The Sea Dweller 16600 is the last edition of the Sea Dweller before the most current edition featuring the 43mm case. The current Sea Dweller is the reference 126600. However the Z-series 16600 is still highly coveted because it has classic features that collectors and purists love.
The Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 was produced from 1988 to 2008 which is a fairly long time in Rolex years. This version of the Sea Dweller comes with a 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 new 126600 uses a new Chromalight lume which has a delightful blue glow in the darkness.
The Rolex Sea Dweller
The Sea Dweller 16600 comes with a lighter Oyster bracelet with solid end links than the 126600. Both the 16600 and the 126600 have all steel case with a black dial and bezel. However although both references come with a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position the 16600 doesn’t have the cyclops lens over the date window. Purists seem to prefer the lack of cyclops lens on the older 16600 model because it creates a flatter and more symmetrical look and the lens could be damaged.
The hour markers on the 16600 are much smaller than the 126600. The visibility on the 126600 due to the larger markers is significantly improved. The 16600 dial features a black satin finish. However the 126600 comes with a glossy dial with a double read “Sea-Dweller” text on the dial that makes historical reference to the original 1967 Sea-Dweller that had the red text on its dial. The added gloss helps everything to stand out beautifully on the new Sea Dweller reference 126600, even though the older 16600 was highly visible itself on yet a much smaller frame.
The hour markers on the 16600 are surrounded by white gold as opposed to steel on the 126600. However the 126600 has its bezel numerals coated in pure platinum. The surrounding metal on the hour markers protect the lume from spreading to the dial.
One of the biggest differences between the 16600 and the 126600 is the case size. The 126600 has a 43mm case, which is 3mm larger than the 40mm case for the 16600.
Additionally, the 126600 is powered by the all new caliber 3235. The 3235 has been in development for quite a long time, and is fully Rolex in-house developed caliber. Both the 3135 and 3235 contain 31 jewels, 201 parts, and beat at 28,800 vibrations per hour. However, the 3135 KIF shock system, Glucydur Balance, and Nivarox Hairspring are replaced by newly Rolex-developed Paraflex shock system, Paramagnetic Oscillator balance, and Parachrom Blue hairspring. The newly minted components give the 126600 reference a much greater power reserve at 70 hours, over the 48 hour reserve of the 16600. Additionally the new 3235 caliber in the 126600 is more resistant to shocks and magnetic interference.
If you prefer the larger size of the Rolex Sea Dweller reference 126600, this timepiece will not disappoint. Many collectors have been clamoring for a larger timepiece. In this case it is not only a wider case, but also thicker. The cyclops lens is really one of the few complaints people have about the 126600 even though it provides better visibility of the date window and complies with all of the other Rolex timepieces that have the date window and the cyclops lens. The only exception currently is the Rolex Sea Dweller Deepsea which still doesn’t show the lens over the date. It also supports a deeper depth (12,800 feet) and has a graduated black to blue dial which is beautiful to look at.
The Rolex Sea Dweller Rubber Strap
Rubber B has come up with several high quality replacement straps for the Rolex Sea Dweller. These Rolex Sea Dweller Rubber Straps are manufactured of pure vulcanized rubber in Switzerland. There are several models that are made including 2-tone color straps, various colors, bands that support the original Rolex clasp, bands that support a tang buckle, and even a velcro clasp option. The new Combat straps from Rubber B look and feel like real Kevlar but are truly 100% rubber and work perfectly for athletic activities and for divers and swimmers who want to use their Sea Dweller in the ocean. The vulcanized rubber is supple to the skin and repels water and sweat with ease and is easily cleaned while maintaining its beautiful appearance.
For more information on the wide variety Rolex Sea Dweller Rubber Straps by Rubber B, visit our page here.
