~ Rolex SeaDweller ~
~ History ~
A brief history of Sea Dweller (No photos) by Debellum
During the 1960s, the needs of professional divers working at great depths led to the development of the first 'ultra water resistant' tool watches designed for conducting safe diving operations at 300 m+ (1,000 ft+) depths. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 (2000 ft = 610 m) that became available in 1967 was developed from the Submariner for the Comex S.A. industrial deep-sea diving company by increasing crystal thickness and was produced in several variations. It had a depth rating of 610 metres (2,000 ft) and its Rolex reference number was 1665.
Most Sea-Dweller watches incorporate a helium escape valve for saturation diving. Early Sea-Dwellers did not always have the helium escape valve. The model is also distinguished by the absence of the date magnifier ("cyclops") present on most other Rolex models. The Sea-Dweller diving watch range has been standard issue for Comex divers since 1977. The Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 watches had 2 red text lines on the watch dial which led to an unofficial "Double Red" designation under watch collectors for these watches.
The Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 models were succeeded by the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 4000 (4000 ft = 1220 m) model with an increased depth rating to 1,220 metres (4,000 ft). The last Comex Sea-Dweller 4000 Rolex reference number is 16600 and this watch was issued to Comex divers since 1992. Several semi custom production runs of Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 and 4000 models were produced with and without helium escape valves and differing watch dial patterns for the Comex S.A. company. These variants sometimes also had differing Rolex reference numbers. Some of these non standard Sea-Dweller watches had the Comex S.A. logo depicted on the watch dail which led to an unofficial "COMEX watches" designation under watch collectors for these watches. These watches were either issued to actual Comex staff members or served as gifts for business relations.
At the BaselWorld watch and jewellery show 2008, Rolex introduced an updated Sea-Dweller model, named the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA. Its reference number is 116660. With an official depth rating of 3,900 metres (12,800 ft), the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA represented in its launch year the most water resistant mechanical watch in serial production. For obtaining this official depth rating the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA water resistance is tested to a depth of 4,875 metres (15,994 ft) to offer the 25% safety reserve required by the ISO 6425 divers' watches standard. To test the water resistance of the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA, Rolex uses testing equipment developed for them by Comex.[6] Normal surface air filled watch cases and crystals designed for extreme depths must be dimensionally large to cope with the encountered water pressure. To obtain its water resistance the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA watch case has a diameter of 44.0 mm (1.73 in) mm, thickness of 17.7 mm (0.70 in) (domed crystal thickness 5.5 mm (0.22 in)) and the case and bracelet weigh 220 g.
~Movements~
Rolex WIKI page - All the basics
Please see the above link for information on the current movements found in Seadweller and DSSD replicas.
21j DG2813
Asian Clone 2836
Asian Clone 2836 "Superclone"
Swiss ETA 2836
Swiss Sellita 240 (26J)
ETA 3135 (A3135)
~ Interesting Rolex Sea-Dweller Facts ~
The Rolex Sea-Dweller is the only model of Rolex with a date, but without the date magnifier. The date magnifier often referred to as the bubble!
The Sea-Dweller is the only Rolex with writing on the caseback. It says “ROLEX OYSTER†and “ORIGINAL ESCAPE VALVEâ€.
The additional thickness of the Sea-Dweller’s case beyond that of the Submariner is to accommodate the helium escape valve.
The bulbous shape of the hour hand which Rolex uses on many of their sport models allows it to be seen while directly under the minute hand. This may seem like an unnecessary detail, but it’s actually a great, widely copied, and under appreciated design. It also makes the hour hand more easily distinguishable in low light.
Rolex is one of the few remaining Swiss watchmakers who still makes their own movements. Most brands purchase either movements, or movement kits, from companies like ETA. Rolex, however, designs and builds everything but a few oils themselves.
Rolex is a privately held company which donates a great deal of it’s profits to charity.
Rolex Sea-Dweller has never had any marking or engraving in the inner ring of the watch.
