Rolex is one of the most sought-after brands in the market for premium diving watches. Rolex has a long history of creating timepieces that are practical and carry the brand’s and the owner’s legacy. The Rolex Sea Dweller and Rolex Submariner are two of Rolex’s most popular diving watches. In this post, we’ll examine the Sea Dweller and Submariner and the differences between the 126600 and the 124060.
Rolex is famed for its precision engineering, and both the Sea Dweller and Submariner are designed to survive harsh underwater conditions. Both watches have waterproof cases, rotating bezels, and luminescent hands and markers for nighttime visibility.
The reference numbers are one of the most noticeable variations between the Sea Dweller and the Submariner. The reference number for the Sea Dweller is 126600, while the reference number for the Submariner is 124060. The variations between the two watches, however, go beyond their reference numbers.
Starting with the dial, the Sea Dweller and Submariner share many similarities, yet on closer study, they provide a distinct wrist experience. Despite the fact that the cases are different sizes, the hour markers and dial hands on both watches appear to be the same size. However, if you look at the tip of the hour marker on the Submariner, you’ll notice that it’s much more pointed than on the Sea Dweller, giving the hour hand on the Sea Dweller a rounder appearance.
The size of the hour hand in the center of the dial is another distinction between the two watches. The hour hand on the Sea Dweller has a significantly bigger collar under the seconds hand, whereas the collar on the Submariner is so little that it doesn’t even appear to exist.
The Sea Dweller also has red text, whereas the Submariner has pure white text. Another intriguing distinction is that, while both have black dials, the material of the dials differs. The glossy sheen of the Submariner contrasts with the matte finish of the Sea Dweller.
In terms of size, the Submariner has a 41mm case, while the Sea Dweller has a 43mm casing. This may not appear to be a major change, but it can have a substantial impact on how the watch feels on your wrist. The Sea Dweller is more solid and thicker than the Submariner, giving it a perfect alternative for individuals who enjoy larger watches.
The Submariner is a timeless timepiece that has been manufactured since the 1950s. It has changed multiple times over the years, but the core design has stayed consistent. In contrast, the Sea Dweller was released in the 1960s as a more robust and lasting variant of the Submariner. It was created for professional divers and includes a helium escape valve that allows the watch to decompress when saturation diving.
To summarize, both the Sea Dweller and the Submariner are outstanding timepieces that are designed to last a lifetime. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the intended purpose of the watch. The Submariner is a time-tested diving watch, while the Sea Dweller is a more substantial and durable option for people who prefer larger timepieces. Whatever your inclination, a Rolex diving watch is an investment you will not be sorry for.
Rubber B Straps for the Rolex Sea Dweller vs Submariner
Divers are no longer limited to wearing a steel band on their wetsuits. Rubber B has designed many bands for the Rolex Sea Dweller vs Submariner.
Designed with 100% vulcanized rubber, Rubber B bands are made for comfort and long-lasting strength. Each band is custom designed in Switzerland and hand-sewn with Hydroturf Marine Thread.
The multitude of colors gives the diver many options to choose from when trying to enhance the design of their timepiece. Although the Jet Black will often look spectacular with the black dial and bezel of the models we compared above, the Navy Blue and Arctic White can be used with the blue bezel / dial Rolex models.
Rubber B has designed various watch bands for each model Sea-Dweller, DeepSea, and Submariner. This includes models that support the Rolex clasp, one that comes with a 316L tang buckle, a model with an industrial strength Velcro closure, and the new Combat Strap which looks like Kevlar and twill but is actually 100% Rubber. For more information visit our Rolex Bracelet page here.
Sea Dweller vs Submariner – Follow us on Instagram