Talk to me about the 16600

[Judge]

Originally Posted by joshviiv

Gents and ladies,

Recent purchaser of an SD (16600) circa 1998, i bought it because it ticks a number of boxes for me;

- its not a submariner - i prefer something a little left of centre, something you'd assume is something but upon closer inspection, is something very different
- aluminium bezel
- last of the 40mm with aluminium bezel
- the epitome of rolex tool watches

Now i absolute love it, but i've noticed on the back of the surge in pricing on SS sports watches, the 16600 seems (relatively) forgotten. Im curious on all your thoughts on why that is, and what you see in the future for the humble 16600 :D

Cheers!

Congrats! It is a true classic, not a fan of the same old sub crowd. I like to be different as well.

1.5 years ago I purchased a slightly used 16600 from a reseller and they have gone up at least 2k since.

Buy it to enjoy, admire and WEAR it, not for an investment. The increase in value is just an added bonus.

[s0leful0ne]

Awesome watch, I was lucky enough to pick a pre-owned one up from an AD to start my relationship with them and start my Rolex journey. The more I learn about it the more I love it.

[Cagwolf]

If i were to pick a watch i would buy without contemplating surely it's the sub.

[Joearch]

Hard to beat the design and tech of the SD. One of my favorites. Have no idea why a Sub would be more valuable than the SD.

[joshviiv]

Thanks for all the responses! Glad to see the love for the SD is strong, I’ll likely keep this one forever, and I wear it every day.

[Chester01]

I cant speak much too the "value" of the watch that all depends on hype. I mean there are literally tens of thousands perhaps hundreds of thousands of 5 digit GMT's and completely decoupled from the laws of supply and demand. However, let me say I do love most 5 digits. However the SD, its bulkier than the sub and looks like the sub and the bulk adds little to know real world difference unless one is a saturation diver. For folks like myself who wear their watches doing any and all things, less weight flopping around is desirable and less bulk makes it more versatile from the fashion standpoint.

[Crazy Lugs]

The 16600 has better minute track bite than the 16610, which is great, and similar to 14060(M).

Anyone know how much the 16600 weighs on average?

[Joearch]

I have thought the 5 digit subs feel/look a bit diminutive and the SD is more robust. Works for me as I also enjoy wearing Panerai.

[Buchmann69]

Love my Tritium dial 16600

[Joearch]

Tritium dial is very nice

[Avs Fan]

I've had my 16600 since 2008. IMHO no one buys a SD because it's a popular reference. It is not. It is counter to convention.

[Avs Fan]

I've had my 16600 since 2008. IMHO no one buys a SD because they seek a popular reference. It is not. It is perfectly counter to convention.

[Vishy26]

Excellent choice, OP. I too have SD from 98. My 16610 gets a good rest, I feel SD is better.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

The 16600 has better minute track bite than the 16610, which is great, and similar to 14060(M).

What is minute track bite?

[mdtddd2007]

Everyone needs one in their collection! I have one and love it.

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by sillo

What is minute track bite?

Note how the minute hand "bites" into the minute track. Rolex has never been consistent with this (important) aspect of legibility, as many of their 5-series references such as the 16710 and 16610 had a minute hand that was, IMHO, slightly too short. The 14060M was one of the few with decent bite, along with the 16600, which helps with reading the time at a quick glance.

Currently, Tudor does an excellent job with this, specifically the BB58 and GMT. Still, Rolex has been slow to fix their various models. The current 124060/126610 and 126710 have been "fixed" as the previous generations all had slightly too short minute hands.

[damoore]

Great choice OP. I have a full set 16600 M series that I purchased recently and wear it 24/7. I find it to be comfy and a joy to wear.

I also have a 14060M 2 liner from 2000. These two would be the last I’d sell if I had to sell any from my collection.

And that includes 6 digit references.

Cheers!




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[Gerry62]

In Europe an SD 16600 costs more than a new red write

the trend is that a year ago it cost around 6.5 / 7.5 thousand euros.
Today is ten

but I don't really care about its value, I know it's my absolute favorite in my collection

[SeaDweller50]

You speak to most Submariner owners and they have not a clue about the ref or history in general. Speak to an SD owner and they’re either serving, former commercial divers (Padi) or they have a real interest in Rolex, like us, and chose not to be run of the mill.

[Judge]

Originally Posted by SeaDweller50

You speak to most Submariner owners and they have not a clue about the ref or history in general. Speak to an SD owner and they’re either serving, former commercial divers (Padi) or they have a real interest in Rolex, like us, and chose not to be run of the mill.

Could not have said it any better!

[kegan]

Leaving out the great vintage pieces it is easily my favorite Rolex diver.


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[Crazy Lugs]

Excellent 22 minute video of random thoughts on the 16600:

https://youtu.be/-_P_FyeEauI