The Rolex Sea Dweller

[Tools]

The Sea-Dweller came about from a perceived need to have a robust dive watch that could withstand depths encountered by submersible divers, and also automatically release pressure of helium molecules that build up inside the watch after deep dives in helium rich breathing mixtures.

Original Sea-Dwellers were modified Submariners and command high premiums in todays vintage market.
-----------------
. The Rolex Sea-Dweller was the first model in the sport's line to get SEL's (Solid End Links).
. The HEV (Helium Valve) is made of Titanium.
. The SD was the only watch to have an engraving on the edge of the caseback ("Rolex Oyster - Original Gas Escape Valve"). Now, with the Milgauss, there exist two Rolex models with caseback engravings (the Milgauss stating "Milgauss" on the edge of the caseback).


Sea-Dweller Reference Numbers: 5514,1665,16600

Date of production: prototypes in 1967 with regular production 1971 to present

Movement: 3135 since 1989

Case size: 40mm

Weight: 147 grams

Power Reserve: ~44 hours

Photographs

(Photos courtesy of Mike)
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/comp3.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/155_5563.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/152_5244-50.jpg

Links:

http://doubleredseadweller.com/index.htm

[superformance]

Which is more desirable dial of the 16600, the tritium or the superluminova?

TIA,
SP

[slc1310]

great reading thanks

[hflee55]

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[roach13]

The Sea-Dweller came about from a perceived need to have a robust dive watch that could withstand depths encountered by submersible divers, and also automatically release pressure of helium molecules that build up inside the watch after deep dives in helium rich breathing mixtures.

Original Sea-Dwellers were modified Submariners and command high premiums in todays vintage market.
-----------------
. The Rolex Sea-Dweller was the first model in the sport's line to get SEL's (Solid End Links).
. The HEV (Helium Valve) is made of Titanium.
. The SD was the only watch to have an engraving on the edge of the caseback ("Rolex Oyster - Original Gas Escape Valve"). Now, with the Milgauss, there exist two Rolex models with caseback engravings (the Milgauss stating "Milgauss" on the edge of the caseback).


Sea-Dweller Reference Numbers: 5514,1665,16600

Date of production: prototypes in 1967 with regular production 1971 to present

Movement: 3135 since 1989

Case size: 40mm

Power Reserve: ~44 hours

Photographs

(Photos courtesy of Mike)
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/comp3.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/155_5563.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/152_5244-50.jpg

Links:

http://doubleredseadweller.com/index.htm

Great info

[exxondus]

Which is more desirable dial of the 16600, the tritium or the superluminova?

TIA,
SP

i think that depends on the individual.

I personally like the way tritium can age and turn yellow over the years.

Superluminoa on the other hand, will mainly remain white regardless of age.

[He Man]

very nice pictures

[lespaul]

Hi!
I just bought a Sea Dweller v-series...It didn't come with the toolkit...Does anybody knows if that is ok? They told me tha V-series didnt have toolkit...Is that true?
Thanks!

[PhilK]

Yes -It should have come with a toolkit - look for Sea Dwellers for sale elsewhere in the forum and you will see pictures of them.

[lespaul]

I found out that the retailer didn't gave me the toolkit by mistake...I got it today finally. Thanks PhilK! :)

[DiverE]

does anyone know what movement might be expected in a 1979 sd?

[Orchi]

does anyone know what movement might be expected in a 1979 sd?Err buddy DiverE...in 1979...2 SD models were being sold...

Ref 1665 SD with plastic crystal..."2000ft=610m" depth rating was nearing its end of production...with Cal.1570 movement.
Ref 16660 SD with Sapphire crystal..."4000ft=1220m" depth rating had just been introduced...with Cal. 3035 movement.

Hopes the above helps...:bye:

[Clay]

You forgot the Ref. 16660...Originally with a Matt Dial with Saphire Crystal.....
It then went to a Gloss dial with White Gold surrounds and a Saphire Crytsal before becoming the 16600 with Luminova instead of tritium.....

[GypsumDust]

That is such a beautiful piece! I would love to own one for my first purchase!

[bartonjet]

Great article!!!! The 16600 was my first Rolex and its history inspired me to go on a life-long vintage journey!

[redsoxn]

I have a Sea-dweller from 1996. The Tritium stopped glowing and I'd like to replace it with a Luminova dial and Luminova hands. Does anyone know if this will decrease the value -- since the Luminova dials weren't out till around circa 2000?

Also, does the Sea-dweller crystal have the etched Rolex "Coronet"?

