Philipps' announcement of the 'Single Red Deep Sea - Jacques Piccard edition' pays tribute to a pivotal figure in Rolex's history and deep-sea exploration. This article introduces a special customized Rolex Deepsea 116660, limited to 86 pieces, honoring Jacques Piccard's life and his historic 1960 dive to the Challenger Deep. Philipps' initiative highlights the enduring legacy of Piccard's achievements and their impact on Rolex's reputation for robust tool watches.
Hi All,
I am proud to announce the introduction of the Single Red Deep Sea - Jacques Piccard edition, after official approvement by Mr. Bertrand Piccard, son of Jacques Piccard.
With this special edition we would like to honour Mr Piccard's life. A total of 86 examples will be made, that's one for each year that Mr. Piccard lived. A part of the revenue will be donated to the Jacques Piccard Foundation (Fondation pour l'Etude des Lacs et des Océans - Foundation for the Study and Protection of Seas and Lakes) based in Cully Switzerland. The black DLC Coated Rolex Deepsea 116660 with single red painting and special backside engravement will come with a customised black drybox with goodies such as a copy of the Jacques Piccard book: Seven Miles Down: the Story of the Bathyscaph Trieste uit 1961....
The engineer and deep-sea explorer Jacques Piccard, who has died aged 86, made many contributions to the development of deep-sea exploration and marine conservation. But he will be best remembered for one remarkable feat: on January 26 1960, in the bathyscaphe Trieste, he and Lieutenant Don Walsh of the US navy reached the bottom of the Challenger Deep, east of the Philippine Islands. At 10,900 metres (35,761 feet), located in the Mariana Trench, this is the deepest possible human descent into the abyss.
For the history of Rolex, their development towards a perfect toolwatch, Jacques Piccard played an important role. After his succesfull mission, with the Rolex Deep Sea Special attached on the outside, Piccard sent a telegram to Rolex in Geneva saying "I am happy to confirm that even at 11,000 meters your watch is as precise as on the surface. Best regards, Jacques Piccard" the watch holds up to a pressure of 1,150 atm or 1,150 kgs per cm2. For me it's an honour to bring out a special customised Rolex dedicated to a man who explored the deepest level on earth and played a important role within my passion, Rolex and it's history....
Attached picture are of the prototype, final version & more info will be ready soon.
More info under:
www.bertrandpiccard.com
en.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org
www.guardian.co.uk
www.nytimes.com
Stay tuned ;- )
Rgrds. Philipp Stahl
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
About the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Ref. 116660
The Deepsea reference 116660 represents a significant evolution in Rolex's professional dive watch offerings, positioned above the Submariner and Sea-Dweller in terms of water resistance and case dimensions. Introduced in 2008, this model was engineered for extreme underwater exploration, featuring a robust case construction designed to withstand immense pressure. It established the Deepsea as a distinct and highly capable instrument within the brand's catalog, catering to serious divers and enthusiasts of substantial timepieces.
This reference features a 44 mm Oyster case crafted from 904L stainless steel, with a notable thickness of 17.7 mm. It is equipped with Rolex's patented Ringlock System, which incorporates a nitrogen-alloyed stainless steel compression ring, a 5.5 mm thick domed sapphire crystal, and a titanium case back. Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber 3135, a COSC-certified chronometer movement known for its reliability and precision, offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
The 116660 appeals to collectors who value technical prowess and a commanding wrist presence. Its substantial proportions and advanced engineering distinguish it from other dive watches, making it a statement piece. The model was produced with a black dial and a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel. This reference laid the groundwork for subsequent Deepsea iterations, including the D-Blue dial variant, and remains a key reference for understanding the development of Rolex's ultra-deep diving watches.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 3135
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 44 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 3900m
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
