Discover the Rolex Sea-Dweller 126660's rich history, key features, prices, and unique charm in our comprehensive review. The Rolex Sea-Dweller has long been synonymous with professional diving and extreme underwater exploration. This review focuses specifically on the 126660 model, a watch that represents the pinnacle of Rolex's dedication to robust, reliable timekeeping in the harshest environments. We'll delve into its lineage, analyze its technical specifications, explore its current market value, and discuss its place within the broader Rolex ecosystem. We'll also touch upon related models, including the now-discontinued Sea-Dweller 126600, and address common questions surrounding its production, future value, and comparisons with other Rolex dive watches like the Deepsea.
A Legacy of Depth: The Sea-Dweller's History
The Sea-Dweller's story is interwoven with the pioneering spirit of deep-sea diving. Born from the demands of professional saturation divers, the original Sea-Dweller, introduced in 1967, was designed to withstand the immense pressure at extreme depths. It was a direct evolution of the Submariner, boasting enhanced water resistance and a helium escape valve (HEV), crucial for divers working in saturation diving environments. This valve allowed helium, used in diving gas mixtures, to escape safely during decompression, preventing damage to the watch crystal.
Over the decades, the Sea-Dweller has undergone several iterations, each building upon the previous model's success. The 126660 represents the latest in this lineage, incorporating advancements in materials, technology, and design. Its predecessor, the Sea-Dweller 126600, is now discontinued, sparking much discussion amongst collectors and enthusiasts regarding its future value and the reasons behind its discontinuation (topics we will explore further below).
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 126660: A Deep Dive into the Details
The 126660 is instantly recognizable as a Sea-Dweller. Its robust 43mm Oyster case, crafted from virtually indestructible 904L stainless steel, is immediately impressive. This case, combined with the Triplock winding crown and screw-down caseback, guarantees exceptional water resistance to a remarkable 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). This depth rating places it firmly amongst the most capable dive watches ever created.
Beyond the impressive water resistance, the 126660 boasts several key features that set it apart:
* Calibre 3235 Movement: At the heart of the Sea-Dweller 126660 beats Rolex's in-house Calibre 3235 movement. This self-winding mechanical movement is a testament to Rolex's horological expertise, offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, enhanced precision, and superior resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. The movement incorporates the Chronergy escapement, a patented Rolex innovation that significantly improves efficiency and reliability.
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