The Rolex Sea-Dweller, a name synonymous with robust reliability and extreme depth capabilities, holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts and professional divers alike. This article delves into the history and specifics of the Rolex 16600 Sea-Dweller, focusing on the 2008 models and providing a comprehensive overview of its value, price, and place within the broader Sea-Dweller lineage.
The History of the Rolex 16600 Sea-Dweller:
The story of the Sea-Dweller begins in 1967, a pivotal year for professional diving watches. Collaborating closely with Comex, a French commercial diving company, Rolex developed a watch capable of withstanding the immense pressures of saturation diving. The result was groundbreaking: the first commercially available watch incorporating a helium escape valve (HEV). This ingenious mechanism, located at 9 o'clock on the case, allowed helium gas – used in saturation diving to prevent decompression sickness – to escape during ascent, preventing the watch crystal from imploding under pressure. This innovation revolutionized the world of professional diving watches and set the stage for the Sea-Dweller's enduring legacy.
The early Sea-Dwellers, preceding the 16600, were distinct in their design and specifications. They evolved over the years, reflecting advancements in materials and technology. However, the 16600 model, produced from 1978 to 2008, represents a significant era in the Sea-Dweller's history, offering a refined and robust design that attracted both professional divers and collectors. The 2008 iteration, being the final year of production for the 16600, holds a special position, marking the end of an era before the introduction of the updated Sea-Dweller models.
The 16600 Sea-Dweller was characterized by its 40mm Oyster case, crafted from virtually indestructible 904L stainless steel. This robust case, coupled with a Triplock winding crown and a sapphire crystal, offered exceptional water resistance, rated to a depth of 1220 meters (4000 feet). The dial, typically black, featured luminous hour markers and hands, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions. The movement, a calibre 3135, was a self-winding mechanical masterpiece, renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and power reserve. This movement, a staple in many Rolex models, provided the 16600 with the precision timing necessary for professional use.
Rolex 16600 Sea-Dweller Review:
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