Rolex Deep Sea Special and Deepsea Exhibition

Ubik · 2013-03-27T11:17:47Z

Ubik shares an exclusive look at the Rolex Deep Sea Special, the legendary watch that descended into the Mariana Trench, alongside the modern Deepsea. A historic dive watch event.

Ubik

WPS member · Rolex forum

19 replies7677 views33 photos

Ubik recounts an exclusive evening in London, where Purists were granted a rare opportunity to witness a legendary piece of horological history: the Rolex Deep Sea Special. This article captures the excitement of seeing the watch that accompanied the Trieste submersible to the Mariana Trench, alongside its modern successor, the Rolex Deepsea.

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Myself and a couple of other Purists were invited last week to a small room in the center of London.

Spot the odd one out.

Here we were plied with drinks and allowed to look at some current offerings.

However in the corner of the room stood a tanatlising curtain. Like the one covering the Wizard of Oz. What could be behind it?

Finally the curtain was drawn back and we were allowed to enter.

Inside was an intimate exhibition covering perhaps one of the most famous diving trials a watch has ever undergone.

Strapped to the outside of the Trieste and dropped to the bottom of the Mariana trench, the deepest known part of the Earth's oceans a very special Rolex.

Under glass we got a good luck at this legendary watch.

It was wonderful to see it. What must have seemed like an unwieldly behemoth back then, seemed strangely contemporary now.

A shame I couldn't strap it on for a wristshot.

Next to it, to complete the circle was the new Deepsea. Which went down to the same point as the earlier expedition with director James Cameron at the helm. A picture of him and Don Walsh one of the original memebers of the expedition.

A comparison chart.

(credit - blog.perpetueller.com)

Thanks to Imran and Baron for making it a memorable night out.

A very special thanks to David Lindsay from Watches of Switzerland for the invite.

About the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref. 116600

The Sea-Dweller reference 116600 marked the return of the 40mm case size for the model, a dimension that had been absent from the Sea-Dweller lineup for some time. This reference reintroduced several classic Sea-Dweller design elements, distinguishing it from its larger contemporary, the Sea-Dweller 4000. It was produced for a relatively short period, making it a notable transitional model within the brand's professional tool watch offerings.

This reference features a stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter and 15.3mm in thickness. It is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel made of black ceramic with a 60-minute graduation. The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 3135, offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the black dial, which includes a date complication without the cyclops lens, a characteristic feature of the Sea-Dweller line.

Appealing to collectors who appreciate traditional proportions and the technical capabilities of a professional dive watch, the 116600 is recognized for its blend of heritage design and modern materials. Its limited production run contributes to its appeal among enthusiasts seeking a Sea-Dweller with a more classic case size and specific aesthetic details, such as the matte-like black dial and the absence of the cyclops over the date.

Specifications

Caliber: 3135

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 1220m

Crystal: Sapphire crystal

Key Points from the Discussion

The author's Polaris watch, worn during the event, is playfully suggested to have outshone some of the Rolex Submariners present, adding a touch of personal anecdote to the experience.
The event showcased two historic Rolex watches, highlighting the remarkable story behind both the original Deep Sea Special and the modern Deepsea, making for a memorable evening.
Additional historical documents from 1954 and 1964 are shared, featuring images of the Rolex Deep Sea Special and a submarine, further enriching the context of Rolex's deep-sea exploration legacy.
The opportunity to see the actual Rolex Deep Sea Special is described as a 'once in a lifetime possibility,' emphasizing the rarity and significance of the exhibition.

The Discussion

Baron - Mr Red

Mar 27, 2013

Spot the odd one out?

That would be the modern Chrono, right? Ha. You captured it very well, Ubik. Two historic watches....and quite a remarkable story behind both. I also want to express thanks to Dave....and subsequently Imran for getting the invites. A great evening for sure.

blomman Mr Blue

Mar 27, 2013

Thank you for sharing the moment! :)

A beast of a watch! :) Here are some related documents... 1954 1964 Unfortunately I am not sure what the second document says as I don't read Frensh - but I do like the Submarine! :) Best, my friend Blomman

chaser579

Mar 28, 2013

The Mesoscaphe...

" mesoscaphe , diving vessel built by the Swiss scientist Jacques Piccard that suspended itself automatically at predetermined depths. The first mesoscaphe was built for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition in Lausanne and designed as a tourist submarine for 40 passengers. Although it could descend to more than 600 m (2,000 feet), most of the mesoscaphe’s 1,100 descents into Lake Geneva during 1964 and 1965 reached only about 90 m (300 feet). " from . Some of my family in Switzerland went in the

blomman Mr Blue

Mar 28, 2013

Thank you for the transaltion...

And history! :) Best Blomman

Ubik

Mar 28, 2013

As always Blomman, some wonderful ads. Thanks. [nt]

blomman Mr Blue

Mar 28, 2013

I knew you would like these..! ;) [nt]