Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Why The Sea-Dweller 116600 Is The Best Modern Rolex Dive Watch You Can Get?
Produced for 3 years only, with a great 40mm case, a sleek cyclops-less dial and many, many arguments under the hood.
When you think about Rolex dive watches, the Submariner – in all its possible declinations – will surely be the first model you’ll have in mind. Being the first of its kind for the brand, and one of the earliest watches specifically designed for professional diving, it does make sense to mention it. There is, however, one other dive watch in the Crown’s portfolio that truly deserves attention. A watch that has somehow always flew under the radar of the mainstream public, a watch that true tool watch enthusiasts know to be the go-to solution; the Sea-Dweller. And among the multiple executions available, there’s one that stands out for many reasons. A short-lived watch, with great proportions, historically-relevant design and features and all the beauty of a modern Rolex. Today, we discuss the great Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600 and why it might be the best modern dive watch the crown has produced.
Historical reminder
The Rolex Sea-Dweller was born first as an upgrade of the Submariner, intended for professional saturation divers – the presence of a helium escape valve is the main aspect to take into account here, even more than the increased level of water-resistance. Pro divers, true pioneers of their times, including those from the SeaLab explorations or the Cousteau teams, noticed that after a dive, the crystal of their Submariner could pop out in the decompression chamber. Far from recreational divers, these scientists and hardcore divers needed something that could resist the test of saturation diving.
This technique, used to withstand dives for extended periods of time, requires the presence of helium in the breathing mixture, which could eventually penetrate the watch cases. And during the decompression, the helium had to find a way out of the case, usually done through its weakest point, the plexiglass crystal on top. The answer to this issue will be the HEV, or helium escape valve. And if the paternity of this device is rather contested – Doxa is often referred to as the first – this element will be the main differentiating aspect between the Sea-Dweller and the Submariner. In fact, early SD watches were still showing the Submariner logo on their dial.
The story starts in 1967, with the reference 1665. Let aside a handful of prototypes nicknamed “Single Red Sea-Dweller” and having, for most of them, a 500m waterproof case, the first production model available to the public was the Rolex Double Red Sea-Dweller (DRSD) reference 1665, produced from 1967 to 1977. The difference with a Submariner was mostly to be seen in the details and the diving specifications; 40mm case with HEV, highly domed sapphire, date without cyclops, and a water-resistance increased to an impressive 610m. It will be followed by an evolution model, yet with the same reference number, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Great White reference 1665. Visually, the logo was now entirely white, but it retains the same case and the same diving credentials. It will be produced from 1977 to 1983.
Then come modern times, with the 5-digit series, starting with the Rolex Sea-Dweller Triple Six reference 16660. Produced from 1978 to 1989, the main difference was the replacement of the plexiglass by a sapphire crystal. Thanks to this and a slightly revised case, the watch came with a doubled water-resistance (1,220m or 4,000ft). It’s also part of the transitional Rolex series, as available with matte dial with painted markers or glossy dial with applied markers. In 1989, and up until 2009, the SD will be available with the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16600. Visually almost identical to the late Triple Six models, it came mostly with mechanical evolutions and it was produced under the switch from Tritium to SLN.
Putting aside the Deepsea launched in 2008 (which is a fairly different model in our books, even though bearing the name SD on its dial), the classic Sea-Dweller will be out of production for five years, before its comeback in 2014 with the Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600, the archetypal modern instrument dive watch by Rolex. Produced from 2014 to 2017 only, it came with multiple upgrades, such as a new case, a ceramic bezel with a fully-marked scale or a much better bracelet. Finally, the latest evolution is the Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600, available since 2017 with a modern 3235 movement, a case size increased to 43mm and for the first time, a cyclops over the date. There’s also a cool reference to the early prototypes, with a Single Red mention. This was Rolex’s solution to differentiate the SD from the Submariner.