[Orchi]

I have a Sea-dweller from 1996. The Tritium stopped glowing and I'd like to replace it with a Luminova dial and Luminova hands. Does anyone know if this will decrease the value -- since the Luminova dials weren't out till around circa 2000?

Also, does the Sea-dweller crystal have the etched Rolex "Coronet"?Err buddy...IF it suits you better with Luminova...you can get the correct replacement with RSC...(perhaps you can also convince RSC that you wanna keep the original Tritium Dial n Hands).

Value wise...collectors would prefer the watch to be in its original state as possible. The decision is entirely up to you.

Your 1996 Sd would not have the etched coronet on its Sapphire crystal...originally.

Hopes that helps...:bye:

[redsoxn]

Orchi -- that does help, thank you!

Do you happen to know when Rolex started using the etched Coronet on the Sea-dwellers?

[Perdu]

Larry, I thought the SD was a little less wide than the Sub, like 39mm. Did I get the wrong end of the stick?

[Spare201]

the etched crown on the crystal, iirc first started in watches shipped in 99-00. they kinda overalpped. BTW if you got your sapphire crystal replaced during service the crown will have an "s" in the eye @ the bottom of the coronet.

[scudracer]

OK that's it. I've decided to get a Sea-Dweller 16600 (Not Deep Sea). I have a few questions though. If I get one of the latest ones ever produced will it have a ceramic bezel or aluminium like the one in the pictures seen here?

[brietlingman]

Congrats on your decision Nicholas! :clap: I believe that you'll be quite pleased.

To answer your question, no, there will not be a ceramic bezel or insert, even up to the "M" or "Z" serial numbers. Throughout the Sea Dweller's 30+ years, it remained an all-stainless steel case and bezel.

I'm equally sure that if my info is bad, one of the experts will be along shortly to set us to rights ... :thumbsup:

Cheers!
Bill

[scudracer]

Two more questions please.

a) Does the 16600 use '904L' steel?
b) Does it have a 'parachrome blue' spring?

Thanks!

[KZ1000]

Two more questions please.

a) Does the 16600 use '904L' steel?
b) Does it have a 'parachrome blue' spring?

Thanks!


a= yes
b= No - there is no proof of this.

Good luck with your new one. I'm considering the same. My AD has 3 left :thumbsup:

[scudracer]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3919017506_0a52b55306_b.jpg

Got the LAST one in KL! I was informed that this was the very last 16600 left at the local Rolex authorised dealer. They kept it for me since last week and apparently there were a few enquiries and at least two other people who wanted it!

[greekbum]

16600

[scudracer]

As promised ...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/3930816243_328734e78e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3931601902_f089703c7f_b.jpg

[scudracer]

Thanks 9166. I was a bit worried about blowing so much $ on a watch especially in the current economic climate but, the best time to buy a Rolex is always 'now' due to the ever-increasing prices and most of all because this was the last one left in stock.

Yeah that target sheet was an early one it's much better now at 10m. Was pulling the trigger the wrong way and jerking it. Everythings a 9 or 10 now. Might move to 15m soon.

A few things I don't quite like about the SD though.
1) Hands are shiny and reflect surroundings. They should be matt white. Notice that in the pics the seconds hand can hardly be seen.
2) Watch/Dial is too small (29mm?). Wouldn't hurt to be a little larger.
3) Clasp is made of thin stamped steel and has a stamped-in 'fake bracelet link' pattern. I guess they've fixed this with the new DSSD clasp. I wonder if we can fit that onto the 16600?

Hmmm!

[9166]

All the Rolex hands are made in the Rolex factory using white gold. They all look the same across many models. The smaller dial may have something to do with the greater depth rating. Notice how thick the crystal is.The subs have thinner crystal. Must agree with your on the bracelet. I don't think the DSSD bracelet can go onto the SD though they both have the same 20mm lugs. Maybe you can check with Rolex Malaysia in Menara Dion.

Which range do you do your shooting? UIT?

[shawnfb]

The DSSD has a 21mm lug width.. the bracelets are not interchangeable with the standard SeaDweller.

[mccobr]

Enjoying reading all this. My brother has a Rolex SD 1665 (plastic convex) & I've always liked this watch, esp. since I grew up watching Live and Let Die and Roger Moore's MI6 Rolex cutting some ropes, albeit a Submariner. I was walking down Bond St in London with my sister last week and popped into the Rolex dealer to see how much her Rolex would cost now.

