The Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660. The name itself conjures images of crushing depths, intrepid exploration, and unparalleled horological engineering. This behemoth of a watch, a significant step forward in Rolex's dive watch lineage, commands attention and respect. While it might seem intimidating at first glance, a deeper dive (pun intended) reveals a surprisingly versatile and robust timepiece that deserves its place among the legends of the Rolex universe. This review will explore its design, performance, features, and place within the broader Rolex ecosystem, addressing aspects like its price, comparisons with its successor (the 126660), and its overall value proposition.
A Giant Among Giants, Yet Surprisingly Wearable:
Compared to other Rolex series models, the 11660 undeniably looks large. Its 44mm case diameter dwarfs many of its siblings, instantly establishing its presence on the wrist. However, when compared to its successor, the Deepsea Challenge (James Cameron) model, the 116660 feels surprisingly slim and comfortable. This is a testament to Rolex's engineering prowess; they managed to pack impressive technology into a relatively refined package. The increased case diameter (from previous Sea-Dweller models) is immediately noticeable, but it doesn't translate into unwieldy bulk. The watch sits well on the wrist, even for those with smaller wrists, thanks to its well-proportioned lugs and carefully considered design. The weight, while substantial, feels reassuring, indicative of the high-quality materials and robust construction.
Design Details: A Masterclass in Functionality and Aesthetics:
The 116660 boasts a distinctive design language that blends rugged functionality with understated elegance. The prominent 44mm case, constructed from high-grade 904L stainless steel, is highly resistant to corrosion and scratching. Its brushed finish adds to its tool-watch aesthetic, while the polished accents on the bezel and crown add subtle touches of luxury. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a crucial element for divers, features a scratch-resistant ceramic insert. This ceramic bezel is a key improvement over the aluminum bezels found in earlier models, offering superior durability and maintaining its vibrant color over time. The crisp numerals and markers are highly legible, even in low-light conditions, a critical feature for a professional dive watch.
The dial, typically black, is clean and uncluttered, focusing on functionality. Large, luminous hour markers and hands ensure excellent readability underwater, while the cyclops lens over the date magnifier enhances the date window's legibility. The helium escape valve, a critical feature for saturation diving, is discreetly integrated into the case at 9 o'clock. Its presence is a subtle reminder of the watch's extreme capabilities. The bracelet, a solid three-piece link Oyster bracelet, is robust and comfortable, offering a secure and adjustable fit. The clasp features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, allowing for precise adjustment of the bracelet length, a vital feature for divers needing to accommodate changes in wrist size due to wetsuit thickness.
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