There is quite a bit of difference between Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 vs Deepsea 116660. First, let’s look at the Sea-Dweller 16600.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 was produced from 1988 to 2008 which is a fairly long time in Rolex years. This newer version of the Sea-Dweller comes with the new SuperLumiNova luminescent paint for the hour markers. This replaces the Tritium lume which came on early versions of the Sea-Dweller, and the Sea-Dweller 16660 which preceded the 16600, aka the “Triple Six”.
The Sea-Dweller 16600 also comes with an Oyster bracelet with solid end links. It has an all steel case with a black dial and bezel. The date aperture appears at the 3 o’clock position without a cyclops lens on the Sapphire crystal that covers it.
The hour markers are smaller circles than appear in later version Rolex timepieces with the exception of the 6 and 9 o’clock positions which are rectangles, the 12 o’clock position which is a triangle, and the 3 o’clock position which has the date aperture.
The hour markers containing luminescence are surrounded by white gold, protecting the lume from spreading out on the black dial over time. Collectors seem to like the fact that this model doesn’t actually have a cyclops lens over the 3 o’clock position, to detract from the absolute purity of this timepiece.
Although it has a very similar look to the Submariner, the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 can get to an incredible waterproof depth of 4,000 feet without skipping a beat. It has the Helium Escape Valve on the left side of the timepiece which allows the timepiece to decompress as it rises to the surface after a very deep dive.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller is powered by the caliber 3135 automatic movement within its 40mm case. The 3135 was first launched in 1977. It rased the balance speed from 19,800 bph to 28,800 bph. This higher frequency became a standard for Rolex, improving the timepiece’s resistance to shock, and improving the reliability and accuracy of timekeeping. The balance wheel was made with Glucydur which is a combination of beryllium and copper.
The caliber 3135 has 31 jewels. It appeared in the Submariner, Deepsea, Yachtmaster and the Datejust 36. It gives the timepiece a quality power reserve of 50 hours. rolex borrowed the hairspring from Nivarox, a Swatch Group owned company for this early caliber. Rolex has since developed their own in-house caliber and has changed out many of the parts in order to improve its resistance to shocks and magnetism.
The 3135 caliber replaced the caliber 3035 which appeared in the Triple Six. It became the Rolex workhorse caliber which will help timepieces containing it to last a lifetime with consistent maintenance.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 vs Deepsea 116660
The Deepsea 116660 launched in 2008 and came out with a large 44mm case which was also 17.7 mm thick. This is significantly larger than the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600. The thickness of the timepiece is not terrible for collectors that seem to love the larger size of the 4 mm larger timepiece.
The biggest difference between the Sea-Dweller and the Deepsea is the waterproof depth the Deepsea supports. The 3,900 meters/12,800 feet is nearly 3 times the supported depth of the Sea-Dweller 1220 meters/4000 feet, and much more than what a normal diver could survive. In order to support this impressive depth, the case utilizes the Rolex ringlock system, a helium escape valve, a larger 5.5 mm thick sapphire crystal and a titanium caseback.
The Deepsea 116660 is still powered by the same caliber 3135 found in the Sea-Dweller 16600, but the hour markers are significantly larger. Additionally the hands are larger and are more visible in the darkness.
One more feature that might be noticeable to people comparing the Rolex Sea-Dweller vs Deepsea 116660 is the bezel. The bezel on the Deepsea contains a 60 minute set of markings versus the minute markings between 0 and 15 on the Sea-Dweller.
No matter whether you prefer the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 vs Deepsea 116660, you will still be presented with two of the finest timepieces Rolex ever made. The minor differences between either model provide the special canvas for Rubber B designer watchbands.
As many Rolex owners have experienced in the years since Rubber B created the first custom rubber band for the Crown, these black dial, black bezel steel timepieces combine perfectly with multiple colors. Rubber B is the only Swiss band maker to make custom bands for the Sea-Dweller 16600 and the Deepsea 116660 to fit perfectly and tightly to the case. For more information on the many styles, colors and options for your Rolex timepiece, please visit our Rolex page here.
