Model Reference
PRE-OWNED ROLEX SEA-DWELLER 16600 WATCHES
Production Years:
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 was released in the late 1980s and discontinued in 2008; thus, this watch was in production for about two decards. Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 replaced the Sea-Dweller 16660 and had the same 40mm case size, as well as calibre 3135, which became one of the most automatic movements in Rolex watches.
The emergence of the new Rolex Deepsea in 2008 marked an important event in the development of professional diving watches in the Rolex line. The larger case and increased depth rating made this watch an evolutionary improvement of Rolex diving watches.
Defining Features
Model 16600 has been manufactured for saturation diving; therefore, all features are aimed at this specific use of the watch. Waterproofing is guaranteed up to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) and the watch has the same helium valve as in the Sea-Dweller watch. Helium can find its way into watches when they have been operated for an extended period of time in a pressured water environment.
The bezel of 60 minutes graduation is found at the front of the watch for monitoring the duration of time in water. The black dial of the watch has visible hour markers and hands that are coated with luminous paint. One of the distinguishable features of the 16600 is the absence of Cyclops lens for the date display. Even though the date is still positioned at 3 o'clock, there is no convex sapphire crystal on top of it.
The automatic Rolex Calibre 3135 sits inside the case and provides central hours, minutes and seconds together with an instantaneous date function. Another correction is necessary from the supplied content: the 16600 should not be described as being available in two tone gold and steel. Reference 16600 is fundamentally associated with stainless steel construction and an Oyster bracelet, in keeping with its professional diving watch purpose.
About Rolex Sea-Dweller Model Number 16600
The 16600 finds itself in an intriguing position in that its capabilities are much greater than what one would expect from its rather conservative-looking design. The 40mm case is still comparable in size to the sport Rolex watches of its era, while the 1,220m depth rating is significantly higher than the 300m rating that the submariner Date is usually rated at.
This means that the Sea-Dweller and the Submariner are connected more due to their aesthetics than their mechanical or functionality. The two watches have a black dive bezel, luminous dial, and Oyster bracelet, but the Sea Dweller is produced particularly for the use of saturation divers. The lack of the Cyclops lens on the 16600 is also worth mentioning when it comes to the specific appearance of the dial.
Nor should the 16600 be described as the final Sea Dweller itself. However, the launch of the Deepsea in 2008 marked the end of that specific reference for Rolex, which went on to bring back the Sea Dweller series in subsequent years, even shifting its range to bigger sizes. The 16600 is unique in its ability to feature a classic 40mm Sea-Dweller design, combined with the Calibre 3135 and depth rating of 1,200 metres.
At a Glance
- 40mm Oystersteel case
- Oyster bracelet
- Water-resistant to 1,220M
- Rolex 3135 calibre with automatic movement
- Date window display
Available Now
Browse Our Online Inventory of Sea-Dweller Rolex Watches
Can't Find It?
Pre-Owned Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Watches
BQ Watches is your source when you’re on the lookout for a vintage, rare or antique pre-owned Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 timepiece. Our inventory is stocked with the best luxury watch brands in the world. As always, you can source a watch if you can’t find your perfect match in our current selection. Our goal is to make sure all of our customers walk away with the ideal watch. Just let us know the make and model and our team will get to work.
The inventory at the best watch store in London, UK is always rotating with new selections from brands like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, Bremont and many more. When you need a pre-owned timepiece, count on BQ Watches to provide it for you.
Why Buy a Pre-Owned Rolex Sea Dweller 16600?
The pre-owned Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 16600 combines professional diving capability with classic Rolex styling. Its 40mm Oystersteel case features a helium escape valve, a unidirectional timing bezel and a date display without the usual Cyclops lens. Powered by the dependable automatic Rolex calibre 3135 and water-resistant to 1,220 metres, it is built for demanding underwater use while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
Produced from 1988 until 2008, the Sea-Dweller 16600 retains the proportions and character associated with earlier Rolex sports watches. Buying pre-owned gives you access to this discontinued reference, with its robust construction, clean dial and strong collector appeal making it an excellent choice for both diving enthusiasts and Rolex collectors.
Enquire
Buy, Sell, Exchange, Source, Repair or Appraise Second-Hand Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Watches
Contact Us Online or Visit Our London Showroom
BQ Watches is your go-to provider of any luxury watch service you may need. You can visit us online or in our London, UK showroom to enlist our services. We offer a full inventory of pre-owned Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 watches for you to buy, as well as services for selling or exchanging a watch. We can provide cash or trade-in value for luxury watches that you’d like to sell. Additionally, we offer repairs, cleanings and appraisals for your timepieces.
Don’t forget to ask about our sourcing services for used Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 wristwatches. Our team can always help you find your perfect timepiece. No matter which service you choose, you can trust BQ Watches to offer you the best possible customer service and experience.
Once you’ve chosen your service, simply fill out the contact form below. A member of our team will be in touch to assist you shortly.
Why Choose BQ Watches for a Pre Owned Rolex Sea Dweller 16600?
As a diving watch and being produced by an extensive manufacturing process, the Sea-Dweller 16600 watch needs to have special consideration upon entering the pre-owned market. When you are buying a Sea-Dweller 16600 watch from BQ Watches, you can be assured that our team has full knowledge of all the specifications of this watch. We can help you make your decision easy.
If a Sea-Dweller is already is part of your collection, BQ Watches can provide a professional valuation based on the individual watch, its condition and accompanying items.
Our specialists can also assist when your collection is moving in a new direction. An exchange gives you the opportunity to use your existing timepiece towards another Rolex or luxury watch that better suits what you want next.
For clients looking to sell, BQ Watches provides a direct assessment and clear purchasing process. Whether you are searching for a discontinued Sea-Dweller or changing an established collection, you have access to specialist watch knowledge throughout the process.
FAQs
