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Subexplorer celebrates his acquisition of a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660, affectionately dubbed the 'triple six' model. His post highlights the watch's unique blend of vintage aesthetics and robust modern capabilities, inviting fellow collectors to appreciate its character and storied past, especially its unpolished case and battle scars.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16660, often referred to as the "Triple Six," represents a significant transitional model within the Sea-Dweller lineage. It was the first Sea-Dweller to incorporate a sapphire crystal, a crucial upgrade that enhanced its pressure resistance and durability compared to its plexiglass predecessors. This reference also marked the introduction of a larger helium escape valve, further solidifying its professional dive watch credentials and distinguishing it from earlier iterations. It bridges the gap between the vintage four-digit references and the more modern five-digit models.
This reference features a 40 mm stainless steel Oyster case, designed for extreme depths. It is powered by the automatic Caliber 3035, a robust movement known for its reliability and quick-set date function. The watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal, contributing to its impressive water resistance of 1220 meters (4000 feet). The unidirectional rotating bezel allows for precise timing of immersion, and the Oyster bracelet ensures secure wear during demanding activities.
For collectors, the 16660 is notable for its transitional characteristics, offering both vintage appeal with its matte dial variants in early production and the enhanced technical specifications of later models. It appeals to those seeking a robust tool watch with historical significance, representing a key evolutionary step in Rolex's professional dive watch development. The reference is recognized for its engineering advancements and its role in the continuous refinement of the Sea-Dweller series.
Bravo on this great new catch. Best Bill
... and we can enjoy its great condition as we view it. You say right, mine looks like its original owner really used it as a tool watch! I like to think he was a pro diver, but I must confess couldn´t find any info about him. Most important is that in spite its scars, movement is pristine and working like we can expect from a Rolex, and also that case has never been polished and lugs display those desirable bevels I love so much. May be a new crystal will better its image, but I am enjoying it
What i am always searching is a what that has been kept out of the sun in a safe place vs a what that has been in the sun while it have a lighter or darker tritium. It seems some times the safe queen has darker yellow tritium but it is never consistant without history. The question still remains in my mind does the sun lighten or darlen the lume. But maybe the formula changes if you live in humid vs dry heat. Mystery of Rolex. Best Bill
... interesting and intriguing issue. I´m inclined to think without being an expert that exposition to light and sun tends to a light patina. May be I´m biased by my experience with my own 1680 which is acompanying me as an almost only watch from 1977 till around 2008 in which I begun collecting watches and switching watches in almost daily basis. I still wear it from time to time of course. This faithful 1680 was used in sport scuba diving, beach, pool, daily work at office, worn day and night
....if you are cool like Bill Murray/Lebowski/rtd army etc etc then the character absorbed by the watch like that may radiate with you. I personally cannot sport the beaten-up look.
... my vintage watches age with much more dignity than me! Lol! Ok, I have to asume that I´m a rather old man who doesn´t have the cool look of the people you name, but I really enjoy wearing my vintage watches, and a few of them show the signs of having been heavily used by the original owner in the intended use they were made for. And while wearing them I like to daydream about the possible adventurous life these watches and their owners had in the past. May be I´m too imaginative... or romant
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