Story of an Icon: Rolex Sea-Dweller History 

Wait a minute... my dad was a US Navy Deep Sea Diver from 1951-1968 and was also an instructor at the Washington DC “Deep sea Diving School”. In addition, he worked with the Experimental Diving Unit there too. He and other sailors within that group were all issued Rolex sea dwellers, before that was its name, so they could be tested. The Navy wanted to know it these were viable timepieces and Rolex needed that type of testing. After years of use and on my dad’s last deep dive in 1967 the watch stopped. The dive turned out to be historic in the diving world because of the depth he went to. His adventure was done in a diving bell from the USS Greenlet, ASR-10.. Anyway, the watch case looked normal but the mechanism inside was bent to hell. The crystal was loose but still attached. Since he was retiring, he was not issued another. My dad said his watch was a faithful friend, durable, strong and accurate. It had been with him from recovering a jeweled necklace for an Indian Princess(that is not a joke) who was visiting D.C. to saving submariners from certain death. It was always dependable. He was so sad beyond belief when it died and spoke about that timepiece often as I grew up. He kept it in his watch case. How about that for an endorsement and history.

Bravo Armand. Excellent piece. Very much on point.

Informative video, much appreciated.

I really enjoyed your video and you inspired me to where my 90s 16600 👍

This is quality content. Informative and educational. Good job. Subscribed.

Being a diver and Rolex watch enthusiasts, this new SD43 is the ultimate professional diver. It has replaced my sub as I feel the larger size fits me better and is more legible. I am a real diver and adore the cyclops on the new 50th anniversary SeaDweller. Perhaps watch enthusiast that don’t dive tend to hold on to antiquated traditions too long with performance being sacrificed. The cyclops on my Sub never got in the way or ever impeded any of my many dives over the last 3 decades. The SD43 also not top heavy like I the DSSD. This is the real livable professional diving watch.

Very enjoyable, thank you.

Very nice video on a great watch series by Rolex, well presented and informative.

Armand you're a bad man now, I have never been a rolex fan boy I've always respected the technical side of the watches but after watching your video not only do I now want a submariner but I want an original one from the 60s or 70s.master class of the Rolex deep sea.big thumbs up to you .more please.👍

Might have been mentioned by some of the other commenters, but the Sea-Dweller "great-white" you displayed was in fact a rare version of the "great-white", known as a "rail-dial" Sea-Dweller, here the C´s of chronometer and certified aligns. This version of the sea-dweller had it´s dials produced by the stern company, which is the same company that made the comex Sea Dweller dials. The minute markers on this dial is also slightly different on this version as opposed to the normal "great-white" due to the fact that they are ever so slightly, touching the minute track on the on the outer edge of the dial.

great as always

Great educational video as always. Thanks Armand.

Very well done, nice research and information presented well.

Excellent historical review Armand.

First! ;-) Classy content, Armand. Big fan.

Great detailed knowledge which must have required a lot of research. Appreciate the effort and insights provided 👏

great video thanks!! very informative!

Very nice review, great work!

Fantastic, thank you

Just got on the waitlist for this

Hot damn, that double red SD.

thanks you learned lots.

Great review. Extremely interesting comments. I waited a year to get the SD43 because I couldn't get one at an AD. Got a 116100LN instead and love it. However after wearing the 126600 the Sub has left my collection. Im not happy about parting with my Sub I just needed to trade it, I'm married and she doesn't get it. LOL. I have a 7 inch wrist and the 126600 wears perfectly for me. I believe this will be my forever watch. Im not particularly happy that I paid a 15% mark-up in the grey market but, I was afraid it would be even more if I waited. Time will tell and it certainly is trending in that direction.

thanks for sharing the insight of sea dweller milestone. i enjoyed it. the 1665 is definitely the most favorable among others.

Good video. That is a serious chunk of steel. Like everythung about it except the polished center links.

Thank you for what was another brilliant and very informative video. I'm learning so much from this series of posts. You can never have too much knowledge I think especially when it comes to this wonderful pastime we all enjoy so much. Straight after this I had a revisit to a few of your other excellent posts. Love the Tudor that you purchased a little while ago. A lovely piece and one that I expect will provide you with many years of reliable service. An excellent choice, if a tad left of field. Take care bye for now Armand.

