Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Review

[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.

[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 ).

[padi56]

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

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by padi56

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."

[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.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by RogerF

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! Very, very nice! Thanks!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

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

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

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

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

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

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

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

If it was plumbing you were after, don't you think a plumber would have been much cheaper??

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

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

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

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

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

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

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

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

Good one!!!

[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.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[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

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by 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

Sell the keeper JJ and buy the SD

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

Sell the keeper JJ and buy the SD

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

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

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

I love you too JJ

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

I love you too JJ

Time for a BIG kiss...Smooooooooooooooooooch!!

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Time for a BIG kiss...Smooooooooooooooooooch!!

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!!

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.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by 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!!

You're just jealous

[TT Datejust]

Nice watch! my next target is SD!

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by TT Datejust

Nice watch! my next target is SD!

Welcome to TRF, TT. Glad you found our merry madhouse. Stick around and join the fun.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by TT Datejust

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!! Here's my ex...

[mailman]

Welcome to TRF TT. Hope you can stick around.

[SDman]

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.

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...