~ 16660 / Tripple Six ~
The 16660 was a transitional model for Rolex. It spans the move from the vintage 1665 to the 16600 models. Early models have matt dials from the 1665 but dials soon transitioned into the classic gloss finish with white gold luminous surrounds.
Brief History of the Rolex Sea Dweller 16660
In 1978 a new Sea-Dweller 4000 was launched – the ref. 16660. Fitted with a flat profile sapphire crystal, the 3035 movement and a larger improved gas escape valve, resulting in a depth rating of 1220 meters / 4000 feet.
The first couple of years the dial of the ref. 16660 had a matte black finish with flat hour markers. From around 1983 the dial had the same look as the present day Sea-Dweller 4000.
For reasons unknown to others than Rolex the ref. 16660 was manufactured concurrently with its successor the ref. 16600 from 1986 to 1988.
The ref. 16600 was introduced by the end of 1988 and was fitted with a cal. 3135 movement – the only real difference compared to its predecessor the ref. 16660.
16660 came with caliber: 3035 - since 1977 it was considered to be the work-horse of most men's perpetual Rolex watches. It could be found in Datejust, Submariner, Sea-Dweller & others until the introduction of caliber 3135 in 1988.
Sea Dweller 16660 was also the first steel Rolex to introduced solid end links. And first SD with a sapphire crystal, increasing the depth rating to 4,000 feet.
~ Replica Availability ~
Currently there is no good out of the box 16660 replica available. Some people have built 16660 with either SSD (NoobFactory discontinued) or the new Superlume SD. This involves drilling lug holes in a fresh case and finding a matt dial or tritium look gloss dial and a new datewheel. Some folks have made a start on modding this rep but finding a machinist capable and equipped to drill accurate and fresh lug holes in a case is more difficult than sourcing the parts.
16660 project by dbane883 (incomplete - 11/12/2012)
Considering 16660 build on SSDv2. Help! by 45acp
~ 16600 - Classic SeaDweller ~
[ ? The 4000ft Club ? ] ...for the fans of the 16600 by Spirit
The 16600 Sea-Dweller is a stainless steel automatic dive watch on a bracelet. It is a discontinued model, having been superseded by the 116660 Deepsea in 2008. The original Sea-Dweller (SD), was developed by Rolex and, famously, COMEX, as a higher water resistance version of the Submariner suitable for saturation diving. The 16600 was introduced in 1978.
The greatest visual differences between the SD and the Submariner are the lack of cyclops over the date and the automatic helium escape valve (HEV) opposite the crown. The SD is the only sports Rolex with date and no cyclops, so lack of cyclops is probably the most obvious differentiator. The HEV is also quite visible, and it is constructed from Titanium.
40mm As per gen
Triplock Crown
Fliplock bracelet with Diver extension
Solid Mid Link bracelet
SEL
Sapphire Crystal
Green Superlume
~ Super SeaDweller (SSD - Noobfactory) ~
*Picture credit Q5?*
The original and best of the SeaDweller replicas. This was a run of pieces that went out of production a few years ago. Getting your hands on one requires a bit of patience and keeping an eagle eye on the sales forums. The benifits of this version over the newer version is the ability to take a genuine size dial and crystal (Also confirmed on new Superlume version).
SSD + gen dial build pics by sneed.12
TEST-SPECIAL: Replica Divers' Watches (Post of the Year) by SD4K
Is this the elusive SSD ? - UPDATED pics on page 3 and 4 by rsh
Rolex Super Sea-Dweller Review / Franken Project by Q5?
~ MBW SeaDweller ~
Not a common model, and not one that I have seen mentioned more than once or twice. MWB was a factory that produced not very accurate replicas but they could be modded to be very good due to accepting genuine parts.
Last mention of MBW SeaDweller circa 2010 that I can find
~ WM9 SeaDweller ~
This watch has never appeared from the pre-order list. Originally started in 2010 by bklm1234 via George at the WM9 factory. A lot of people lost out on money for this watch because George dissapeared.
