Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 vs. Deepsea 116660

ESE 2A · 2012-03-09T12:30:01Z

Compare Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 vs. Deepsea 116660 side-by-side. Explore size, wearability, and technical differences in this collector's review.

ESE 2A

WPS member · Rolex forum

20 replies4311 views0 photos

ESE 2A's visual comparison of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 and Sea-Dweller Deepsea 116660 offers a compelling side-by-side analysis of these iconic dive watches. This post directly addresses common forum debates about size and wearability, providing tangible photographic evidence that remains highly relevant for collectors considering either reference.

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I enjoy having this SD to compare to the SDDS. (Although some have already done here, and especially better than me) Side by side, I laugh, thinking back to all these comments I have read on the forums for all these years, "the SD is too big" "SD is unbalanced" "this is the version of bodybuilded Submariner "" This is the submariner in the extreme " In short, I will not comment Come on, up to photos

Well, the 16600 has lived (it apparently swam a lot in the Gulf of Ajaccio) but its case is always thick, finally, is when even a small player face to his "mother"

The HEV is in titanium on the SD, in 904L steel on the SDDS

Here, no steel ring doped with nitrogen to face the 3900m, we will stop at 1220m

The dial is t <25 with indexes still white, but the pearl begins yellow, the insert has blue reflections I had a hard time to photograph ;(

Glass has taken a few blows over the years, but no trace of oxidation on the flange or elsewhere. On my shelves, N3XXXXXX corresponds to late 1991-early 1992, but the punched papers are dated 1996. I have a thought for the AD that no longer exists

93160, pierced horns, extendable "small" everything is to dive again and again, although I think it will suffer a little "toilet" I think a complete revision, change glass, the insert and polishing, and you?

About the Rolex 16600 Ref. 16600

The Sea-Dweller reference 16600 represents a significant evolution within Rolex's professional dive watch collection, succeeding the reference 16660. It maintained the robust engineering principles of its predecessors while incorporating updated materials and manufacturing techniques. This reference is distinguished by its helium escape valve, a feature essential for saturation divers, allowing trapped gases to escape during decompression without damaging the crystal. It is a tool watch designed for extreme underwater environments, positioned above the Submariner in terms of water resistance and specialized features.

This reference features a 40 mm stainless steel case, providing a substantial yet wearable presence. It is equipped with the self-winding caliber 3135, a chronometer-certified movement known for its reliability and precision, offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch utilizes a sapphire crystal, contributing to its enhanced durability and scratch resistance. Its construction ensures a water resistance rating suitable for professional diving applications.

For collectors, the 16600 is notable as the last Sea-Dweller reference to feature a 40mm case and an aluminum bezel insert before the introduction of ceramic bezels and larger case sizes. It appeals to enthusiasts seeking a modern classic with traditional proportions and a robust, purpose-built design. The consistent black dial and steel bracelet across its production run underscore its functional aesthetic.

Specifications

Caliber: 3135

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 1220m

Crystal: Sapphire crystal

Key Points from the Discussion

Despite recognizing the Rolex Deepsea 116660 as a magnificent, tough watch with extraordinary quality, one collector found it too heavy, too big, and sitting too high on the wrist, ultimately failing to form a personal connection with it.
The improved bracelet of the Deepsea 116660 is crucial for achieving a proper fit, making its heft less noticeable compared to the 16600's bracelet, which can be harder to size perfectly.
Regarding the older 16600, it was suggested that if the watch is keeping reasonable time, service is not immediately necessary, and cosmetic wear is acceptable for a tool watch; a full refresh could be considered later, perhaps when passing it on.
The discrepancy between the serial number's production date and the punched papers' date is common, as watches can sit at an Authorized Dealer for a few years before being sold.
The Deepsea's impressive 3900m water resistance is achieved through a nitrogen-doped steel ring, which allowed Rolex engineers to reduce the case thickness compared to what would otherwise be required for such depth without this innovation.
One collector expressed strong affection for their Deepsea 116660, finding its size perfectly acceptable and noting that it provides a good 'wrist exercise'.
The Deepsea 116660, despite its size, appears as a 'baby' when compared side-by-side with a 44mm Panerai Luminor 1950 case (like the PAM00112).
A collector noted that the Panerai 1950 case possesses a unique strength and sensuality that the earlier Bettarini (Pre-Vendome) cases lack, highlighting a preference for the more refined elegance of the 1950 design.

The Discussion

DrStrong

Mar 9, 2012

Very educative ! Thanks Pierre [nt]

No message body

grigo

Mar 9, 2012

I like both.

Great side by side pictures of two splendid watches. I personally love my SDDS and do not find it is too big, gives my wrist a lot of exercise. Clean up the SD, well I will let the experts give their opinion. It does not look to bad in the pictures. Best regards, George

Bill

Mar 10, 2012

I am a big SD fan

Thanks for the comparisons. As far as service as long as the watch is keeping reasonable time I would not service the watch. As far as the cosmetics I would say the same. The watch looks good and it is a tool watch. Maybe one day when you pass it on you can refresh it but no need now. As far as the date differential between the serial and the punched papers it is common that a watch sits in a an AD's window or safe and sold a few years later. Generally this gap is about two or so years but I wou

ESE 2A

Mar 10, 2012

Thanks every body

Bill, I think you are right for the serial numer here, I have an another picture for the "big mac" fans

Bill

Mar 10, 2012

Everything on the SDDS is supersized... Wow

From this perspective the balance is questionable. Overall it works but this is an interesting take. Bill

ESE 2A

Mar 10, 2012

Not that big in fact...

....It should be more thick, but the engineersof Rolex have manages to "reduce" the case so that it has resisted pressure from 3900metres, thanks to the steel ring doped with nitrogen. Without this ring, it would have been more thick to get at that depth. (I had seen the diagrams and patent filings on a French forum, but I can not find anymore, sorry)