Awesome

The US Navy’s SEALAB divers, specifically Chief Warrant Officer Robert Barth, were the key initiators in Rolex’s development of the Sea-Dweller from the Submariner. COMEX was only an early adopter of the already completely developed watch.

Enjoyed that, thank you

WOW very kool ,,Yum I like,, good job

Amazing video as ever

Thanks for a very interesting video, although it reminds me of one of the biggest mistakes in my life. In 1985 I saw an Ad in a London newspaper for a "Rolex divers watch" - price £250! I Met the chap selling it in Covent Garden, took a look at the watch, which had some old stainless bracelet on it and the glass was scratched to hell and he proved it was waterproof by dropping it into a pint of beer. I didn't have a clue what a "Sea Dweller" was at the time, but thats what it said on the dial. Anyway, I took a punt on it being genuine and paid him. Several weeks later I took it to a jeweler in the city of London to have it serviced and brought back to proper spec and I was more than relieved to find out it was a "real" Rolex SD. I got it back some weeks later and was beautiful. Well, I wore that watch for the next several years, until it started losing time - about 5 mins a day - and it ended up sitting in a drawer for a couple of years more. In 1995 I needed cash for some project or other and decided to flog this watch as I wasn't using it and didn't want to spend money on another service. Long story short, I took it to a shop in Bond Street, London to ask if they wanted to buy it? The chap nearly fell off his seat and immediately offered £750 for it, we ended up settling on £800 and I walked away quite happy. Until that is, many years later when I realised exactly what they were and how valuable they are. Having looked at this video, I'm sure it was the "1665 Double Red Mk 3"! I don't even want to think what that would be worth now!

I'm happy to own the 2009 Sea-Dweller in unworn condition. When the models all changed in 2010, I had the presence of mind to pick one up, and I never regretted it.

All AD's in the U.K. Have long waiting lists for the new Sea Dweller. Looks like it's going to be a big success despite the size and cyclops.

Great history on the Sea Dweller. I don't find the DSSD- Cameron too big or too heavy at all. I love the gradient dial, and probably my most favorite watch in my collection.

The 3135 was used on the 16600 as well, pre 2008

I just got one from my AD this year!

Thank you for this great review! But I think you are ruling out the new SD43 too quickly, and judging it a little too harshly. The proportions of the SD43 and the new size bracelet is in good harmony with the watch , no comparison with the DSSD, but perhaps you haven't had a chance to see one in flesh at the time of yr video (Apr.30 as it only hit the market in May). You might change your mind once you see it in flesh, as it definitely is a super nice watch and it sits very nicely on the wrist. I think Rolex did a great job introducing a bigger size diver which was definitely missing in the range, and the DSSD was really wrong in it's proportions. The new SD43 is proving a commercial success as waiting lists are already building up worldwide. The cyclops however is a very arguable part and create lots of talks, while it is true that no SD had this feature in the past, but it is also really in the DNA of Rolex to have cyclops for the date of their watches..New movement is a good evolution too..The red writing is a nice plus.All in all a lovely diver!

I also recently purchased the 40mm ceramic SD 116600, just as it became discontinued and superceded. It's the best Rolex diver ever, whereas the new SD just doesn't seem right.

SD43 is the best looking one of them all. The size and the cyclop is lovely addition, hence I bought one.

Recently purchased the 116600 SD4K and absolutely love it. Great recap of the Sea-Dweller line.

You skipped over the 16600, which came between the 16660 and the 116660 Deepsea. The 16660 had the 3035 movement and tritium lume. The 16600 had the 3135 movement and luminova. This was the one that had the largest production run, not the 16660. In 2018 (after this video) the 126660 Deepsea with the 3235 movement was released. Lug width was increased from 20mm to 22mm, giving a better visual balance to the watch, and adding more counterweight in the bracelet, making the watch less top heavy. My personal Sea-Dweller grail watches are the 116600 40mm with the ceramic bezel, and the 126660 Deepsea with the D-Blue dial. I agree that the 126600 Sea-Dweller 43 caters to a market that doesn't exist. The watch is almost as big (though admittedly not as thick) as the Deepsea, but with 1/3rd the depth rating. I like the red line, but despise the cyclops. I would rather have seen an upgraded version of the 116600 at 40mm, with the 3235 movement, the red line of text, and no cyclops. That would've been pretty much perfect.