SD Preorder Progress by bklm1234
Here's what happened to wm9 by bklm1234
~ Superlume SeaDweller ~
*Picture credit Wiz*
*Picture credit Wiz*
This is the newest release from the factories. This features a much more accurate case set and a nice non-wokky rehaut. Back in 2011 people were shouting for a new classic SeaDweller replica. The SSD from the noobfactory had long been discontinued and only way to get one was through member sales. People even went as far as starting petitions in the Rolex forum. This is currently the top standard for SeaDweller reps.
The initial release was also a rather bizarre situation. You can read about the unfolding events here; It might just be here¬! SSD by Bonesey. And a brief quote from the thread.
All of the trusted dealers should be able to get this one for you and it is definitely a must have in any serious Rolex collectors box. Sort it out with a gen crown and a watchmaterial pearl and you have a very accurate replica.
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex SeaDweller 16600 - Asian 2836 clone movement
Update 08/05/2013 - Updated pearl on Superlume SeaDweller
Quietly released into the wild without any update from the factories is the much needed and sought after mod on the classic SeaDweller. The pearl, which is always a problem with Rolex replicas, has now been updated and seems to have a clear glass covering. With this already being a great replica out of the box it has now been made even better. This is available with a high beat 21j movement for under $200, and also with the modified A3186 and A2836 clone movements. For more information you can read through this massive thread;
BP Seadweller.. Best SD available Period by ebzen
BP factory Superlumed Sea-dweller meets TC SD bracelet [mini tutorial] by madcatlancelot
BPSD Hands Thread by Q5?
Bp sd qc note. Engraved rehaut warning by botsyboy
~ Eyecandy and information ~
New Seadwelller versus the SSD - pictorial review by RSH
Ultimate Seadweller vs Genuine (PIC HEAVY) by gw4k
Seadweller Relume for Ted by Wiz
Sea Dweller on Leather by bradj
16600 Modded, Gen Dial, Gen Hands, Gen Crown and Tube, Gen Crystal. by tigerwoods
$128 Classic SD with a pearl mod....looks pretty dang good! by Pamluver80
TC SD Dial - Major Problem! by KBH
~ 116660 - Deep Sea SeaDweller (DSSD) ~
Before you read any further in this thread regarding the DSSD you need to visit the DarthAlex 116600 DSSD MegaThread. This should be your first stop for any information you want and has been a sticky in the Rolex section for a long time and has almost 12,000 views!
RWI DeepSea 116660 Mega Thread - Gen info and teardown plus rep comparisons
"Official DSSD Club"
~ History ~
In the 1950's, Rolex carried out rigorous testing of an experimental dive watch, called "Deep Sea Special". In August 1953, the Deep Sea Special descended to 1,080 meters (approximately 3,543 ft), then to 3,150 meters (approximately 10,334 ft) later the same year, finally reaching 3,700 meters (approximately 12,138 ft) in 1956. in 1960, using the knowledge gained from the making of the first two models, the third Deep Sea Special was created to withstand the most extreme conditions. This was the watch that, strapped to the Bathyscaphe Trieste, was found to be in perfect working order after having reached the Challenger Deep portion of the Mariana Trench at 10,916 meters (35,813 ft) below the surface of the sea.
In 1960, the US Navy's experimental bathyscaphe, The Triest, successfully descended in to the Mariana Trench, the deepest know depression on the Earth's surface. With Lieutenant Don Walsh (USN) at the helm, accompanied by Jacques Piccard, the Trieste accomplished a feat so incredible that it forever set the bar for deep sea exploration. Emerging from 10,916 meters (37,800 ft), the bathyscape was in perfect working order - as was the Rolex Deep Sea Special experimental watch that had been attached to the outside during the historic dive. A performance that would cement Rolex's place in history as the maker of the most reliant and reliable watch ever.
~ Replica Availability ~
The DSSD has been through at least 7 different versions, each bringing different upgrades. The two current versions (V6.1 and V7 according to dealers) are both still available. The V6 currently has the best case set but the V7 has the best dial markers. You can see the difference between the two dials here; V6.1 dial on the left, V7 dial on the right. As you can see the silver rim around the markers on the V7 are much thinner than on the V6.1. This has lead a number of people to source the V7 dial and transplant the markers over into the better case/dial combination.
