for CHF 49,900. More details on Rolex.com.