The Sea-Dweller 116600, the best of both worlds
What is the Rolex Sea-Dweller? In short, it’s a watch that has long lived in the shadows of the Submariner, and is often seen as the uber-Submariner – for the most enthusiastic of us – or a simple evolution of the Submariner – for those who don’t really see the interest of this watch. We, at MONOCHROME, and mostly our founder Frank and myself, have a very special affection for the Sea-Dweller and, mainly, the Sea-Dweller 116600.
If some will see the SD as an upgraded Submariner – which is obviously not entirely wrong – I’ll explain why I believe this model is special to us. In the early days of diving, and coincidentally of dive watches, these timepieces were true instruments meant to be used and abused, worn for professional reasons. Things changed later – around the late 1970s – when Rolex sports models started to become status symbols to be worn onshore. The Submariner changed from an instrument to a casual gentlemen’s watch for weekends and holidays, which could complete a collection of elegant gold watches. The decline of the “tool dive watch” also coincides with the advent of diving computers, which made such watches rather irrelevant, or at least less of a necessity, being relegated to the role of mechanical backup (I know our resident diver Derek won’t entirely agree with me, but he has a sentimental connection with dive watches, even today).
As such, if the Submariner became the archetypal luxury weekend watch, the Sea-Dweller barely took the trend and stayed, for many, an instrument with way too high capacities and less comfort on the wrist. But as always, there are two sides to a coin. And you can also look at things in a different way. To us, here at MONO, the Sea-Dweller is the last of its kind for Rolex, a resurgence of the old days of instruments dive watches, a niche watch that is not meant to be shown, a watch that isn’t meant to be a status symbol, but a watch made for those attracted by technicality, those who recognize the beauty of the specifications, the sheer technical masterpiece that is a Sea-Dweller. You want a cool watch for the weekend, something that does the job for a recreational dive, but that also says something about yourself? Get a modern Submariner. If you have a strong interest in dive watches, in the history of professional divers and in everything overly-technical, the SD is your watch.
But keep in mind that all SD models are not equal. And that leads us to the Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600. What makes this watch one of the greatest modern Rolexes, in our opinion, is a very fine equation of elements, which have to be compared to other models. The SD 4000 is not a watch that will immediately attract you, it’s a watch that needs to be explored closely to then understand its beauty. Within the SD lineup, you can get vintage models, understand all generations of 1665. Superb watches that come with all the flaws of vintage, and aren’t the best when it comes to truly wear them – we’re not really into “safe queens” at MONO… You then can look at the 16660 or the 16600, which are both great watches but, then again, are not as comfortable, well-equipped and safe as a Sea-Dweller 116600.
Then comes the currently-produced 126600 option. And with its 43mm case and cyclops over the date, it is a watch that has somehow lost the appeal of the original Sea-Dweller. This evolution, when it comes to commercial matters and coherence of the collection, is understandable. But we are sentimental, and that oversized watch with a cyclops does not create the same emotions. Another option, which surely is a safe option, could be the Submariner models that were available at the same time as the Sea-Dweller 116600, meaning the modern ceramic references with 6-digit references – 116610 Date and 114060 No-Date. Putting aside the technical downgrade these represent compared to an SD, there’s the issue of the “square-ish” super-case. Great watches, for sure, but they can’t rival with a Sea-Dweller in terms of specifications and, something slightly more subjective, the beauty of the lines of an SD 116600.
This leaves us with the following equation: vintage models are too fragile to be worn on a daily basis, the modern 43mm is not anymore the SD we’ve come to love, the 6-digit Submariner (previous generation) is not technically on par with an SD and its case has less appeal. And now, you start to understand the beauty of the Sea-Dweller 116600. First of all, it retains all the elements of the collection and its comeback in 2014, after 5 years of absence, has created a warm welcome by a community of long-lasting enthusiasts. The case, still measuring 40mm in diameter, is somehow superbly balanced, with lugs that are thinner than a Submariner. There’s something so right about its proportions.
Looking at the 116600 in the details, you’ll be able to see the superb execution of a modern Rolex watch. It’s neat, like really, really neat. The case is fairly heavy, fairly thick but at the same time, the casebands have been kept to a reasonable height, and most of the additional thickness compared to the Submariner is located on the caseback. Some will tell you that the Sea-Dweller 4000 is a watch that lacks comfort and feels “top-heavy” but, by our own experience, it really depends on the wearer and the shape of his wrist.