DSSD V7 dial print quality? by Ruprekt
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
~ DSSD 116660 V6.1 - Noobfactory ~
Example DSSD V6.1 Noobfactory - Asian 2836 movement
bklm1234 also offers a modified Noobfactory DSSD.
This is a stock noobfactory DSSD (V6.1?) with his usual modifications, excellent QC, datewheel overlay upgrade and guaranteed Swiss Movement.
The New Rolex DSSD V6 from PureTime: Best DSSD? by bklm1234
Product Offering: Noobfactory DSSD by bklm1234
~ DSSD 116660 V7 - unknown factory ~
Example DSSD 116660 V7 - Asian 2836
~ DSSD 116660 BP factory ~
This is a maker that has pretty much come out of nowhere. Known for creating the IWC Big Pilot range of watches it appears they are now making strides into Noobfactory territory. So far I have seen the 116660, the 116610 LN and LB from this maker. Some highlights are really excellent pearl construction (and centered as well!), AR on the cyclops, perfect lume markers on the dial and excellent end link fitment.
newest DSSD, updated...superlumed.. alot of pics by sead1999
New version DSSD? by Mike116
~ Eyecandy, Reviews and information ~
My ultimate DSSD build, finally on it's way to me! by blue rocket
Gen DSSD, eat your heart out. by blue rocket
DSSD relume for Rick by Wiz
Rolex DSSD V7 by Bloodlegna
BKLM DSSD - Up close and personal (aka Darth Alex's Review - porn included)
DSSD Relume and pearl mod by Wiz
Unknown maker - new DSSD - 100% Bargain! by Shandroid
My New Deapsea Seadweller (Photos) Mystery Maker - by Rols16610
Noob V7 Swiss Eta. What modding is right ? by Debellum
Genuine Rolex DSSD box vs Puretime Box (Loads of images and details) by DarthAlex
~ Modification Threads ~
The ULTIMATE DeepSea Franken "The DSPB" - finally complete by Blue Rocket
Ring Lock Text Paint Mod by mch2112
My Submariner c Pearl Mod by believer123
DSSD Tight Bezel "Mod" by mch2112
DSSD experts, need your help! Fit gen bezel on noob case... by blue rocket
The pilworx Penultimate Platinumizing Procedure by Pilworx
116610LN - Custom Building the Ultimate Ceramic Sub by DarthAlex (contains best pearl mod)
~ Deep Sea Challenge ~
The Deep Sea Challenge watch is essentially a DSSD on steroids. Manufactured specifically for the Deep Sea Challenge expedition set up by National Geographic.
ROLEX DEEP-SEA HISTORY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=S3_ycKwBDLI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AOfS-tzxZAs
This is now available as a replica possibly more for novelty purposes (seeing as there is only a handful made and is stupidly large!)
Example Rolex Deep Sea Challenger
~ Deep Sea Challenge threads ~
Bigger IS better: SubC vs. DSSD vs. DSC by Strodda
Deep Sea Challenge is out... by Londongeorge87
New Rolex Deep Sea Challenge by iamthestig
New Rolex Deep Sea Challenge by Panera
What is James Cameron's diving watch ? by Katt
Rolex Deepsea Challenge - Relumed and on black Bronzy leather
~ The DarthAlex Threads ~
Due to the high amount of awesome threads by DarthAlex in regards to the DSSD I thought it best to include them all (again) as a single list so folk can get to them quickly if needed.
RWI DeepSea 116660 Mega Thread - Gen info and teardown plus rep comparisons
Genuine Rolex DSSD box vs Puretime Box (Loads of images and details)
BKLM DSSD - Up close and personal (aka Darth Alex's Review - porn included)
And also applicable to the DSSD
16610LN - Custom Building the Ultimate Ceramic Sub
Contributers to this WIKI:
I would like to thank the following people for contacting me and adding to this WIKI page.
DarthAlex
AskMeAgain
