Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Review

[RogerF]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/speedstate_g35c/757023cf.jpg

I bought my SD February of this year as a birthday present to myself while visiting my buddy in Boston (so I may not be qualified to give a long term review, but nonetheless I figure I would give my 4 month review) I was lucky that I bought it just before the US had their annual price increase. List price at the time was $4400US, but I was able to get it for a discount $4000 out the door. The main reason for the big discount on the SD is that the Seadweller is no where near as popular as the 16610 Submariner Date and many don't consider the SD as a choice for a Rolex divers watch in their collection because they think its too thick or too heavy. :bullshit: (but more about the weight and what not in a moment)


My first impression of this watch was it has an amazing feel and a very simple look that I could see myself wearing for many years to come. I love watches that have some substance to them and this one clearly does!! :thumbsup: The first thing people will surely notice about this watch is that there is no cyclops magnifier over the date. In fact the SD is the ONLY Rolex date model that doesnt have a cyclops and I personally love how clean this watch looks without it. Another feature that the SD has that no other Contemporary Men's Rolex has is engravings on the back (ROLEX OYSTER Original Gas Escape Valve).

The heart of the watch is the company's workhorse the 3135 movement found in the many other watches in the Rolex lineup. This movement was introduced in 1988 and beats a 28,800 bph and of course is a hacking movement. This robust movement can be found in some of my other Rolex watches and I can honestly say it is pretty much near bulletproof even with the abuse I have given them over the years.

The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, you can have your SD in any metal you wish as long as its SS LOL! in fact the SD only comes one way, which is perfectly ok with me. The SD is actually a derivative of the Submariner, it was designed for professionals that needed a watch that could go deeper and be able to withstand the rigors of saturation diving.


Now we come to the most controversial part of the watch. Its size and weight. I will admit that when I take off my Datejust or GMT Master 2 the SD does feel considerably heavier and its something that you will feel right away, however its not something that will bother most people after you have worn it for a feel minutes. Its really not that bad, but it is definately something to consider since you will have to live with it. I no longer notice the weight after a few minutes of putting it on in the morning.

Its hard to find something wrong with this watch in my opinion (obviously I am a bit biased since I love this watch) but I do have to say that I wish the clasp wouldnt scratch so easily and that the superluminova would glow longers. (Yes I have to be this picky to find something wrong with the watch)


All in all I would give this watch a score of 9/10.


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/speedstate_g35c/98107893.jpg

[Uncle-AJ]

Nice watch Roger. I bet JJ is kicking himself that he sold his.

[Rockrolex]

If you can be picky, Roger, so will I. Yes, it's a good looking watch, but there are two things about it that I don't really like. One is the lack of a cyclops. I know you like the clean look, but I find the cyclops to be distinctive of Rolexes and it makes the date much easier to read. Without the cyclops the date window on the SD looks rather puny IMHO. The other thing that's missing is the red 24 hour hand. For me that hand adds another touch of distinctiveness to the GMT that is lacking in the SD.


While the depth ratiing on the SD is quite amazing, it would be wasted on me. My watches never get below 2 m. I could wear any of my Rollies in the water with no worries.

But that said, the SD is still a good looking watch. So enjoy it for a long time (or at least until you flip it for something different :clap:).

[padi56]

Now myself that one of the reasons that I bought a SD,not a lover of the cyclops on
top of crystal.

[Rockrolex]

Now myself that one of the reasons that I bought a SD,not a lover of the cyclops on
top of crystal.

As the old saying goes, "That's why the man makes 28 flavors." :clap:

[kingblackbolt]

Roger,

Great review I can see what you mean about the look of the face as I'm not a fan of the cyclops I think it looks clean and elegant. I'm sure I'd get used to a heavy watch in no time... and get a good work out if I switched the arms I wear it on!

[JIM]

Great review I love the Seadweller.:thumbsup:

[Goodwatch]

I bought my SD February of this year as a birthday present to myself
All in all I would give this watch a score of 9/10.




I want to have your baby! :clap: Very, very nice! Thanks!