In passing I asked if they had any Sea Dwellers, but I knew it was unlikely as the old one had been discontinued. As it turned out they had received the last 2 from their head office on the Thursday, one sold Friday and the last one was there. They also had a Deep Sea so I could compare. The Deep Sea it huge. I like big watches but this is too much and almost seems too big for the bracelet, like the watch was bullying the bracelet and stealing it's food. Anyway, I went for a wander to think about it down the nearby Burlington arcade where there are several antique Rolex dealers. They had a few old sea dwellers and even a double red SD which was on sale for £18k. They looked so good even at 20 years old so I decided it was the last chance to have a new SD before they replaced it with the Megaladon so I went back and bought it. It's a V series, I think the last one produced and must be one of the last new ones available in the UK.

It's just sitting in the box at the minute with all the plastic still on it partly because they have to send me extra links as I have a big wrist and partly because I am scared to ruin it by wearing it.

[Alexus]

a Seadweller is a perfect choice! Enjoy it and wear it! ;)

[cwwhk]

My first Rolex was a SD bought new in HK about 30 years ago. I have not worn it for maybe 10 years now, and I just took it out of storage today. It has the plastic crystal, so I was thinking maybe put a sapphire crystal on it. Did some internet searches and found this web site.

Hmm... so these are somewhat collectible now. Interesting, because all these years I regretted buying the SD instead of the black face Daytona with red lettering. Oh, well I guess it turned out not to be a totally stupid decision after all.

Is there more than one version of the plastic crystal SD? How do I tell which one I have?

Here is a picture of my watch.

[miamiman]

that sd is a beauty I had one but for some reason i could not get used to wearing it do to its bulkyness, I found my nd sub so much more comfortable .

[cwwhk]

Yes, it is kind of on the bulky side. I guess that's why I haven't worn it for 10 years. I tend to wear my GMT II because it's more comfortable.

So no one knows if there is more than one version of the white lettering dial plastic crystal 1665 SD?

[DadsWatch72]

Nice photos of SD's. I'll add one.

[snowbird]

Does anyone know the weight of the SD 16600?

The Sub thread in the library has the SS Sub 16610 at 135 grams and I know the SD is heavier than that, but I'm not sure by how much.

[snowbird]

The answer on SD weight was just posted in another thread - just so it's in the SD reference thread too, it's 148 grams.

[Sammy]

Very sharp looking watch

[snowbird]

Very sharp looking watch

Yes, I agree.:thumbsup:

[sea-dweller]

Excellent info on the SD !!!

[mr.jean]

Hey Folks,

just discovered the site a few weeks ago and purchased my 1st Rolex last week.
Found an AD in Canada that still had an M series Sea Dweller.
When i found out that the watch was discontinued I called a many dealers as I could find and 1 happened to have a single Sea Dweller that he was actually planning on holding on to...but decided to sell it.

Question: Does it make sense that he would still have an M series to sell in Feb.2010? It came with all the papers/booklets/warranty card/box etc. I even too off the bracelet to check for the model and serial number.

Must say...it is such a great watch to wear and look at...

[everose]

Hey Folks,

just discovered the site a few weeks ago and purchased my 1st Rolex last week.
Found an AD in Canada that still had an M series Sea Dweller.
When i found out that the watch was discontinued I called a many dealers as I could find and 1 happened to have a single Sea Dweller that he was actually planning on holding on to...but decided to sell it.

Question: Does it make sense that he would still have an M series to sell in Feb.2010? It came with all the papers/booklets/warranty card/box etc. I even too off the bracelet to check for the model and serial number.

Must say...it is such a great watch to wear and look at...


Yes its fine that the AD had an M series.....it is actually still a current model running along side V series.

You will find some AD's have much older series than M still in stock,especially with the less popular models.

They are all brand new watches.

Some people believe this system of identifcation should be scrapped altogether and there is talk Rolex may change this system very soon.

I think it is much more significant if a watch has a production change rather than if it is an M or V series.


Congrats....i love Sea-Dweller.......i wish i had one......post some pics when you get time!!!!:cheers:

[geocortez]

My Double Sea Dweller 1665 Circa 1977

120957

120958

120959

[roid]

Hi,

I am currently searching for a 16600 and have a few questions. Are there any fundamental differences between older models and newer models. Say U serial (1997) vs more recent. A local shop has a 1997 and a 1999 for sale with a fairly big difference in price but no difference in condition.

Any info appreciated.

[brietlingman]

Hi,

I am currently searching for a 16600 and have a few questions. Are there any fundamental differences between older models and newer models. Say U serial (1997) vs more recent. A local shop has a 1997 and a 1999 for sale with a fairly big difference in price but no difference in condition.

