Seadweller - history

[Spacemaster]

Apologies if posted before, but just came across this rather nice Seadweller historical journey

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/re...ex-sea-dweller

[Chiefs]

Great read!
I'm a huge fan of the 16600 and regret not buying one a few years back.

[garyfisher]

Thanks for the article. BTW, I'd recommend the Submariner Story book from Mondani. For those interested in even more details.

[boring_sandwich]

They are a great watch, I regret selling mine.

[Neil.C]

Interesting read, read it before.

I'll never sell my 16600.

[Yorkshiremadmick]

I have a 16600 Swiss
Model love it.



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[ray_li30]

Thanks OP, great read.

[Hooshabak]

Nice read op, When you see them all together you can really see how much Rolex have gotten it wrong with the latest SD50

[Yorkshiremadmick]

Nice read op, When you see them all together you can really see how much Rolex have gotten it wrong with the latest SD50

I thought exactly the same



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[Mainspring]

Thanks for posting this - as previously said, it’s interesting to see the various models and changes over the lifecycle of the Sea-dweller.

[paskinner]

Nice read op, When you see them all together you can really see how much Rolex have gotten it wrong with the latest SD50

My own guess is that it will be seen as one of the classic designs.
My favourite of the current Rolex dive collection. It just wears so well on the wrist. Beautifully balanced in a way the SD4000 never quite managed.
Trouble is, you can't find one in the shop to try on. That's another of the problems with the current shortages.
You can't try things for yourself.

[AlexM]

Must have missed this one, great article, thanks for posting.

[Camulos]

Thanks for the link. Love articles like this.

[Heuerfan]

Great summary, I'm not in a position to purchase one but there's no doubt if I were, it'd be a 16600 or earlier

Original gas escape valve, ring lock system... what were they thinking!

[Ghost Chilli]

Thanks, really interesting article. Would love a triple 6.

[andy tims]

Nice read op, When you see them all together you can really see how much Rolex have gotten it wrong with the latest SD50

I'm not a fan either, but it's better proportioned than the DSSD in my view.

I've said many times that my 16600 is probably the last watch I'd sell if I ever fell on hard times, but all the 40mm variants are lovely watches.

[blackal]

I'm not a fan either, but it's better proportioned than the DSSD in my view.

I've said many times that my 16600 is probably the last watch I'd sell if I ever fell on hard times, but all the 40mm variants are lovely watches.

That’s my view, too. I tried on a fake SD50 and liked the proportions, not a fan of the DSSD at all.

Original frame one for me!

[dabear]

I own the SD 16600 and bar major money problems which hopefully won't occur, I will never sell it. It is a pure classic and the subsequent versions SD4000 and the SD50 don't add anything major, maybe a better bracelet.

The Deep Sea is an engineering overkill, one day I will own one. But I don't consider it a daily watch which can be used in any occasion. It is just too big and thick for this.

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[MartynJC (UK)]

Thanks for that!

[David_D]

But I don't consider it a daily watch which can be used in any occasion. It is just too big and thick for this.

You’d be surprised! I wore mine for years all day, every day - casual and smart! It’s a great watch.

[-Ally-]

After wearing the SD43, going back to the 16600 seems quite dull.

[paskinner]

Although I had to sell mine, I'm a big fan of the 43. I too found it more interesting than the 40mm Rolex divers; it's one of those watches you have to try, preferably for a day or two. Which is, of course, usually not possible.

[David_D]

After wearing the SD43, going back to the 16600 seems quite dull.

I'm a big fan of the 43. I too found it more interesting than the 40mm Rolex divers;

“Dull” and [not] “interesting”? I can understand a preference for one model over another but it’s surely the same watch different size?! I just thought those words were an unusual description.

[Yorkshiremadmick]

You’d be surprised! I wore mine for years all day, every day - casual and smart! It’s a great watch.

Plus +1
Work, Casual, Smart and Formal.



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[LaurasOtherHalf]

I love my SD43 but truly miss my old 16600. For me the SD43 feels (and looks) like a Sea Dweller in a few models evolution, in that it is quite a drastic departure in looks from the original.

I understand the increased size and weight but personally I felt it should have a higher depth rating to at least justify that extra heft. Otherwise, why bother?

Rolex have made a watch that went to exactly the same depth for years and years that was both lighter and smaller.

[paskinner]

But. To me, the SD4000 didn't feel as well-balanced on the wrist, and the dial was less attractive. It's no accident that the 43mm is in greater demand than the 4000 ever was. To many users, me included, it is a step forward, just a more likeable watch. But as always, there won't be complete agreement, there never is.

[bedlam]

But. To me, the SD4000 didn't feel as well-balanced on the wrist, and the dial was less attractive. It's no accident that the 43mm is in greater demand than the 4000 ever was. To many users, me included, it is a step forward, just a more likeable watch. But as always, there won't be complete agreement, there never is.

Agreed, the 43mm is my preference. I could do without the user manual written all over it's parts though.

[boywithabubblegun]

Thanks to the OP for sharing the link. Always enjoy expanding my knowledge on these things. I'm a way off having a Rolex in my collection but if I ever do, I think it'll be a 16600, or something older if I can afford it.

[Inigo]

Thank you for this. I've had a craving for a 16600 for years. I think it's time I finally got one.