Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Review

[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.

[superformance]

Folks, badly need your opinion in my predicament.
Here it goes- I just sold my "U" TT YM Midsize ( 16623 ) week ago in Manila just a day before flying to NJ for a short visit. Im thinking of getting myself an SD as a replacement for my YM which I let go for several reasons ( find it too small for my wrist, im not into two-tones anymore and if i hand it down to one of my sons, will he like to wear it and some resale / investment issues. BTW, YM has been with me for 9 yrs.

I need your advice if an SD is a worthy replacement for my YM? many thanks....

[superformance]

Finally got an M Sea Dweller from WILLIAM BARTHMAN 176 Broadway, NY ....as a replacement for my YM...Would highly recommend their very attentive sales duo---Juan Carlos and Ashley who took good care of me, making the purchase a smooth one.

'Til my next purchase,guys!!! Happy Holidays !!!

[eric23]

Great review!

[BasicWatch]

I swear the way you worded that made it look like they knocked of $4,000.00, lol. I was about to say, daaaammmnnnn, can't be authentic, lol.

[ijen0311]

Love the SD!

[RobertZ]

My dad bought this watch a year ago, but he never used it. Now it's mine

But i've some problems with it, I think it may be my lack of experience. I am trying to find the correct forum to discuss this :P

[hflee55]

Great Review. Love the SD.

[Imtiaz]

Great review and great price. My SD set me back US$6000 from an AD, that's after they stopped production. The price has come down since to US$5500. in the Gray Mkt.

[dex]

great review

[rubysky360]

Nice watch!

[tthopp05]

Thanks for taking the time.

[dmflan126]

SD is a great looking Rolex and will quite possibly be my next Rolex purchase. Is it possible that the cyclops is not available on the SD 16600 because of its depth capabilities? At close to maximum depth, the cyclops would probably crack (along with my head).... just a thought.. anyone?

[Mystiqz]

Thank you for the review. I am looking into the SD myself =D

Quick question, where do you find out what series the SD is? I've been browsing around on the forums and I haven't found a post yet that tell me where to look. Thanks in advance.

[johnkszabo]

Love my Sea Dwellers!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by RogerF

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. (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!! 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.

Do you still own the watch? what are your thoughts after 6 years?

Thanks - Great review!

[Watchkeeper]

Great review and a great watch, I only came to the conclusion that I need one after they stopped production and the prices went up. Have been looking for one desperately, but unfortunately havent found the one I like yet.

[Jfbhd4]

one of the most classic looking watches available IMO.

[Gerry62]

Great review I love the Seadweller