Rolex Sea-Dweller - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

14 years ago, I bought this Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600, thinking I was making a good choice. And after all these years, I am still convinced that it was. There is something special about this watch, it has also become unique with a leather strap that is the polar opposite of the original strap! But maybe it is simply the bond I have developed with it over time. Robust and discreet, in my eyes at least, I particularly appreciate its 40 mm case, which gives it a perfect balance. But in my opinion, what really sets it…

I finally managed to buy this Rolex Sea-Dweller from my Rolex AD in Manchester a few months ago... after almost 2 years of waiting list. I was like a child when I got the call... I honestly couldn't believe it! I had tried it many times and I always liked its beastly and brutal side for a diver's watch... I read here and there that it was not a real Sea-Dweller because it has the magnifying glass on the date... Seriously, all these specialists telling you what to do and what to think... it's becoming a pain! I have…

I initially wanted a Sub Mariner Date, the latest iteration of the house, then when I went to try this Sea Dweller I immediately fell under the spell of this magnificent diver. A very beautiful presence on the wrist, the red line, model initially released in 1999 for the 50th anniversary of the legendary Sea Dweller. I am not a diver, the only time my watch will see water is during a dishwashing session, no more, no less. It's a shame but who knows, one day it will really see the ocean. In the meantime, as soon as…

As far back as I can remember, I have always had a weakness for classy watches, with a "diver" style and although I myself am a diver in my spare time, far from me the idea that it replaces a good dive computer but the submariner or derivatives are must-haves from the brand with the crown IMHO. After that I am not a fan of the bubble with the date and for all that I animate the date on a watch. Then my criteria: a taste for old but although a 5513 or a 1680 attract me, the budget of the versions and years that inte…

I have a Subdate 16600 that I really like but nevertheless I was tempted to acquire a more recent model with the caliber 3235. After 5 months I had a Seadweller 126600. My 18.5cm wrist supports it without problem and the significant weight does not bother at all. The new "Glidelock" bracelet allows ultra-precise adjustment. The bracelet is less sensitive to micro scratches than that of the Datejust or YachtMaster. Since the time reset due to the time change the drift is only -0.7 sec or an average of -0.0 sec / day…

For several years I have regretted having sold my Sub 14060 but I found it a little strange to buy the same reference for a higher price. I then became interested in the Sea-Dweller, with an aesthetic close to the Sub but with even more impressive performances, while remaining on the same format. I finally found the 16600 that I was looking for, in a condition close to new (although this one is almost 20 years old). I find that it combines robustness and elegance to perfection.

I who always wanted a Rolex for the timeless side. But I always wanted a date without the cyclops in 40mm which is also quite rare, (produced three years). The thickness of the watch (which could be the only negative point), does not scare my 18.5mm wrist. Can be worn as an everyday watch without problem.

This is a 16600 from 1995 in its N.O.S 'juice', a sober and efficient piece, a tool that has become a collector's item, all the characteristics of the Rolex family of divers with the 3135 in its box, a date without cyclops, a small size more on the 39 than the 40mm, about ten grams more than a Sub date (count 144g), a pleasure on the wrist, tritium indexes that have acquired a patina over time, pierced horns, an aluminum bezel, what charm!...

I have owned this Rolex Sea Dweller for 14 years, a historic model at Rolex. It is a pleasure to look at the time even when it is not necessary. It is robust, unique and it is still as precise as it has been since the day I bought it. I have only had it serviced once in 15 years, which is in my opinion more than enough for this 911 of the watch world!

When it was released in 2017, this new SD 126600 came to replace 50 years after the appearance of the first SDs (an entire generation of successful divers in 40mm) and especially, the recent 116600 released barely 3 years earlier. External signs: 43mm, a red signature and a cyclops, why these changes, the cyclops did not seem to me to have its place here, was not the signature of the extreme divers found in the fact that they had a date without cyclops?.. and the 40mm were perfect. Yet 4 years later, I acquired thi…