Any info appreciated.

Hello, and welcome!

Aside from one being two years newer, there are no appreciable differences between the two, correct? I am curious why the seller would have such a marked price separation; are both watches truly the same, aside from year of manufacture? I'm thinking one of them probably has a recent service or perhaps all of the correct boxes/papers. I can't think of any good reason for such a big difference in price.

[roid]

From reading the information above does would the 1997 have tritrium and the 1999 have superluminova?

[ghaddan]

I have a Z series Sea Dweller 2007 and the big difference is the lack of holes on the side of case. I purchased the newer model, for I like the cleaner look of no holes.

[FIB112358]

When Rolex first began to instal the HEV to the sub, did they use titainium?
Or was the valve constructed from the same material that the case was made out of. I ask because the construction of the inital HEV looked to function in a very different way to the later ones.
I was wondering if the initial hev was infact made out of titanium if there would be any problems with the different contracting and expanding rates of the different metals of the case and valve in excessive temperatures.
thanks

[mhmfao]

ALCON,
2 questions:
1) Did any of the 1665s come with sapphire crystals?
2) If not, did Rolex produce a replacement or compatable sapphire crystal for the 1665s?
V/R,
MM

[tgoose1]

Very informative and great pics, thanks to all contributors.

[pupjoint]

I am in the market for a Sea Dweller. pre owned now i guess.

What series shoud I go for?

I found a F series at my location, but incomplete set.

I saw some good deals in the classifieds here, but dont dare to mail order yet as of now. I am from Malaysia.

I am not in a hurry, taking my time to get a mint unit. Still quite new to watches.

[RolexAC]

Gorgeous piece!

[KING]

I am thinking about selling my 16600. Does any one know the best way to do it?

[pb2au]

Why dont you post in the for sale section of the classifieds.

[KING]

Why dont you post in the for sale section of the classifieds.
Well, selling a $4000 watch online doesn't make me feel good.

[TRW]

My Double Sea Dweller 1665 Circa 1977

120957

120958

120959

Wow.......Very Nice:thumbsup:

[KING]

Does vintage Rolex really has a value?
I am a firm believer of latest technology.
When Rolex release the new DeepSea, I believe my old SeaDweller $ would drop a lot.

[SamGMT]

SD my all time favorite!!!

[pb2au]

Well, selling a $4000 watch online doesn't make me feel good.

Plenty of trustworthy forumites who would likely do a face to face sale at an AD. Alternatively, you could consign to an auction house like Bonhams but I would not expect much of a premium from a late model 16600. Finally, there are a number of regular sellers on these boards. Perhaps after familiarizing yourself you could consign to one of them if they are willing.

Best of luck

[pupjoint]

found a D Series 2005 SD at a private watch shop, brand new, unused. he wanted USD6500.

he has about 15 used SD. some complete, some just watch only.

this shop is not an authorised shop by Rolex. All the authorised shop do not have anything.

being in this part of the world, fakes are everywhere, so i dont trust anyone.

will call the service centre tomorrow and see how and what i can do to verify the D Series.


anybody knows if there are anything particular/differences between the D series and the rest?

[snowbird]

Thanks for all good information!

Bought my first ROLEX yesterday, a Sea-Dweller 16600 U-series July 1998, "Swiss-only" Luminova dial, "Flat-4" bezel, in perfect "as new" condition.
Just love it and can´t get enough information of it! Googling it brought me to this forum as a new member. Very much and good information here!

Questions:
1. Is it possible to find out how many SD´s was manufactured, in total and in 1998?
2. It seems to be rather rare judging from Google search results - are there any other members here owning one?
3. Since it seems to be rare-will it be a good investment? Expected increase of value within how many years?

Congratulations - you got a great watch!:thumbsup:

There are not nearly as many SDs as Subs for sure, but I wouldn't call them exactly rare (excluding some of the older acrylic crystal ones like the double red). Great watch though.

[zoey]

Can someone tell me what the TPD is for the 16600? I've been searching, but haven't been able to find this information.

Thank you in advance.

[allegedly]

Hi all. Interesting posts to a newbie. I've had my Seadweller for almost 25 years and it's had a hard life. Tools first post used the phrase, 'a need for a robust dive watch...', well, I think mine proves that's more than true.
Please exscuse the fact I've posted these pics elsewhere on here.
Rob :cheers:

[snowbird]

Can someone tell me what the TPD is for the 16600? I've been searching, but haven't been able to find this information.

Thank you in advance.

