Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 126600

Quick specs Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 126600
Price: $ 11,350 | € 10.400 | approx. £ 9,200
Size: 43 mm
Reference: 126600

The new Sea-Dweller is great news for fans of the model. As this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 2017 has a lot in common with the first Sea-Dweller from 1967. In fact, this new model celebrates 50 years of Sea-Dweller. And it replaces the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000.

Now, back in 1967 Rolex already had a model to explore the seas. In 1953, the Rolex Submariner was the first waterproof watch produces in series, to a depth of 100 meters / 330 feet. In 1954 Rolex released it as the world’s first commercially produced diving watch. Then there was the Deep Sea Special from 1960, an experimental watch that could go down to depths of 10,000 meters / 35,000 feet. Somehow not suitable for series production.

The Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller was the first Rolex model in 1967 with a patented helium valve in order to keep it in one piece when reaching exceptional depths. 610 meters or 2,000 feet at the time. It was officially called Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000, with reference 1665, and it is also known as “double red”. From the two red lines of text on the dial.

Yes, this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 2017 has the cyclops

The next Sea-Dweller, from 1978, could reach depths of 1,220 meters / 4,000 feet. And this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 2017 still can reach the same depth. Which means the line-up of Rolex’ divers is as follows: Submariner (300 meters / 1,000 feet), Sea-Dweller (1,220 meters / 4,000 feet) and Sea-Dweller Deepsea (3,900 meters / 12,800 feet).

Apart from the bigger case (43 millimeters) and a new movement (Rolex caliber 3235) the main design change of this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 2017 compared to the first one is the cyclops. This date magnifier is one of Rolex’ signatures but it has never been on the Sea-Dweller. Purists might dislike it, but what’s the big deal? The new Sea-Dweller is an attractive diver with proven quality in great retro style. Let the purists admire the red text on the dial, which was on the first model too.