For horology enthusiasts and adventurers alike, the reference number 116660 resonates with a singular authority: the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller. This isn't just another luxury watch; it's a tool engineered for the most extreme depths of the ocean, a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and exploration. The 116660, while succeeded by newer models, holds a special place in the Deepsea lineage and remains a highly sought-after timepiece. This comprehensive article will delve into the intricacies of the Rolex Deepsea 116660, exploring its design, features, history, and enduring appeal.

A Beast of Engineering: Unveiling the Rolex Deepsea 116660

The Rolex Deepsea 116660 is more than just a watch; it's a marvel of engineering designed to withstand the crushing pressures of the deep ocean. Launched in 2008, it represented a significant leap forward in dive watch technology. Its robust construction and groundbreaking features set a new standard for underwater timekeeping. Let's dissect the key elements that make the 116660 a true icon.

The Ring Lock System: Core Innovation for Unprecedented Depth

At the heart of the 116660's incredible depth rating of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) lies the patented Ring Lock System. This revolutionary case architecture is the watch's defining feature and what allows it to endure immense pressure. Instead of relying solely on a thick caseback, the Ring Lock System distributes pressure across three key elements:

• Nitrogen-Alloy Steel Ring: Positioned between the sapphire crystal and the caseback, this central ring is the backbone of the system, bearing the brunt of the water pressure.
• 5 mm Thick Domed Sapphire Crystal: The crystal, significantly thicker than standard watch crystals, is designed to flex slightly under pressure while maintaining its integrity. Its domed shape is crucial for distributing stress evenly.
• Grade 5 Titanium Caseback: The caseback, made of lightweight yet incredibly strong Grade 5 titanium, also flexes under pressure, working in conjunction with the ring and crystal.

This ingenious system allows the 116660 to withstand pressures far exceeding those encountered in recreational and even most commercial diving scenarios. It's a testament to Rolex's innovative spirit and engineering prowess.

Dial and Bezel: Legibility and Functionality Under Pressure

Beyond its robust construction, the Rolex Deepsea 116660 prioritizes functionality and legibility, critical aspects for any dive watch. The dial is designed for maximum clarity in low-light conditions, featuring:

• Maxi Dial with Chromalight: Oversized hour markers and hands coated with Chromalight, Rolex's proprietary luminescent material, provide exceptional blue luminescence for extended visibility in the dark depths. This blue glow is optimized for the underwater spectrum, enhancing contrast and legibility.
• Unidirectional Rotatable Bezel with Cerachrom Insert: The 60-minute graduated bezel, a vital tool for divers to track elapsed time, features a black Cerachrom insert. Cerachrom is Rolex's proprietary ceramic material, virtually scratchproof, fade-resistant, and impervious to corrosion. The bezel's unidirectional rotation ensures that dive time can only be accidentally shortened, not lengthened, a crucial safety feature.

The combination of the Maxi dial and Cerachrom bezel ensures that the 116660 remains functional and readable in the challenging conditions of the deep sea.

Oyster Bracelet and Glidelock Clasp: Secure and Comfortable Fit

The Rolex Deepsea 116660 is equipped with the robust Oyster bracelet, a hallmark of Rolex sports watches, known for its durability and comfort. However, for the Deepsea, Rolex enhanced the bracelet with features specifically designed for diving:

• Oyster Bracelet with Solid Links: Constructed from solid 904L stainless steel, the Oyster bracelet is built to withstand the rigors of underwater environments and daily wear.
• Glidelock Extension System: This ingenious system allows for fine adjustments to the bracelet length in small increments without tools. This is crucial for divers who need to adjust the bracelet to fit over a wetsuit.
• Fliplock Extension Link: For even greater adjustability, the Fliplock extension link provides an additional extension of approximately 26mm, accommodating thicker wetsuits or drysuits.

These bracelet features ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even over bulky dive gear, enhancing the practicality of the 116660 as a professional diving tool.

Caliber 3135: The Reliable Engine Within

Powering the Rolex Deepsea 116660 is the venerable Caliber 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its reliability, precision, and robustness. This movement, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, features:

• Perpetual Rotor: Rolex's efficient self-winding system ensures continuous winding of the mainspring through the natural motion of the wearer's wrist.
• Parachrom Hairspring: Made from a paramagnetic alloy, the Parachrom hairspring is highly resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations, enhancing the movement's accuracy and stability.
• Chronometer Certification: Like all Rolex watches, the 116660 is a Superlative Chronometer, certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) and further tested by Rolex to ensure exceptional precision and performance.

The Caliber 3135 is a workhorse movement, contributing to the 116660's reputation for unwavering reliability and accuracy, even in demanding environments.

The Evolution of the Deepsea: Placing the 116660 in Context

The Rolex Deepsea 116660 is not an isolated creation; it's part of a lineage of Rolex dive watches that stretches back to the 1950s with the Submariner and Sea-Dweller. The Deepsea line itself represents the pinnacle of Rolex's deep-diving expertise. The 116660 built upon the foundations laid by earlier Sea-Dweller models, pushing the boundaries of depth rating and robustness even further. It was a direct successor to the Sea-Dweller 16600 and represented a significant technological leap forward.