Not sure but I believe the movement is the same as the Submariner and there's more info out there on that model.

[snowbird]

Hi all. Interesting posts to a newbie. I've had my Seadweller for almost 25 years and it's had a hard life. Tools first post used the phrase, 'a need for a robust dive watch...', well, I think mine proves that's more than true.
Please exscuse the fact I've posted these pics elsewhere on here.
Rob :cheers:

Nice - good to see it's been used as intended.:thumbsup:

[Gerry62]

wonderful topic .

I love my Sd

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/tk6tk6/IMG_3561.jpg

[kormaking]

My D Series:

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h395/kormaking/IMG-20101226-00043.jpg

3135 inside:

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h395/kormaking/insidesds.jpg

[captmilehigh]

For the lovers of the SDDS this video is must see. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pik7Iuhe-Hs

[vsighi]

For the lovers of the SDDS this video is must see. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pik7Iuhe-Hs

I did save the video on my favorits. Thanx:clap:

[zeuloa]

Does anyone know when Rolex went to Warranty Card from Warranty Papers on the SD, and when did they stop coming with the anchor?

Thanks!

[sleddog]

Does anyone know when Rolex went to Warranty Card from Warranty Papers on the SD, and when did they stop coming with the anchor?

Thanks!

Warranty cards came in around 2007 with the Z stamped models here in Canada, probably around the same time in the US as well!?!
Early 2000 is when my AD stopped handing out the anchor with the Sub and SD's....Could be + or - in other areas and countries!:thumbsup:

[zeuloa]

Warranty cards came in around 2007 with the Z stamped models here in Canada, probably around the same time in the US as well!?!
Early 2000 is when my AD stopped handing out the anchor with the Sub and SD's....Could be + or - in other areas and countries!:thumbsup:

Thanks! Do you know when they stopped coming with the green sticker on the case back?

[rva33145]

Very informative posts thanks.

[sleddog]

Thanks! Do you know when they stopped coming with the green sticker on the case back?

The Z serial again was the change from the old Hologram sticker to the newer clear sticker on the caseback!:thumbsup:
Rolex made quite a few changes within this time-frame, I for one, am glad they stopped using the green sticker!

[zeuloa]

:dude:The Z serial again was the change from the old Hologram sticker to the newer clear sticker on the caseback!:thumbsup:
Rolex made quite a few changes within this time-frame, I for one, am glad they stopped using the green sticker!

I ve seen many older models where the green sticker was never removed and they were worn with it. Can the sticker be easily removed prior ever wearing?

[Melanotaenia]

For me, the SD is the ultimate tool watch, while I like the Sub, I like the clean look of the no cyclops SD and being a diver, it just seemed like the right watch to accompany my current EXPII.

The great thing about the SD is that no one has them; I am yet to have seen one in the wild.

Here is my brand new (well two weeks old) M serial SD

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/melanotaenia/SD-Only.jpg

[mitcht]

Does anyone have a link to specific model year changes on the Sea Dweller? Namely the more recent models?

[m_allie]

Excellent watch what a beauty .

[zeuloa]

For me, the SD is the ultimate tool watch, while I like the Sub, I like the clean look of the no cyclops SD and being a diver, it just seemed like the right watch to accompany my current EXPII.

The great thing about the SD is that no one has them; I am yet to have seen one in the wild.

Here is my brand new (well two weeks old) M serial SD

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/melanotaenia/SD-Only.jpg

How do you find the fit compared to the EXP II?

[casper227]

great post thanks

[padi56]

For me, the SD is the ultimate tool watch, while I like the Sub, I like the clean look of the no cyclops SD and being a diver, it just seemed like the right watch to accompany my current EXPII.

The great thing about the SD is that no one has them; I am yet to have seen one in the wild.

Here is my brand new (well two weeks old) M serial SD



Well I would say there are several thousand of SD16600 in this world today since its introduction in 1988/9.And all basically the same except for a few minor fonts and a LEC crystal and different case stamps.Although not as popular as say the Sub there are still plenty of SDs in this world today. Its my favourite sports Rolex and owned 3 over the years,I lost one too in the Red Sea a few years back now.

[Stellite]

how many watches have really been to their rated depth in the sea?, not just in some chamber with no current or movement to add to the pressure. Seems to me that the 1200 meter rating is quite conservative for this watch.

http://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/SeaDwellerTestFR.pdf

http://www.home.no/rolextest/images/Rolex%20Sea-Dweller%20extreme%20water%20resistance%20test%209. jpg

[SWIMPRUF]

Great read.