Multiple design aspects of the Sea-Dweller 116600 are noticeable. First of all, it retains the classic cyclops-less design, something that has always been a distinctive element of this collection. I know that the absence of a cyclops is down to technical reasons first and foremost, but it remains an important fact in the sleek, instrumental look of the SD. That non-magnified date simply looks cool and unique within Rolex’s portfolio. Then, there is the greatness of typical Rolex modern features. The ceramic (Cerachrom) insert is here equipped with a fully graduated scale, making it less glossy, more technical. The bezel is a pure joy to use, smooth and stiff at the same time, giving a reassuring feeling of quality and of a perfectly adjusted device. Inside, you’ll find the calibre 3135, and even if doesn’t have all the features of the new 32XX, this movement is a no-brainer. Reliable, precise, ultra-robust.
The bracelet might be the most desirable feature compared to vintage or even youngtimer models. With its modernly manufactured links and end-links, it feels solid as a rock. And the clasp is an engineer’s masterpiece, equipped with the Oysterlock safety catch, the double extension system that allows the watch to be worn over a diving suit, and finally, the Rolex Glidelock, which allows the wearer to fine-adjust the length of the bracelet by 20mm, in 2mm increments. All of that in one small clasp…
To us, the shape of the case, its proportions, the cyclops-less date, the 40mm diameter, the over-engineered feeling when you handle this reference 116600, makes it the last of the true Sea-Dweller. Surely, it’s not perfect, as it might not suit smaller wrists. Surely, a Submariner will be more than enough when it comes to making a jump in the pool. Yes, this is a heavy and relatively thick watch (about 15.5mm) but the clever construction of the case somehow makes it visually thinner. But there’s an undeniable charm to this watch, the instrument feeling that only the SD has (or had…) And that makes it, to us, the best of the modern dive Rolex watches.
Collectability of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600
The final point is more of a collector’s argument. The Sea-Dweller 116600 is one of the Rolex models with the shortest production run, having been produced for 3 years only – 2014-2017. Adding to that the fact that the Sea-Dweller has never been the most produced of the Rolex models, you can expect this reference 116600 to be a relatively rare watch, at least according to Rolex’s standards. This surely still means multiple thousands of examples, yet nothing compared to a Submariner 116610LN. If you think about it, the combination of a short production run and the current popularity of steel Rolexes might make it a relatively safe bet.
We’ve seen a recent surge in the prices of 116600. After its discontinuation, a mint example could be yours for about 10k euros (which was about retail price). Now, expect around 17k euros. It might have to do with the overall trend of the market, more than with the rarity of the model itself. There’s possibly something to explore if you want one of the truly great modern dive watches, and at the same time something that could potentially hold its value in the future.
25 responses
Oh boy, another article about how cool an unavailable watch is, and if it’s somehow obtainable it’ll be for 2 to 3 times it’s asking price. Is this what you’ve come to these days? Sad.
Interesting article as always, but there is a slight issue, the Sea-Dweller is really a diver-style watch rather than an actual ISO 6425 compliant divers watch because the 2018 revision of ISO 6425 required divers watches to have visible (lumed) markers every five minutes on the dial. Due to the position of the date window the Sea-Dweller does not comply with the current ISO 6425 criteria. This is largely due to the fact that the watch was introduced before the 2018 revision to ISO 6425 so the lack of compliance can be forgiven. It is puzzling however that the revised Submariner Date introduced in 2020 also does not comply with the 2018 edition of ISO 6425 despite the obvious fact that the new criteria had been extant for 2 years. Sadly the only current Rolex ISO 6425 compliant dive watch is the standard Submariner without a date as it has got lume plots every five minutes on the dial. Seiko changed the dials on a number of their divers watches between 2018 and 2020 to ensure compliance. Omega also ensured that the Seamaster Diver 300M introduced in 2018 was fully compliant.