[JJ Irani]

I want to have your baby! :clap: Very, very nice! Thanks!
That's the kind of statement you'd expect to hear only from your wife, Frans!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Goodwatch]

That's the kind of statement you'd expect to hear only from your wife, Frans!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

She tells me this every night JJ! :chuckle: Good thing I let a surgeon change the plumbing a bit so this will no longer have any consequenses. :rofl:

[JJ Irani]

She tells me this every night JJ! :chuckle: Good thing I let a surgeon change the plumbing a bit so this will no longer have any consequenses. :rofl:
If it was plumbing you were after, don't you think a plumber would have been much cheaper??:lol: :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[JJ Irani]

That's the kind of statement you'd expect to hear only from your wife, Frans!!:lol: :lol: :lol:
Aah, aah....the hijacking of this thread has begun at this very point.....caught the bugger......ooops, that's me!!!:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :lol: :lol:

[Goodwatch]

Aah, aah....the hijacking of this thread has begun at this very point.....caught the bugger......ooops, that's me!!!:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :lol: :lol:

You're closing in on post number 5000 JJ! Icredible, only 1 post made any sense at all :rofl::rofl:

[JJ Irani]

You're closing in on post number 5000 JJ! Icredible, only 1 post made any sense at all :rofl::rofl:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Good one!!!:clap: :clap:

[Yorkie31]

Can I just say.

Just bought a SD a couple of months ago upon recommendation from a friend. Personally I'm over the moon!!
I totally agree with some of the comments about the cyclops... its what makes the watch so distinctive from any other Rolex, including the Sub-Date.

I actually managed to find a shop that had a second hand Sub-Date and SD in the same place so had the rare chance to compare the two. And I totally prefer the SD.

The other thing that I love, is that is oh so much rarer than the Sub-date.
When looking for it, some shops were giving me a 8-10month waiting time!! and had heard stories of waiting lists years long..
I was lucky that the shop I finally found in Edinburgh had another one in another city. They actually had to phone the director of the company to authorise a transfer for me... really to me, that says it all about this watch!

Yeah, its a little heavier than most and it doesn't glow in the dark as long. But all in all, it looks great, it feels great... and it is great!!
Buy one now!

[Uncle-AJ]

Hello Yorkie and welcome to TRF. Yes you have a classic Rolex in the SD and who needs a cyclops? I know the one in my TT Sub reflects so much, it makes reading the date difficult. :cheers:

[Goodwatch]

Hello Yorkie and welcome to TRF. Yes you have a classic Rolex in the SD and who needs a cyclops? I know the one in my TT Sub reflects so much, it makes reading the date difficult. :cheers:

I know of a sure way to get rid of the cyclops. It involves a hammer and chisel :thumbsup: (And a stiff drink :rofl:)

[JJ Irani]

A big welcome to TRF, Yorkie. The SD is a nice clean watch with all the classic looks that reek Rolex. Wear it in good health, pal, and post some pics when time permits.

Cheers - JJ:thumbsup:

[Goodwatch]

A big welcome to TRF, Yorkie. The SD is a nice clean watch with all the classic looks that reek Rolex. Wear it in good health, pal, and post some pics when time permits.

Cheers - JJ:thumbsup:


Sell the keeper JJ and buy the SD :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[JJ Irani]

Sell the keeper JJ and buy the SD :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Why don't you sell those clogs on flea bay, ya tosser!! :dummy: :dummy: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Goodwatch]

Why don't you sell those clogs on flea bay, ya tosser!! :dummy: :dummy: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


I love you too JJ :lol: :lol:

[JJ Irani]

I love you too JJ :lol: :lol:
Time for a BIG kiss...Smooooooooooooooooooch!!:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Goodwatch]

Time for a BIG kiss...Smooooooooooooooooooch!!:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


Ehhhh, uhhhhh..... Well..... What can I say? YUCK!!!!

[Rockrolex]

Can't the two of you perform those yucky acts in prvate? Do the rest of us have to be subjected to your private fascination with each other? Good grief!! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Oh, and BTW, welcome to TRF, Yorkie. Glad to have you here. You don't have to be crazy to be here, but it helps if you want to maintain any semblence of sanity in this madhouse. :rofl: :lol: :lol: :rofl: :bye: :bye:

[Goodwatch]

Can't the two of you perform those yucky acts in prvate? Do the rest of us have to be subjected to your private fascination with each other? Good grief!! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:



You're just jealous :rofl: :rofl:

[TT Datejust]

Nice watch! my next target is SD!

[Rockrolex]

Nice watch! my next target is SD!
Welcome to TRF, TT. Glad you found our merry madhouse. Stick around and join the fun. :cheers: :cheers: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[JJ Irani]

Nice watch! my next target is SD!