SD4K 116600 - the best and last true Sea Dweller. 💯 perfection

Great video. I love the heritage of the sea dweller that your video very clearly presents. I recently picked up a SD4k and think it is nearly the perfect watch. My SubC 114060 did not have the presence (and date) the SD has and I just can not love the cyclops. Well done!

I'm sure that a lot of work went into the making of this video thank you for putting in the time, I'm glad that I watched it, very informative

Yes,you only need a helium escape valve if you're going into a diving bell-that's where the helium gets in,not whilst diving.Great video.

116600 SD4K will be the holy grail in 20 years

Yes I've now got a dssd it's amazing watch thanks Armand yet again for your great reviews

enjoying this with a 1978 Great white 1665 Mark 1 dial

Having owned a BLNR, and a Blue DSSD, and an SD43, I must disagree on the bagging of the SD43. The BLNR - while mesmerising to look at, is too small in my opinion. And the James Cameron, too big. While it is also simply lovely to look at, the height of the JC, and the narrowness of the bracelet makes it difficult to wear day to day. That makes the SD43 the Goldilocks - it's just right. The broader bracelet, the larger but not too large size, and the cyclops, all make this watch an amazing all-rounder. If things never changed, everything.... would stay the same. I commend Rolex on the courage to have a crack and do something different.

I cannot believe it but every single statement you made about every one of these models, especially the modern ones and rant about them is EXACTLY what I think of them, especially the latest one with the cyclops and increased size, such a letdown! a very enjoyable video!! keep up the great work

Hi, thanks for this video. In my opinion you were sharing too much of emotion in the SD43 redline watch.. You didn't mention about the grey/black dial for instance.as well the quality of the lettertype that matches the vintage one. The redline 2017 has remarkable changes in terms of innovation. Is different from the deepsea model. This watch is also not that big then most people are mentioning here on the internet. The best way is to try it out yourself and decide. If you like the submariner date then you even like this watch more also because of the history behind and the features you'll have with it. It is for passionates.

43mm is incredibly tiny compared to "ghetto" watches that so many wear in NYC. :)

Thank you for your review - I have owned 2x times the SD43 but it just didn’t sign to me, I wish Rolex had keep the SD43 without cyclops.. for this very reason I’m trying find the SD4000

Love the early Sea Dweller but just too expensive. A nice 16600 would do it, not a fan of the cyclops.

I bought my 4000 sea dweller back in 1988

My only "Wish list Timepiece" is the 2017 Red Sea-Dweller and believe me I do not find it in anyway disappointing at all!!!!

This is the “manly” version of a Submariner. Lol. The case is more proportional to the bracelet too, flows just right. It is extremely wearable. It’s thin enough to wear with a dress shirt or suit. The cyclops is useful when I don’t have my glasses and it screams Rolex. This watch is perfection! Can’t imagine anything better made for a man. Submariner is for smaller guys and women. If you have to have an all around watch, this is it.

Picked up my SD43 yesterday from my AD. I think best looking diver and perfect for my big wrist and hands. The 4000 is nice but to small and the red lining is epic 👌

Nice vid but your missing a few facts about the ref 16660. that reference was from 1978 to 1988. Following that reference was the 16600. That was the model that lasted till 2008. You need to make a correction in the description.

Love my Sea Dweller Cyclops ! There are 2 kinds of Rolex wearers ..Those who have 1 & those who wish they did !

The problem with the modern SDs since 116600 is the incredible popularity of the Submariner. Lot of people do not need a better and and more rugged Sub with 4 times of depth rating and He valve, and an uncomfortable at the office plus mms of thickness (most of Rolex dive watches only see pools at max.). This is why at its age the 116600 SD4K did not sell well. After 3 years Rolex realizes, that this model is one of the less sold Rolexes ever. Than guess what, what they do? They made an SD close to the DeepSea, what makes itself a place in the collection with the size and the extreme saturation diver image, plus the D-Blue version. And the Sea Dweller is between the table and the chair again on the floor... 116600 was by the way the top of the evolution of the SD in terms of refinement and calm design with great technical background. DeepSea is too extreme for most of us, Sub is too common.

i could not disagree with u more... i took ownership of the 126600.. i find it well balance.. the cyclops actually adds depth to the watch not imbalance... the size is perfect bec it differentiates it from a sub or gmt... the weight is not an issue i wear mine daily... i beleive this 126600 will go down as the greatest sea dweller ever made...