The 116600 is for me the best amalgamation of modern and classic Rolex. From the classic proportions of the case and extra thick crystal with no cyclops to the bank vault solid clasp and ceramic bezel I get why this article calls it ‘the best modern Rolex dive watch’.
I own both SD 4000 and sd43 and I really don’t see the point of your lengthy article. In my opinion the sd43 is by far a better watch. The 3 extra millimeters do not make a big difference and the cyclop is a welcome improvement when you get older. Pointless article in my opinion,
The best modern Rolex dive watch you CAN’T get. I really wish the watch press would acknowledge this instead of keep pretending these watches are still an option.Why keep promoting the brand in their absence?
This watch was generally not liked when it was available. It was noted to be very imblanced and top heavy. Owners disliked it for this reason. It flopped on the wrist. It was generally considered to be a flop, no pun intended. It has its desirable aspects. But to make it as if it some super desirable sleeper is a bit disingenuous. There are reasons it was not popular or liked.
yeah, colour me intrigued on how you can get one of these… cause the prices and availability of these sure I see these at certainly don’t make these easy to get.
Still, for what it is, it is actually one of the few Rolex I like, especially because it is lacking the cyclopse.
This may very well be the best modern dive watch ever made.
The iconic looks of the Sub with far greater water resistance.
What’s not to love (apart from the obvious availability and cost issues)?
@MWATCHCOLLECTOR – this article wasn’t meant to be objective but it reflects an opinion. We don’t necessarily ask all readers to agree, and in this instance, you’re equally right to say that the SD 43 is a better watch (for you). It’s all about personal preferences.
@ SPQR – as always very accurate comment. It’s true that for this specific SD, the ISO 6425 isn’t that of a problem, since it was released before the modification of the standards. It’s indeed curious that Rolex didn’t change things on the new Sub in 2020. But, on another level, is the Submariner really a watch used to dive anyway 😉
@Jake – as said in the article, there is indeed an issue for some people with the top-heavy case. However, I also know quite a lot of owners who don’t have this issue at all, when the watch is well adjusted. It’s all down to the shape and size of the wrist.
Can’t you find something meaningful to write about, or do you just enjoy shilling for a marketing brand manipulating supply and demand through manufacturing scarcity, while you continue with fluff articles in service of promoting a marketing strategy that gives the appearance of your approval.
I bought the SD4K …. better case, better specs, no cyclops, and just damn cool…. way back in 2016 (over Sub, Sub Date, Deepsea, and JC)
It is the best modern Rolex dive watch
Like all current Rolexes, it is made of that rarest of metals — unobtainium.
Rolex long ago ran out of plausible excuses for why their watches can’t be found at authorized retailers when Omega, Grand Seiko, and many other competitors of similar or better quality have no such supply issue. The watch press should boycott any new articles about Rolex until it demonstrates an ability to meet a reasonable level of customer demand, and cracks down on the scalpers who have inflated the secondary market to absurd levels.
I picked up a near new ’06 16600 Sea Dweller w/B&P before the Submariner hype started to happen. While researching and talking myself into a Submariner I wondered why not buy into the model designed to go deeper? I love watch development history and while the Submariner came first, I was not buying a first generation model, and the Sea Dweller story is pretty amazing too.
I loved the thicker case right from the start. And the 40mm size is my sweet spot. The bracelet, compared to what Rolex is making now, leaves something to be considered, but it’s comfortable, reliable, and is original to the watch. I have a much newer Seamaster 300m as well, that I used to say was my grail watch. The Sea Dweller on the wrist is a very different experience.
A Sea Dweller from any year is worth owning. We all have our preferences for the details but they all were new once. I feel bad for anyone looking for one now. I bought mine because of reputation, quality, and value (I was very lucky), but status and ROI seems to be a big reason now. Ugh.
@Ron Howard – It’s his opinion Karen, relax!!
I’m a truck driver and and wear a 116600. It gets knocked around. Tough and reliable and takes real punishment and still after 5 years this baby is running at +1 per day. No one notices it probably due to no cyclops nor do I care. Keeper, forget the rest!
