The Rolex Sea-Dweller, specifically the reference 116660, represents a pinnacle of horological engineering and a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of professional diving watches. Hailing from a lineage forged in the crucible of deep-sea exploration, the 116660 isn't merely a timekeeping instrument; it's a tool, a legacy, and a highly sought-after collector's piece. This article will delve deep into the history, features, and market value of this iconic watch, exploring its position within the broader Sea-Dweller family and comparing it to its successor, the reference 126660.
History Of The Rolex Sea-Dweller 116660:
The story of the Sea-Dweller 116660 begins not in a laboratory, but in the unforgiving depths of the ocean. The late 1960s saw a surge in saturation diving, a technique demanding watches capable of withstanding extreme pressure and prolonged submersion. Rolex, already renowned for its Submariner, answered this challenge with the original Sea-Dweller, a watch engineered for professional divers operating at significantly greater depths.
The 116660, introduced in 2008, represents a significant evolution in the Sea-Dweller lineage. It builds upon the robust foundation laid by its predecessors, incorporating numerous advancements in materials science, engineering, and horological precision. This model marked a crucial shift, notably featuring a helium escape valve (HEV) integrated into the crown, a hallmark of the professional-grade diving watches. This valve, crucial for saturation divers, allows the escape of helium gas accumulated within the watch case during decompression, preventing potential damage to the crystal.
Unlike its predecessors, the 116660 boasts a larger, 44mm Oyster case, providing increased legibility and robustness. This larger size, while a departure from the more compact dimensions of earlier Sea-Dwellers, reflects the ongoing evolution of dive watch design, prioritizing functionality and practicality for professional use. The case, crafted from virtually indestructible 904L stainless steel, offers superior corrosion resistance, ensuring the watch's longevity even in the harshest marine environments.
The dial design, typically black with luminous hour markers and hands, emphasizes readability in low-light conditions. The cyclops lens over the date window, a Rolex signature, further enhances practicality. The watch is secured to the wrist by a robust Oyster bracelet, known for its comfort and durability, and features the characteristic Oysterlock clasp with its Glidelock extension system. This system allows for precise adjustments to the bracelet length, accommodating the changes in wrist size that can occur due to the effects of temperature changes underwater or the use of a diving suit.
Rolex Deepsea 116660 Price & Review:
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