So. 1995 deepsea or 4000.?

Everytime Rolex introduced an updated model people complains which reminded me the one who complained about the green 50th Aniversary Submariner when it was introduced in 2004, guess what? The value of that green sub has increased significantly and people who complained are now scrambling to get one for their collection. LOL. Yes they were complaining about the maxi dial, the funny green bezel,...This new 50th Anniversary red Sea Dweller will worth a lots when it's discountined

hello. I thought you would have mentioned that aytpical to Rolex lume applications weren't circled in white gold.

For me the last great one is my SD 16600. I just see no reason for the huge overstatement they have gone too.

I have the SD43, 50th anniversary, Res Line. Mk1 dial (true 50th, unlike the Mk2 dials out there). It's my favorite of my collection.

wow. that prediction didn't quite play out. 126600 hottest watch in the rolex line currently.

They didn’t explode. The Crystal was forced out

The 126600 Mk1 will rise in value. The Mk2 dial is already out, making the Mk1 a true anniversary 👍🏻 Time will tell 😉

If the Sea-Dweller had just been invented, you would state how attractive it was. The Cyclops is a Rolex signature to ease the reading of the date. You need to embrace the new technology. The watch is made for a function: not for armchair critics, of which, there are too many!

Comex never developed the HEV! It was T walker Lloyd ang Bob Barth that told Rolex to use that thought the US Navy SeaLab Program! It was pioneer such as Scott Carpenter that were the Sea Dwellers ! You skipped over a major part of history on the singer Red also! Those 10 Single Reds were used on the TekTite 1&2 program and never had hev’s ! There is slot more history to the Sea Dweller then you think! Yes the company Comex was apart of Rolex as a partnership but latter on !

This might be the most elegant of all Roex. The simplicity and the balance of the watch without cyclops is without parallel. It is immediately a dressier look. The whole idea of a watch that looks like it slips under the cuff easily and out again without the appearance of cyclops which would visually seem to restrain the watch and make it a curiosity when attempting to use a sport watch with dressier and more formal attire seems too obvious even when submitting to the truth of taste.

The 116600 4000m for an affordable investment Rolex SD that is sure to be a sought after future collectors piece. Transitional, low production run, 40mm tapered lugs, Glidelock, Rehaut, ceramic bezel, newer movement, Maxi dial with Chromalight lume. And no cyclops.

My personal feelings are that the 126600 slots in perfectly between the sub and the deepsea. It's a watch for larger wrists but doesn't wear like a hockey puk as the deepsea does. For a bigger fella it wears like a sub and in my eyes at least is absolute perfection. Just my take on it. 👍🏽

The best Rolex sea dweller was the 116600 - perfect 40mm - slimmer lugs - non cyclops - ceramic bezel - fully graduated bezel … perfection!!!

Seriously I don't care what others think. I love the SD43. No regrets buying it.

The king of kings. All things considered (technology and design) the 116600 SD4k is surely the ultimate and the dive watch GOAT! But I do like a Great White from vintage. Cyclops on the SD43 is a travesty (what diver needs to check the date frequently enough to warrant a cyclops?!) and proof that Rolex lost its way with the SD: RIP refined, functional elegance... hello fashion and emerging markets. Say it ain't so.

You’re wrong. The SD43 is the best watch ever made by Rolex. Perfect proportions. 40mm is just too small.

So annoying and confusing..too much useless details and bahblah

You say "uh" a great deal. Rendering your video unwatchable for me, unfortunately.

Sd43 best ever rolex. THE END

Don't be dumb.

Don't be dumb

All AD's in the U.K. Have long waiting lists for the new Sea Dweller. Looks like it's going to be a big success despite the size and cyclops.