Hi TT,

Welcome to TRF and post some pics of your watches. The SD is a beauty....you can never go wrong with one!! :thumbsup: Here's my ex...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/JJIrani/SD221flat.jpg

[mailman]

Welcome to TRF TT. Hope you can stick around. :cheers:

[SDman]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/speedstate_g35c/757023cf.jpg

I bought my SD February of this year as a birthday present to myself while visiting my buddy in Boston (so I may not be qualified to give a long term review, but nonetheless I figure I would give my 4 month review) I was lucky that I bought it just before the US had their annual price increase. List price at the time was $4400US, but I was able to get it for a discount $4000 out the door. The main reason for the big discount on the SD is that the Seadweller is no where near as popular as the 16610 Submariner Date and many don't consider the SD as a choice for a Rolex divers watch in their collection because they think its too thick or too heavy. :bullshit: (but more about the weight and what not in a moment)


My first impression of this watch was it has an amazing feel and a very simple look that I could see myself wearing for many years to come. I love watches that have some substance to them and this one clearly does!! :thumbsup: The first thing people will surely notice about this watch is that there is no cyclops magnifier over the date. In fact the SD is the ONLY Rolex date model that doesnt have a cyclops and I personally love how clean this watch looks without it. Another feature that the SD has that no other Contemporary Men's Rolex has is engravings on the back (ROLEX OYSTER Original Gas Escape Valve).

The heart of the watch is the company's workhorse the 3135 movement found in the many other watches in the Rolex lineup. This movement was introduced in 1988 and beats a 28,800 bph and of course is a hacking movement. This robust movement can be found in some of my other Rolex watches and I can honestly say it is pretty much near bulletproof even with the abuse I have given them over the years.

The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, you can have your SD in any metal you wish as long as its SS LOL! in fact the SD only comes one way, which is perfectly ok with me. The SD is actually a derivative of the Submariner, it was designed for professionals that needed a watch that could go deeper and be able to withstand the rigors of saturation diving.


Now we come to the most controversial part of the watch. Its size and weight. I will admit that when I take off my Datejust or GMT Master 2 the SD does feel considerably heavier and its something that you will feel right away, however its not something that will bother most people after you have worn it for a feel minutes. Its really not that bad, but it is definately something to consider since you will have to live with it. I no longer notice the weight after a few minutes of putting it on in the morning.

Its hard to find something wrong with this watch in my opinion (obviously I am a bit biased since I love this watch) but I do have to say that I wish the clasp wouldnt scratch so easily and that the superluminova would glow longers. (Yes I have to be this picky to find something wrong with the watch)


All in all I would give this watch a score of 9/10.


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/speedstate_g35c/98107893.jpg

SD is really the best Rolex watch that I have ever owned then again never owned a Daytona maybe thats my next watch we don't know...better start romancing the wife for the funds...:lol:

[dff3]

I think the SD will always hold its own because of its distinctiveness of NOT having a cyclops. You almost automatically know what it is.

Great Watch.

[fquiroga]

roger, nice review, me too I agree no-cyclop in the SD, the diference in weight I don't know because I have only one rolex at the moment, but not the last !!!

[directioneng]

Nice review of the SD.

Welcome Yorkie, if that is Edinburgh, Scotland I spent a lot of time there when I was younger.

Hi JJ, your SD in running like an SD. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[KLM]

Great review on the SD! My only Rolex but I got lucky and chose the RIGHT one for me the first time! :thumbsup:

[ADISMO]

Great review on the SD! My only Rolex but I got lucky and chose the RIGHT one for me the first time! :thumbsup:

agreed. i posted pics of my own on a previous thread.

[Blue Bull]

The SD is "Upper Class",the Sub/Date is "Cattle Class" ... :chuckle: :chuckle:

[JJ Irani]

Hi JJ, your SD in running like an SD. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

It better, Eddie....otherwise "Geneva, we have a problem!!" :chuckle: :chuckle:

[Flyjet601]

Great review of the SD.....my recently departed SD also.

Enjoyed it while I had it. IMO the cyclopes was born out of neccessity, but became a familiar part of Rolex that many other manufactures have used, but have never mastered to this day. I did miss it on the SD.

:cheers:

[TARDIS]

Roger F:

Thank you for your review on your new Sea Dweller.

Can you tell me how much heavier it is over the Submariner no date (14060M)?
Thanks

Steve

Why am I always the late poster on this forum? I am GMT +10.:thinking:

[fquiroga]

tardis, there you have, even if you don't read spanish the weight is expressed in numbers

http://www.relojes-especiales.com/foros/showthread.php?t=19475&highlight=dweller

[fquiroga]

there you have, tardis

http://www.relojes-especiales.com/foros/showthread.php?t=19475&highlight=dweller

[Blue Bull]

Great review of the SD.....my recently departed SD also.

Enjoyed it while I had it. IMO the cyclopes was born out of neccessity, but became a familiar part of Rolex that many other manufactures have used, but have never mastered to this day. I did miss it on the SD.

:cheers:

Nonsense,the cyclops will ruin the Dweller design.Owning Rollies,with or without the cyclops,it comes down to the individual design.The white Expl II looks great with the cyclops,the Blue TT Sub,would have looked good without the cyclops too.Pros and cons,depending on design.

