Rolex Sea Dweller

About the Rolex Sea-Dweller

The Sea-Dweller is a collection of Rolex watches defined by its link to diving and was essential to the development of the dive watch that started in the 1950s. While the birth of the diving watch started with the Rolex Submariner, which featured 100m water-resistance, experiments with saturation diving needed more, and Rolex’s goal was the triple it.

In collaboration with Rolex, the US Navy SEALABS, and COMEX, the French deep-sea diving specialist, the helium escape value was invented. This valve was first retrofitted on the Submariner ref. 5514, but then in 1967 introduced the Sea-Dweller ref.1665, which was the first watch with this value and was available for civilian purchase.

Early Sea-Dweller models feature two lines of text on the dial in red print, also known as “double red” dials, and have engraved on the case back “patent pending” and “Submariner 2000” as Rolex had not yet received the patent for the valve. These are the best-known variants and boast 2000ft or 610m of water-resistance.

Over the course of the Rolex Sea-Dweller’s life, several evolutions took place, you might find the “single red” model with are very rare to find as they were prototypes but rated to 500m. In 1977 the Sea-Dweller got rid of the red lettering as well as mention of the Submariner to better differentiate the models.

Then in 1978, the Rolex introduced the ref. 16000 which featured a sapphire crystal and an impressive 4,000ft or 1,200m depth level. And a year later, the ref.16600, which was powered by the calibre 3135 and had solid end-links and a gloss-finished dial.

The Sea-Dweller was then discontinued in 2008, and replaced by the Rolex Deepsea with a large 44mm diameter dial. That watch was later replaced with the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller which boasted an even greater water-resistance: 12,000ft or 3,900m. In 2014, the popular Sea-Dweller returned to the market with a slightly slimmer case, ceramic bezel and adjustable bracelet.

Rolex Sea-Dweller References

The Sea-Dweller watch collection embodies a beautifully crafted classic design with durability and outstanding water-resistant for divers. With various Rolex Sea-Dweller models available, you can find both newer and even rare and discontinued models if you buy preowned.

The Rolex Sea-Dweller references that you could find are:

• Ref. 1665: This is the very first production from 1967-1977, also known as “Double Red”, it features two red lines on the dial, rather than the prototype “Single Red” Sea-Dwellers. These feature a 40mm steel case the helium escape valve on the left caseband, a date display at three 0’clock, and 610m depth level.
• Ref. 1665: Also known as the “Great White” produced from 1977-1983, it features white lines instead of red. With various configurations, one which the alignment of the words on the two lines are described as a rail, also known as the “rail dial” Sea-Dwellers are the most desirable and popular among collectors. These references however are very similar to the original, featuring the same water resistance of 610m and the same steel case. However, this specific model was the last Sea-Dweller to feature a plexiglass crystal.
• Ref. 16660: Produced from 1978-1989 was the Sea-Dweller “Triple Six” which represents a more modern design and was the first Rolex watch to feature the sapphire crystal. Boasting a bigger case and larger valve, it has a water-restance of 1,220m, double of the previous models. You can find two different variants of this Sea-Dweller model, one with the early matte dial with painted indexes and one with a glossy dial with white-gold surrounds.
• Ref. 16600: Virtually identical to the last reference, this model was launched from 1989-2009 and still has the sapphire crustal and the 1,220m depth. A few additions to this model is the luminous material evolved from tritium to Luminova and then to SuperLuminova. As well, this Sea-Dweller model utilises the Calibre 3135 with longer power reserve and fully-fledged balance bridge. Offering a stainless steel bracelet and black dials, this is the easiest model to find preowned as it was the longest lasting Sea-Dweller models, lasting 20 years in circulation.
• Ref. 116660: After being discontinued, the Rolex Deepsea watch replaced the Sea-Dweller and more than tripled its water-resistant levels to an impressive 3,990m. Offering the 5mm-thick sapphire crystal, a Ringlock system, a Cerachrom bezel and the new Chromalight lume. You can also find the special edition called the Deepsea D-Blue edition which features a gradient blue dial to commemorate James Cameron’s 2012 expedition into the Mariana Trench.
• Ref. 116600: The Sea-Dweller then returned in 2014-2017 with the same look and water-resistance but received a bezel upgrade, a thinner case size to 40mm, and offered the full minute markings as well as the Glidelock adjustments and blue Chromalight lume.
• Ref. 126600: Launched in 2017 and still being produced today, this Rolex Sea-Dweller was the first model to feature a striking novelty, a cyclops over the date. And it’s single red line offers a nod to the very first prototype. With a larger 43mm dial, the calibre 3135, 1,220m depth, you can find either steel bracelets with black dials or two-toned steel and yellow gold dials.
Ref. 126660: Offering the best of both worlds, the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller offers the traditional design, black dial and stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, with the ground-breaking legendary waterproof features up to 3,900m.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Features

Within the different models on the market, Sea-Dweller watches have always held a timeless design and durable construction. All of the models are made with waterproof features and a helium escape value. While some aspects change, such as the crystal, calibre used, case size, or the level of depth, the design stays the same. With the classic and iconic stainless steel and black dial and bezel, or the modern two-toned steel and yellow gold bracelets with black dials.

Originally designed as a gent’s timepiece, the men’s Rolex Sea-Dweller is an iconic style offering a bulky size and sporty look. For more classic styles, shop our full range of men’s Rolex watches. While the Sea-Dweller isn’t exclusively for men, women can also wear this timepiece, but for slimmer styles we have a range of more suitable Rolex watches for women.

Used Rolex Sea-Dweller At Ramsdens

All of our Rolex Sea-Dweller watches are preowned, and while this doesn’t always mean the watch is vintage, you can find older and discontinued models. A watch could be one that is newer and still in circulation, but if it’s not coming from the distributor, it is considered to be preowned. All of our used Sea-Dweller models are all genuine pieces checked by our watch experts and all are in great condition and still hold the luxury of the Rolex name. And many even come with their original box and papers for that extra level of authenticity.

Buying a second-hand Rolex Sea-Dweller is a great way to get in the market, as many Rolex watches have a waiting list to buy. As well, you can find newer and even older discontinued models at a lower price. Here at Ramsdens, we have a wide range of preowned Rolex watches including the Sea-Dweller collections. All available to buy with finance options and free delivery.

Once you have your used Rolex Sea-Dweller, you’ll want to take care of it, especially if it’s a discontinued model. We have a handy watch care and cleaning guide which will help to make sure that your luxury piece stays looking pristine.

For more information, check out our watch guides, or if you have any questions or need help finding the right watch for you, contact us; we’d love to help!