rolex 116600 seadweller | Rolex 116600 for sale

The Rolex 116600 Sea-Dweller holds a unique position in the pantheon of Rolex dive watches. Produced for a relatively brief period from 2014 to 2017, this iteration of the Sea-Dweller has quickly garnered attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its robust construction, classic design, and limited production run contribute to its growing collectability, making it a strong contender for the title of "best modern Rolex dive watch." This article will explore the various facets of the 116600 Sea-Dweller, delving into its design, features, market value, and overall appeal. We'll provide a comprehensive Rolex 116600 Sea-Dweller review and explore the factors that contribute to its desirability in the pre-owned market.

A Return to Tradition: Design and Features

The Rolex 116600 Sea-Dweller marked a return to the classic Sea-Dweller aesthetic, differentiating itself from the larger, more contemporary Sea-Dweller Deepsea models. While the Deepsea catered to extreme divers with its massive size and Helium Escape Valve (HEV) placed at the 9 o'clock position, the 116600 offered a more wearable and versatile option with a focus on practicality and heritage.

* Case and Dimensions: The 116600 features a 40mm stainless steel case crafted from Rolex's proprietary 904L steel, known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and lustrous finish. This size is considered ideal by many, offering a comfortable fit on a wide range of wrist sizes. The case is noticeably thicker than a Submariner, a necessary feature to ensure its impressive depth rating of 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). This robust construction provides a sense of solidity and confidence on the wrist.

* Bezel: The Rolex Sea-Dweller bezel on the 116600 is a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black Cerachrom insert. Cerachrom is Rolex's patented ceramic material, renowned for its exceptional scratch resistance, color retention, and resistance to fading from UV exposure. The bezel features deeply engraved numerals and graduations filled with platinum, providing excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. The precise and satisfying clicks of the bezel further enhance the overall quality feel of the watch. The unidirectional rotation ensures that the diver can only shorten the dive time in case of accidental movement, a crucial safety feature.

* Dial and Hands: The dial of the 116600 is classic Rolex, with a black lacquer finish and highly legible hour markers and hands. The hour markers are applied and filled with Rolex's Chromalight luminescent material, providing a long-lasting blue glow in the dark. The hands, also filled with Chromalight, are easily distinguishable, with the Mercedes hour hand being a signature Rolex design element. The absence of a Cyclops lens over the date window is a defining feature of the Sea-Dweller, contributing to its cleaner and more symmetrical aesthetic.

* Movement: The 116600 is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and robustness. This movement has been a workhorse for Rolex for decades and is COSC-certified, guaranteeing its precision. It features a Parachrom hairspring, which is resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations, further enhancing its accuracy. The Caliber 3135 provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

* Bracelet and Clasp: The 116600 is fitted with a robust Oyster bracelet made from 904L stainless steel. The bracelet features solid end links and a Glidelock extension system, allowing for fine adjustments to the bracelet length without the need for tools. This is particularly useful for divers who need to wear the watch over a wetsuit. The Oysterlock safety clasp provides an extra level of security, preventing accidental opening of the bracelet.

* Helium Escape Valve (HEV): As a professional dive watch designed for saturation diving, the 116600 features a Helium Escape Valve (HEV) on the left side of the case. This valve automatically releases helium gas that can accumulate inside the watch during saturation dives, preventing damage to the crystal during decompression.

Why is the 116600 Sea-Dweller Collectible?

Several factors contribute to the growing collectability of the Rolex 116600 Sea-Dweller:rolex 116600 seadweller

* Short Production Run: As mentioned earlier, the 116600 was only produced for a relatively short period (2014-2017). This limited production run makes it scarcer than other Rolex models, increasing its desirability among collectors.

* Return to Classic Design: The 116600 marked a return to the classic 40mm Sea-Dweller size and design, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional and wearable dive watch compared to the larger Deepsea models. The absence of the Cyclops lens is also a key element appreciated by purists.