[Flyjet601]

Nonsense,the cyclops will ruin the Dweller design.Owning Rollies,with or without the cyclops,it comes down to the individual design.The white Expl II looks great with the cyclops,the Blue TT Sub,would have looked good without the cyclops too.Pros and cons,depending on design.


I didnt say to put a cyclopes on the SD, it would look like a Sub. The SD was a very unique design, but with my failing eyes:chuckle: I need all the help I can get. Hence the departute of the SD from my collection.
SD is still IMO one of the best designs.

:cheers:

[ADISMO]

I didnt say to put a cyclopes on the SD, it would look like a Sub. The SD was a very unique design, but with my failing eyes:chuckle: I need all the help I can get. Hence the departute of the SD from my collection.
SD is still IMO one of the best designs.

:cheers:

i can see fine and the cyclops just gets in the way

[Blue Bull]

I didnt say to put a cyclopes on the SD, it would look like a Sub. The SD was a very unique design, but with my failing eyes:chuckle: I need all the help I can get. Hence the departute of the SD from my collection.
SD is still IMO one of the best designs.

:cheers:

:thumbsup:

[TARDIS]

Can someone please tell me the metric weight of a Sea Dweller without the bracelet!


See my post #39

Steve

[Downing]

As a proud new owner of an SD, I just want to say great review and right on target.

The clasp scratches easily? Bummer!

So far I'd give this watch a 9.8. Not sure why I'm taking off .2 but hey, nothing's perfect, right?

[speedmaster]

Nice review and watch, thanks. I'd love a SD someday.

[Young_R]

I have few watches that I have used for military purposes and I have one important question to ask.

I use it for Military scuba diving and military free fall skydiving.

Does the light glow long enough for me to use during the night?

This is more important than any other besides being durable.

thank you.

[RogerF]

I have few watches that I have used for military purposes and I have one important question to ask.

I use it for Military scuba diving and military free fall skydiving.

Does the light glow long enough for me to use during the night?

This is more important than any other besides being durable.

thank you.

One thing about the SD is that the markers are not very big, and basically the smaller the marker the less lume materials is applied and will not glow as well as say a Seiko Monster. I have found that in the pitch dark you will be able to read the time quite well (sleeping and check the time at 3am in a dark bedroom is fine) but if you are camping and there is other light (moon light or camp fire light around) it is not as easy to tell time.

I have never done any diving but from what ppl have told me, the lume is good enough when you are deep enough into the water where there is darkness.

Hope this makes sense and helps.

[shauno]

I bought my Sea Dweller in Singapore a couple of days ago brand new. Great watch my only problem now is I want more Rolex's now lol maybe a Daytona some time in the future.

[Lol-x]

Congrats shauno on the SD, and I wish you many more to come :thumbsup:
Welcome to TRF too :cheers:

[shauno]

Cheers Mate this one is going to be well used (but looked after). I took all the stickers off in the shop and wore it out of the shop with my seiko sitting in the Rolex box. lol

[rarebear]

She tells me this every night JJ! :chuckle: Good thing I let a surgeon change the plumbing a bit so this will no longer have any consequenses. :rofl:


This is such a fun text !!!! thanks thanks :rofl::rofl:

[timackerman]

What a great watch the SD is! :thumbsup:

[erwin]

sd rocks!

[KeithManner]

After careful consideration...I think this will be my next watch. I think I like more then the Planet Ocean.

[SD090608]

I'm new to this forum, this is my first post...have a few questions about the discontinuation of the SD:
- When did production stop (a date would be great if anyone knows)?
- What was the last serial number?
- I note that M models seem to be the last produced but others have Z models...a little counterintuitive...is that correct?

I've owned numerous subs and a Cellini but I like my SD the best...simple, robust and as an end-of-production model, a great investment. Just read an article in a magazine that the SD is one of 4 watches recommended as investments so I bought the magazine to save in case I ever sell my SD.

Cheers!

[dcollins]

I purchased an SD and it helped lengthen my left arm. My wife says I kinda look like half a monkey now, but I'm fine with that as long as she doesn't run me over with her broom.

[SD090608]

I can understand the 'cyclops v. no cyclops' camps. I've had numerous subs with the cyclops which I liked, but with time I thought how I'd like it if there were not a cyclops on the crystal...so I bought an SD...I like the clean look better but I do have to strain a bit to actually see the date...I guess different strokes for different folks.

[steel4me]

can you convert this article into english???
thnx

[ssshibumi]

Hello, I will be travelling to Switzerland next week and am interested in purchasing a SD or sub there. Does anyone know of any advantages or disadvantages to purchasing in Switzerland, for example price? Are there any recommendations on where to shop? Great forum. Thanks for your help.

[sea-dweller]

Great review.