I wore a 1984 5513 ever since new. 5 years ago I wanted a new one, but the square case no longer had proportions I could live with. The SD 4k was the perfect upgrade for me. The glide lock, ceramic bezel, and chroma light are all upgrades on a watch keeping those familiar dimensions. And the lack of the cyclops that screams ‘’look at my Rolex” make it my perfect daily watch. It wears much better than my new GMT master II. This is just the opinion of someone that has worn the series everyday for the last 35 years. The SD4k is perfect and your correct, there is nothing made like it. Unobtainium for everyone now. The new 41 sub is a close second, but you must pick “no date” or “I have a Rolex” cyclops.
Best Dive watch in my Opinion! I love it so much, every time I come across a nice, minty full set, I buy it. I currently have 2 mint full sets of it, if anyone is interested, I can sell one, hoping it goes to a good home. I’m keeping one for myself 😃
Not really a Rolex fan but I bought this watch and it’s since elevated to one of my favourites .
Surprisingly neat. Certainly doesn’t wear like a 40mm watch on the wrist.
For all those commenting above ,complaining how expensive it is , get a grip, ffs!!
It ‘s a high end luxury item that noone needs to buy.
New or used, it’s still a 5 figure sum most people can only dream of owning.
Well written article highlighting a not often talked about model. For those saying this watch is top heavy I doubt they have tried it on. Wears really well and much more interesting than a sub.
In 2016 I had two choices to upgrade my 16570: DEEPSEA D-Blue or SD4K. I convinced myself: “Why spend so much on 40mm if I could get a 44mm and that special new D-Blue dial”. Got a nice discount on the D-Blue btw. Better watch times…
Years and enough of watches passed by, like most of us always scrolling through chrono and the SD4K always kept my attention. I think because of that encounter when I left it in the store.
2 days ago I found an unworn SD4K from that same year (2016); a special year to me business and personal wise. Without a doubt I bought it after a decent proposal. I’m currently at that point where I just wear the watch at home just for the sake to connect with history again. or just because we watchaddicts. Even during this article I probably wristrolled 5 times while I actually need to get to bed to fly tomorrow to Dakar. Deffo gonna bring her to join that memory.
Within my current watches this is the most emotional connected one, all the modern one’s are nice, good looking, technical outstanding…but like my daily EV; it’s functional but emotional it will never conquer a more emotional gasoline machine.
I would appreciate if someone could confirm if this watch really is top heavy or does it wear well
6.5 wrist
I enjoyed this article as someone who wears a Seadweller 116600… I wear it more than any other Rolex I have and it’s my favorite.
I guess I’m one of the ones for whom this watch fits perfectly.
I’ve got a 7″ wrist, and the caseback sinks nicely into the flesh. It only protrudes when you put your wrist at an extreme angle.
I wear it every day, and I barely notice it’s there. No issue with the weight or it being top heavy. It’s very easy to adjust the watch to fit exactly right with the Glidelock clasp. Nobody else notices it, which is perfect for me.
To me, this is the best professional dive watch ever made. Though there are definitely others that are more desirable, as a dive watch this hits the absolute sweet spot. 40mm, modern bracelet and clasp, 1200m water resistance, automatic gas escape valve, and totally wearable as an everyday watch.
A lumed bezel, different color lume for the minute hand and bezel pip, and broadsword hour hand, would all make this watch even better, but as it stands I don’t think there’s another dive watch that comes this close to perfection.
The 114060 and 116610 Submariners don’t look nearly as good. The 116660 and 126660 Deepseas are way too massive. The 126600 Sea-Dweller is just oversized to visually differentiate it from the Submariner. The Seamaster has a useless and ugly manual gas escape valve, and its bezel is too hard to turn. The PloProf is too clunky and not suitable as a dress watch. The Fifty Fathoms is a luxury watch first and dive watch second.
The only dive watches I’d rather have over the 116600 are the 5517 Milsub and the 16600 Comex, both well out of my price range. My second favorite “affordable” dive watch is the 14060M Submariner as it’s a neo-vintage watch with a modern movement, and wears great on a NATO strap.