Reply With QuoteFor me the 16600 is my all time favourite watch - a 16660 would have to be Matt dial. But I honestly don't think Rolex have made a bad SD yet :)
On this rather gloomy November morning traveling to work I was pondering the question. "What's the best Sea-Dwelling watch?"
I already own a few "Sea Dwellers" of sorts. I love them, but the hankering for the real deal remains.
One has 600m depth rating, "red writing" and is intended for helium gas environments.
Another is also an helium gas safe watch with a graduated bezle and ample depth rating. (Thanks Wayne)
Finally, a watch that is itself a faultless execution of the Rolex tool/sports design brief.
I certainly don't need the divers features on offer from these watches. I just like having their capability up my sleeve, if you'll pardon the pun.
The 16660 or "Triple 6" Sea-Dweller is my personal favourite "Sea-Dweller". I have come to realise that I need my own example of this particular model, more so than any other watch on the planet. As you do.
If you didn't know already, the "Triple 6" was introduced in 1978 as the replacement for the 1665. Initially featuring a matt dial, 4000 ft depth rating (updated from 2000 ft), a flat sapphire crystal and the 3035 calibre ticking at 28,800 vph (19,800 previously with the 1570/75 calibre).
1983 or thereabouts saw the introduction of the applied markers style dial that is familiar to the modern Sea-Dweller. As a birth year watch, and because I can't afford an early matt dial, it's specifically this model I'm after.
Prices start at around £3500 for a loose watch requiring a service and run to almost double that for something with faultless documentation, originality and a fresh RSC ticket. The watch pictured above is offered at roughly £3500 at an American dealers.
What's your favourite "Sea-Dweller"? I'd very much to hear any 16660 owners opinions on their watches. And If anyone has seen a nice one for sale please shout!
For me the 16600 is my all time favourite watch - a 16660 would have to be Matt dial. But I honestly don't think Rolex have made a bad SD yet :)
It's just a matter of time...
I had a 16600 and enjoyed owning it very much. In the past I have seriously considered selling my entire watch collection for a 1665, nearly did it but times change, (babies!) and things move on... Maybe one day.
I prefer the later, non lug hole model personally;
Had a fair few love the 16600 the 666 but 1665 is and always will be my favourite
I have an '84 16660 with a service replacement dial - I think it would originally have had a dial that became a "spider" dial and so Rolex will have replaced it for free. A shame, but that's probably why it was so cheap. The fact that it is "well used" probably helped too!
Much as I love my 16660 as a wear anywhere watch, my favourite SD has to be the latest version. Maxi dial, superb Glidelock clasp, 5 year warranty if you buy now - it's the perfect sports watch:
Something that was never retailed publicly might excite me :
but I have a particular soft spot for this plain old double red because of the stories behind it and the humble hero who had it from new, whom I may still call a friend :
My daily watch is a simple 2005 16600, but my heart is with the supermodels in the safes.
Haywood
Last edited by Haywood_Milton; 22nd November 2015 at 23:52.
Can I be boring and predictable here and fly the flag for the DRSD - afterall, it was the first SD that Rolex introduced in 1967 after development work with Comex. The image is a mark 3 from 1974.
upload png
Last edited by Wallasey Runner; 21st November 2015 at 00:36.
Don't like the date feature of the Sea-Dweller? Perhaps a Submariner with a Helium Escape Valve would do the trick....
H
Mine of course
Some wonderful rare and vintage suggestions but for me the latest is the greatest especially if it's going to get wet.
That is a good point, if you want the watch to do what it says on the tin, buy a new one - vintage models rarely see daylight (stuck in a safe), nevermind water.Originally Posted by numberjack
DRSD is the obvious answer, followed by the Great White. As had already been said though there isn't really a bad SD. I love my (2nd) 16600 and won't make the mistake of selling it as I did with my 1st.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
.....comme ca :
Satisfying bulk, gratifying discretion.
H
Between the two I own (16600 and 116600), the modern version is winning for me at the moment, despite initial impressions of it being too bulky. I can't comment from experience with any other models.
Thanks gentlemen for such a pleasurable assortment of Sea Dweller wrist porn. All highly desirable examples and some real sui generis.
The hunt for my Triple 6 continues.
Pfft... wimps. :P
Just maintain/check the seals and you're fine. I take my 50-m-rated plexi GMT into seawater regularly, never mind a Sea-Dweller.
Skål, y'all!
For me the SDs are absolutely beautiful but with its slimmer case and therefore lighter, slightly more comfortable feel I prefer a simple 2-liner sub. I currently have a 16600 and a 14060 and the sub takes it. Even on the bracelet it's a very light and comfortable watch, and a good £1k cheaper than a SD
16600, all you actually need for saturation.
regards
mike
I love my 16600 - tough, yet elegant - a candidate for the perfect watch. Would love to try the new ceramic version when funds allow.
I only have one:
But I'd like to try the SDc!
