Rolex DD40 vs. DSSD: New vs. Old Comparison

CR · 2022-12-11T15:12:25Z

Explore CR's detailed comparison of Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 136660 vs 126660 and platinum Day-Date 40 smooth vs fluted bezels. Discover key differences.

WPS member · Rolex forum

17 replies9014 views4 photos

CR, a seasoned collector, offers a compelling side-by-side comparison of updated Rolex references, specifically the Deepsea Sea-Dweller 136660 against its predecessor 126660, and the platinum Day-Date 40 with a smooth bezel (228206) versus the newer fluted bezel (228236). His detailed observations highlight subtle yet significant differences that often go unnoticed in official specifications, providing invaluable insights for potential buyers and enthusiasts alike. This article distills CR's original post and the community's reactions, offering a comprehensive look at these iconic Rolex models.

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I had been wanting to compare two "old" models with their current updates.

The first was the DSSD. As we know, the new 136660 has a slightly larger date window, AR-coated crystal (one side), slimmer bezel, visibly chamfered crystal, and some other features (and omissions) that are different from the 126660. I had seen the 136660 once before, but I didn't have a 126660 present at that time, to compare. This time I did.

The two models do look nearly identical to me. The slightly larger date window on the 136660 was the second-most noticeable difference to me. A nice touch.

But the most noticeable feature was something I was not really expecting: The dial color. I'm not sure if what I observed was due to differences in the dial itself, or the AR coating on the 136660, or both. But I really liked the newer 136660 dial. The blue was deeper and sharper, more pronounced. Also, there was a clear difference in the gradation from blue to black on the dial. On the 136660 that I saw, the transition from blue to black happened higher on the dial and was a "faster" transition. The dial color at the level of the date window of the 136660 was black, whereas it was still blue there on the older 126660, which expressed a more gradual transition from blue to black. You can see this a bit in the photo below (126660 on the left, 136660 on the right).

This was the most noticeable difference to me, and it's what led me to prefer the 136660 (but not enough to sell the 126660 and buy it). Otherwise, the difference appeared negligible to me.

[Note: The green hang tag in the far left is not attached to my 126660 even though it looks like it is. That hang tag is attached to a different watch sitting on far left of the watch tray, outside the photo. It's visually confusing -- confused me when I first saw the pic!]

The second comparison I wanted to make involved the platinum DD40 -- older smooth bezel (228206) vs. newer fluted bezel (228236).

I bought a (preowned) 228206 a few years ago and really liked the smooth bezel. I was grateful that it was smooth because I thought a fluted bezel might look too blingy. But of course, no fluted bezel existed on the platinum model, so this was pure speculation.

Then, when Rolex introduced the 228236 and I saw photos of the fluted bezel, I thought it looked great in the pictures. I was convinced that I'd prefer the new fluted bezel.

This is why I was so surprised when I saw the fluted bezel in person. The fluted bezel on the 228236 looked too strong and a bit distracting to me. At first I thought it was just the artificial lighting in the store, so I took the watch over to the window, to see it in natural light. No change in my opinion, though. Still strongly preferred the older smooth bezel because I thought it had a more balanced, harmonious appearance.

So here I'd stick with the older smooth bezel, personally.

BUT the watches I was comparing had two different dials, so that might make a difference too. My 228206 had the "diagonal motif" dial with plain markers, which looks quite different from the blue dial with baguette markers.

The photos below do not present a fair comparison because the bottom pic (228206) was taken at a different time in different lighting. I couldn't get good pics in the store.

About the Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 126660

The Rolex Deepsea reference 126660 represents a significant evolution of the brand's professional dive watch line, positioned above the Submariner and Sea-Dweller in terms of water resistance and case dimensions. Introduced in 2018, this reference updated the previous 116660 with a new movement and subtle case refinements, maintaining its robust character designed for extreme underwater exploration. It is notable for its Ringlock System case architecture, which allows for its exceptional pressure resistance.

This reference features a 44mm Oystersteel case with a substantial thickness of 17.7mm, housing the automatic caliber 3235, which provides a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The watch is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 3900 meters (12800 feet), a testament to its engineering for deep-sea environments. A unidirectional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert facilitates dive timing.

Collector interest in the 126660 often centers on its technical capabilities and its imposing wrist presence. It appeals to those who value a highly engineered tool watch with a focus on extreme water resistance. The reference is available with either a classic black dial or the distinctive D-Blue gradient dial, the latter being particularly sought after for its unique aesthetic and association with deep-sea exploration.

Specifications

Caliber: 3235

Case: Oystersteel

Diameter: 44mm

Dial: Black or D-Blue gradient

Water Resist.: 3900m (12800ft)

Crystal: Domed sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 136660 features a more pronounced and deeper blue dial with a faster transition to black compared to the 126660, a key aesthetic difference enhanced by AR coating.
The new platinum Rolex Day-Date 40 with a fluted bezel (228236) can appear overly strong and distracting in person, leading some to prefer the more balanced aesthetic of the older smooth bezel (228206).
The dial color on the Rolex Deepsea Challenge 'Ultra Deep' also exhibits a concentrated blue towards the center, which can vary significantly under different lighting conditions.
The updated Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 136660, particularly the James Cameron edition, has garnered significant interest among collectors due to its subtle enhancements.
Another collector confirms the preference for the smooth bezel on the platinum Day-Date 40 after seeing the fluted version in person, reinforcing CR's initial observation.

The Discussion

amanico

Dec 11, 2022

Deep Sea James Cameron... This damn watch is haunting me. 12660 or 13660, it doesn't matter. I want one.

Dec 11, 2022

Can't go wrong with either one, my friend. I'd give the 136660 a slight edge though.

amanico

Dec 11, 2022

I will keep that in mind and see what Fate has for me. ;)

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Dec 11, 2022

Love the DD with the smooth bezel

penfriend

Dec 11, 2022

here is a pic of my DD40 with baguette diamonds

I prefer the smooth bezel; saw the fluted one at w&w and was happy about my choice

Mach

Dec 11, 2022

Thanks for these comparisons, Craig!

I was visiting an AD up in the Boston North Shore yesterday and saw the James Cameron 136660 - exhibition, of course!😫 I only recently learned that this 136660 existed and there were slight updates. Unfortunately, I really love this piece. Hopefully, it’s a realistic goal for ‘23!🤞