The Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller. The name itself conjures images of crushing depths, daring explorations, and unwavering reliability. This isn't your average dive watch; it's a statement piece, a technological marvel, and a polarizing design all rolled into one. The Deepsea has always been an outlier – a love-it-or-hate-it watch. Its bulky case and quirky design cues may not suit the tastes of everyone, but it is every bit the technical and robust instrument its reputation suggests. This comprehensive review will delve into the various iterations of the Deepsea, comparing key models, examining its investment potential, and ultimately determining its place in the pantheon of legendary dive watches.
A History of Depths: Tracing the Deepsea Lineage
Before we dive into specific models, it's crucial to understand the Deepsea's heritage. Born from Rolex's decades-long experience in crafting professional diving instruments, the Deepsea represents the pinnacle of their underwater expertise. Its lineage can be traced back to the original Sea-Dweller, a watch designed for saturation diving, pushing the boundaries of water resistance. The Deepsea, however, took this to a whole new level, achieving unprecedented depths and showcasing Rolex's commitment to pushing the limits of watchmaking.
The evolution of the Deepsea is marked by significant advancements in materials science and engineering. Each generation builds upon its predecessor, refining the design and enhancing its performance. This progression is clearly evident when comparing models like the 116660 to the 126660, and further exemplified by the more recent 43mm Sea-Dweller models.
Rolex Deepsea 116660 vs 126660: A Generational Leap
The Rolex Deepsea 116660 and 126660 represent two significant milestones in the Deepsea's history. The 116660, released in 2008, was a game-changer, boasting a groundbreaking 3,900-meter (12,800-foot) water resistance rating – a testament to Rolex's engineering prowess. Its distinctive features included the prominent Ringlock System, a patented internal case structure that significantly enhanced its depth capabilities, and the robust, almost imposing, 44mm case. The iconic helium escape valve, a crucial component for professional saturation divers, was also prominently featured.
The 126660, released in 2018, represents a refinement of the original design. While retaining the core functionality and impressive depth rating, Rolex implemented several key improvements. The most noticeable change is the updated movement, the calibre 3235, which offers improved accuracy, power reserve, and overall performance compared to the 3135 found in the 116660. Aesthetically, the 126660 features subtle refinements, such as a slightly redesigned dial and updated hands. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and budget, as both remain exceptional dive watches.
Rolex Deepsea 136660 Review (and the Absence Thereof)
It's important to clarify that there is no officially released Rolex Deepsea model with the reference number 136660. This reference number doesn't exist within Rolex's official catalogue. Any mention of a "136660" is likely a mistake or refers to a non-existent model. This highlights the importance of verifying information about Rolex watches through official channels.
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