That is fantastic Tony, you must have been crazy to let that go, its the most perfect 'stardust' dial i have ever seen, somebody is very lucky!The Triple 6 is a great reference, for sure. Whilst the matt dials are lovely they're not the only ones worth having, and this beauty is a watch that I should never, ever have let go.
Some of these vintage ones are stunning but if I was in the position to purchase I wouldn't help but think what else I could get for the money
My interest in the sea dweller started in the mid 90's when a friend had one..I liked the subtle differences between it and the submariner - especially the depth and helium escape valve. We joked it never went further than the pub - hence my user name.
Fast forward to 2001 and I bought a new 16600 in Dubai for the princely sum of £2350!. I don't wear it as much now as I picked up a DSSD last year but for me it's still the favourite. Everything is just so right from a proportion perspective.. The fact that Haywood has a 16600 as a daily merely confirms my excellent taste ;-)
Funnily enough I bought an early flat 4 16610LV in Dec 2003 and as much as I like it , it just feels less substantial than the SD and so I've never really gelled with it..In all the time I've owned it I've worn it twice I think!
16600 all day for me
This 16600 is from 1991, listed for sale a few times but no takers, I am not too dissapointedThis 1665 from 1980 and very much a keeper
Tried on the new SD4K 116600 today and to be honest i just think it is the best all round sports watch that money can buy. Versatile, hefty but just reassuringly so, awesome clasp, matte dial, brushed bracelet, stats tell you its thick but it doesn't wear that way.
I think some of the vintage sea dwellers can top it for looks but they are just silly money, so for me it is this piece of rugged beauty (pic stolen from ABTW):
Seeing Haywood wearing his trusty 16600 several times always drew me to this model. Picking up a lovely example lately on SC at a great price, I'm now the proud owner of this classic model and it's certainly here to stay.
Tried on the new SD4K 116600 today and to be honest i just think it is the best all round sports watch that money can buy. Versatile, hefty but just reassuringly so, awesome clasp, matte dial, brushed bracelet, stats tell you its thick but it doesn't wear that way.
I think some of the vintage sea dwellers can top it for looks but they are just silly money, so for me it is this piece of rugged beauty (pic stolen from ABTW):
I agree that the latest model SD4000 is a fantastic piece and probably better made than the former model. I have now owned both and can honestly say the 16600 is imo only of course a much finer watch, so much more classy and understated than the new model. Also, fantastic value for money considering they can be picked up on SC for around £4k some still under rolex warranty as well.
Let's face it they are all fabulous watches, with only small subtle differences. They are, what they are, fantastic, timeless, well made and top of the range dive watches.
I completely agree, as I said earlierI've been wearing mine constantly for the last couple of weeks and it just keeps confirming what I think!
Not sure how you can come to that conclusion - they're very similar watches!
No doubt the SDC is a great watch but it never gave me that warm fuzzy feeling the 1665 did!
The hunt is on! Cheers OP
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
When the time comes that I can buy a Rolex diver I will give the 16600 very good consideration because as you say it is lovely and I agree that the classic aluminium bezel has its own charm over the ceramic one. Just not sure I could leave the glorious clasp and feel of that bezel clicking away. Bezel and clasp are just a feast for the senses, looks, feel, touch and sound of it all, gosh, blimey, I am mumbling like Hugh Grant.
Is that a real version?
Surprised nobody has mentioned the DSSD yet?
Mk 1 1665 for me.
Property of James Dowling.
Not my cup of tea as I wear mine on my left wrist.
Just chucked it into the mix...
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Looks rubbish on you Bob.I'd sell that pronto if i was you.:)Mk 1 1665 for me.
There are a very small number of "lefty" specials made by Rolex , if memory serves I think one was stolen from a well known London collecter a few years ago and not surfaced as of yet. I am left handed and wear my watches on my right wrist, but one if these would be neat - suspect price of a lefty is prohibitive, even if one could be found.
Wouldnt dare after all the trouble Mike Wood went to finding it!!!
I don't think there's such a thing as a bad sea-dweller but according to this showdown:
http://www.woundforlife.com/2015/05/...ller-showdown/
...the 16600 is the best!
Bugger, The hunt continues!
I read that article recently. I must say I do concur!
Call it the Jimi Hendrix Sea-dweller - take a normal version and flip it upside down and reset everything so it looks correct.
I appreciate that these are called lefties because the crown faces out to the left, but these should be called "righties" rather than "lefties". I am left handed and wear my watches on my left wrist, which is correct so that the crown points towards your hand. The other way round would have you wearing the watch on the right wrist with the crown facing the right hand as in this backwards example.
Last edited by Wallasey Runner; 22nd November 2015 at 11:50.
Super cool! Would you dive with a "lesser" watch commercially? Something like a sub perhaps?16600, all you actually need for saturation.
Nice watch with Your 1st post on the forum...Mine of course
You can dive commercially with anything!!!! Mate of mine uses a £12 petrol station Casio watch, has done for years.
Lol, he's just showing off!
After reading all your posts with great envy, the early 16600 drilled lug and current 116600 watches have been added to my shopping list. I can see why you all hold them in such high regard.
Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and input.
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