Review
CR's post offers a compelling personal perspective on the perceived wearability of Rolex's formidable dive watches. His initial impression of the Deepsea James Cameron as 'too big' for his 6-inch wrist is re-evaluated after trying on the even larger Deepsea Challenge, providing valuable real-world context for collectors considering these substantial timepieces. This exploration highlights how comparative sizing can dramatically shift one's perception of a watch's dimensions and comfort.
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.
Iām sure it was interesting to try the Challenge. All the best, Jon
I would've had to remove quite a few links to get it to fit.
I think the DSC would feel comfortable on my wrist if I had the bracelet properly adjusted -- removing most or all of the removable links. The DSSD is certainly comfortable, both the 126660 and the original 116660. Many people think the 126660 is more comfortable on the wrist than the 116660 was, but I didn't notice any difference (I used to own a 116660 black dial).
For me, I had to remove 3.5 links (if I remember correctly) ... It is an extreme diver, so the big size is hardly a surprise. It is not going to fit or look like a thin dress watch! This is my 3rd week of wearing it, and it's a lot of fun to wear! š»
It would be a fun piece to own and perhaps to wear on the outside of my clothing, during winter!
Happy to hear you find it comfortable.
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