| Details | ||
| Stock # | SKU20387 | |
| Stock # | 20387 | |
| Model Name | Sea Dweller | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Model Ref # | 16660 | |
| Condition | Mint | |
| Gender | Mens | |
| Movement | Automatic | |
| Case | Stainless Steel | |
| Case Shape | Round | |
| Case Size | 40mm x 15.5mm | |
| Crystal | ||
| Band / Strap | Bracelet | |
| Dial | Black | |
| Caseback | Display | |
| Complications | ||
| Year | 1987 | |
| Additional Information | ||
| Sold | ||
Description
The Sea-Dweller is the epitome of Rolex’s professional tool watch collection. While all Rolex sport watches are purpose built, the SeaDweller is specifically engineered for the needs of deep water saturation divers – the divers who submerge thousands of feet in diving bells. While the SeaDweller’s depth rating is 4000 feet/1220 meters, the watch can withstand far higher pressures. The case has a helium release valve built into it, so that the watch can decompress without the crystal blowing out (which was a problem with other dive watches, even Submariners, until Rolex developed the HRV). And, while the Submariner waited decades for solid bracelet end links, the SeaDweller has had them for decades. This is it: the King of sport watches!
This reference 16660 SeaDweller is also a transitional model, in that the crystal was changed from acrylic to sapphire, the date was changed from non-quickset to quickset, the hour markers on the dial were changed from luminous dots to luminous dots surrounded by white gold rings, and the depth rating was increased from 2000 feet to 4000 feet.
Desirable serial number R988XXX dates production to 1987. Very interestingly, there are some examples like this watch in the 9 million serial number range and in the R serial that do not have the engraving on the case back. However, as can be seen in the pictures, the inside case back has the correct ‘16660’. This is not from any polishing done on the external case back. On the contrary, Rolex produced a batch of 16660 case backs with plain/unengraved exteriors like the Submariner.
Case is stainless steel with dimensions of 40mm in diameter by 15.5mm thick. The watch case also features a sapphire crystal, uni-directional diver’s count up timing bezel (turning smoothly), screw down crown (operating perfectly) and the 16660’s larger helium release valve. Bracelet is the Oyster reference 93160 with # 592 end links. Bracelet will comfortably fit up to an 8 inch wrist.
Dial is black with applied luminous hour markers and hands, along with a date display at 3 o’clock. The pearl in the bezel and the luminous on the dial and hands are JUST starting to show patina.
Movement is the automatic winding Rolex Caliber 3035 with 27 jewels and adjusted to 5 positions and temperature. This is a C.O.S.C. Certified Chronometer movement. Movement condition is perfectly clean and running.
This watch is complete with Rolex box, papers, booklets and even the hang tag with serial number. This is a rarity for sure and very collectable.
This reference 16660 SeaDweller is also a transitional model, in that the crystal was changed from acrylic to sapphire, the date was changed from non-quickset to quickset, the hour markers on the dial were changed from luminous dots to luminous dots surrounded by white gold rings, and the depth rating was increased from 2000 feet to 4000 feet.
Desirable serial number R988XXX dates production to 1987. Very interestingly, there are some examples like this watch in the 9 million serial number range and in the R serial that do not have the engraving on the case back. However, as can be seen in the pictures, the inside case back has the correct ‘16660’. This is not from any polishing done on the external case back. On the contrary, Rolex produced a batch of 16660 case backs with plain/unengraved exteriors like the Submariner.
Case is stainless steel with dimensions of 40mm in diameter by 15.5mm thick. The watch case also features a sapphire crystal, uni-directional diver’s count up timing bezel (turning smoothly), screw down crown (operating perfectly) and the 16660’s larger helium release valve. Bracelet is the Oyster reference 93160 with # 592 end links. Bracelet will comfortably fit up to an 8 inch wrist.
Dial is black with applied luminous hour markers and hands, along with a date display at 3 o’clock. The pearl in the bezel and the luminous on the dial and hands are JUST starting to show patina.
Movement is the automatic winding Rolex Caliber 3035 with 27 jewels and adjusted to 5 positions and temperature. This is a C.O.S.C. Certified Chronometer movement. Movement condition is perfectly clean and running.
This watch is complete with Rolex box, papers, booklets and even the hang tag with serial number. This is a rarity for sure and very collectable.
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