Rolex Sea-Dweller ref.116600

The Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 116600 occupies a special place in the brand’s roster of professional dive watches, serving as the short-lived bridge between the classic 16600 and the modern, larger 126600. Introduced in 2014 and produced for only about three years, it restored several hallmark Sea-Dweller traits while adding contemporary upgrades that make it both highly capable and keenly sought after by collectors.

Its 40 mm Oystersteel case preserves the traditional Sea-Dweller diameter, yet the overall architecture is noticeably more robust than the Submariner’s. A thick sapphire crystal, paired with a pointed helium escape valve at 9 o’clock, underlines the watch’s 1,220-metre (4,000-foot) depth rating double that of its more famous sibling. 

The unidirectional bezel features a scratch proof Cerachrom insert with recessed, platinum-filled numerals; its slightly taller profile improves grip when wet or gloved.

The black dial adopts Rolex’s “maxi” layout, with enlarged white-gold hour markers and hands filled with Chromalight lume that glows an intense blue in low light. True to Sea-Dweller tradition, it forgoes the cyclops magnifier, preserving an uninterrupted crystal surface and giving the watch a purposeful, tool orientated aesthetic. A discreet line of red “SEA-DWELLER” text nods to early references and adds a subtle dash of vintage character.

Power comes from the calibre 3135, Rolex’s proven automatic movement renowned for durability and chronometric performance. A Parachrom hairspring and robust architecture help it resist shocks and magnetic fields, while a 48-hour power reserve keeps the watch running reliably between wears. The solid case-back construction further protects the movement under extreme pressure.

The Oyster bracelet, secured with a sturdy Oysterlock clasp, incorporates both the Glidelock fine-adjustment system and a Fliplock wetsuit extension, allowing quick, tool-free resizing up to 26 mm in total critical for divers who need to slip the watch over thick neoprene sleeves. These practical elements, combined with the watch’s balanced proportions, make the 116600 exceptionally comfortable on land and fully capable beneath the waves.

Because it was produced for such a brief period, the reference 116600 has become something of a modern classic: the last 40 mm Sea-Dweller, the first with a ceramic bezel, and the final model without a date magnifier. That rare combination of features ensures its standing as a milestone in Rolex’s professional line both a true diver’s instrument and a collectible snapshot of the Sea-Dweller’s ongoing evolution.