One of the reasons I will get this watch is the FLAT sapphire crystal lens...without the bulky awkward cyclops, clean and classic. This is perhaps the most flagship Rolex ever, like the submariner, but better
Rob Kay exactly my 2 favourite models !!! The pre ceramic SD 16600 and the explorer 114270 (or 14270) !! I would prefer the triple 666 tritium 16660 but it is too expensive... Why do you prefer the new 39 explorer instead of the 36mm?
I have this reference in my collection as well - 1998 “Swiss” only dial. However, I prefer to wear my 16710 or 116710 because I’m a huge GMT lover...but my Ref. 16600 was my daily driver for years. I’m considering adding a matching Ref. 116600 simply to have one with the heavier current/modern bracelet.
as owner of the same watch, I agree on every single point you mentioned. as for the clasp, it doesnt bother me as I wear it with natos. really it's the best combo of modern with vintage vibe rolex diver.
I’ve had this exact watch for years now,it’s amazing feel cool wearing it, I actually like the look and feel of the clasp, I bought it used at a great price.
I loved your review. I have a Z series SD 16600 and I love everything about it, bracelet and clasp. I hear a lot of reviews talk about the poor quality of the bracelet, but I disagree. When buying a vintage watch, you are also buying the time period. I would never put a glide lock system or some other upgrade. It's like putting electric windows in my 1970 Porsche. Anyway, just my two cents🙂
@@jeromef2001 I'm content with my 16600... my next purchase will be a preceramic Daytona with a black dial, then I'll be done for awhile. I'm kinda over having dozens of watches that get no wrist time.
This timepiece had a run from 1989-2008 so there have been 2 newer iterations since that were not the DeepSea. It’s a phenomenal Rolex as I’m fortunate to have the last year 2008 of the 16600 and 2016 116600.
The only one weak point with this watch is it’s flip lock, which doesn’t seem to last as long as the rest of the watch. There is no way to tighten the flip lock when the ball end wears off without having the tin metal Scratching against the clasp. Quite a bummer considering how bullet proof this watch is.
No cyclops on the 16600, which is one of the main reasons I bought it over the Submariner. I loathe the fisheye and cannot for the life of me understand why anyone prefers it over a flat crystal.
I just bought one from 1991. Unfortunately in was polished… but it’s a beautiful watch. Also, the lume is gone, which is to be expected on a watch this old. I have no plans on replacing the face just to get lume that with only last 15 years or so… I’m leaving as is…. I love it !
I own this exact sea dweller,I own a obscene number of watches! If I had to choose just one watch I could not do it,but I could just have 2 if I had to,39mm explorer and this sea dweller,which one is my favourite watch? I CANNOT say,I really can’t.
I dislike the cyclops on the new sea dweller and 43mm is too big unless you’re hercules,anyway I would not pay the over pricing on the new models and anyway you can’t get one!! So I’d say BUY a steinhart
I was bought the 39mm explorer from my wife,40 yr anniversary new but I’d be just as happy with the older 36mm, but such is life! Incidentally I’ve just bought a used bronze steinhart and it’s amazing! My sea dweller is a late 90s model, I’m now trying hard not to buy anymore watches!!! Less is more.
I love my 16600, but the bracelet is definitely a weakness. That said, there are lots of high quality replacement bracelets so you can keep your Rolex bracelet scuff free in the box.
@@algorithm007ify Yes, the Case is better. But those bracelets were embarrassing. Seiko had a better bracelet back then. Rolex was rocking the hollow end links, hollow center links, stamped swing arms, stamped clasps, friction fit and loose jangly bracelets into the early mid 2000s. Omega and Breitling put them to shame for a number of years. Then again SS sport models were never a big seller for Rolex until the last few years. You could get any SS sport model with a discount (except daytona) into 2015 or 2016 from what I remember.
Wear a deep sea for a day, and you will get used to a heavier watch, and discover that it is not heavy at all. Then switch to the 16600, and this watch will feel like an explorer, and you will bond with it for life.