While the 116660 was eventually succeeded by the 126660 and subsequent iterations, it remains a crucial milestone in the Deepsea story. It solidified the Ring Lock System as the core technology for extreme depth resistance and established the aesthetic and functional blueprint for future Deepsea models.

Why the 116660 Remains a Coveted Timepiece

Despite being discontinued and replaced by newer models, the Rolex Deepsea 116660 continues to be highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts. Several factors contribute to its enduring appeal:

• Historical Significance: The 116660 was the first Deepsea to feature the Ring Lock System and reach a depth rating of 3,900 meters, marking a significant achievement in dive watch engineering.
• Robustness and Capability: Its over-engineered construction and extreme depth rating make it a symbol of robustness and capability, appealing to those who appreciate watches built for extreme environments.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The 116660's imposing size and tool-watch aesthetic have a strong appeal. It's a watch that makes a statement, reflecting its robust nature and purpose.
• Collector's Value: As a discontinued model, the 116660 has become a sought-after piece in the secondary market. Its historical significance and limited production run contribute to its collectibility.

The Rolex Deepsea 116660 is more than just a watch; it's a symbol of Rolex's engineering prowess, a testament to human ambition to explore the deepest parts of the ocean, and a highly collectible timepiece in its own right.

Who is the Rolex Deepsea 116660 For?

While designed for professional divers and extreme adventurers, the appeal of the Rolex Deepsea 116660 extends beyond the diving community. It attracts:

• Professional and Technical Divers: For those who require a reliable and robust tool watch for deep dives, the 116660 offers unparalleled depth rating and functionality.
• Watch Enthusiasts and Collectors: The 116660 is a highly collectible piece due to its historical significance, engineering innovation, and limited production run.
• Individuals who Appreciate Robust Engineering: Even for those who may never dive, the 116660 appeals to those who appreciate watches built to withstand extreme conditions and embody a spirit of adventure.
• Those Seeking a Statement Piece: Its substantial size and bold design make the 116660 a watch that commands attention and reflects a wearer's appreciation for robust and capable timepieces.

Ultimately, the Rolex Deepsea 116660 is for anyone who appreciates exceptional engineering, robust design, and the legacy of a true tool watch built for the extremes.

Acquiring a Rolex Deepsea 116660

As a discontinued model, acquiring a Rolex Deepsea 116660 typically involves exploring the pre-owned market. Here are some key considerations:

• Authorized Dealers (Pre-Owned): Some Rolex Authorized Dealers may have certified pre-owned 116660 models, offering a degree of assurance regarding authenticity and condition.
• Reputable Pre-Owned Watch Dealers: Numerous reputable dealers specialize in pre-owned luxury watches. Thorough research and due diligence are crucial when purchasing from these sources.
• Online Marketplaces: Online platforms offer a wide selection of pre-owned 116660 watches, but caution is advised. Ensure the seller is reputable and offers authentication services.

Authentication is paramount when purchasing a pre-owned 116660. Look for watches with original boxes and papers, and consider having the watch authenticated by a Rolex service center or a reputable watch expert.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Rolex Deepsea 116660 Answered

What is the depth rating of the Rolex Deepsea 116660?

The Rolex Deepsea 116660 has a depth rating of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet).

What is the Ring Lock System?

The Ring Lock System is Rolex's patented case architecture that allows the Deepsea to withstand extreme pressures. It comprises a nitrogen-alloy steel ring, a domed sapphire crystal, and a titanium caseback working in concert.

What movement powers the Rolex Deepsea 116660?

The Rolex Deepsea 116660 is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement known for its reliability and precision.

Is the Rolex Deepsea 116660 discontinued?

Yes, the Rolex Deepsea 116660 is discontinued and has been succeeded by newer Deepsea models.

Is the Rolex Deepsea 116660 a good investment?

Due to its historical significance and collectibility, the Rolex Deepsea 116660 can be considered a good investment, potentially holding or increasing in value over time. However, watch investments can fluctuate, and it's essential to research market trends.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Rolex Deepsea 116660

The Rolex Deepsea 116660 is more than just a dive watch; it's a symbol of Rolex's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in watchmaking. Its groundbreaking Ring Lock System, robust construction, and functional design set a new benchmark for extreme depth watches. While no longer in production, the 116660 remains a highly sought-after timepiece, appreciated for its historical significance, engineering marvel, and enduring appeal. It stands as a testament to Rolex's legacy of creating watches that are not only luxurious but also capable of withstanding the most extreme environments on Earth. The Rolex Deepsea 116660 truly deserves its place as a titan of the abyss and a legend in the world of horology.

References and Sources

1. Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Official Page (Current Model - for general information on Deepsea lineage)
2. Hodinkee - The Rolex Deepsea Challenge: A History of the Deepest Dive Ever Made (Context on Deepsea lineage)
3. Revolution Watch - Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660 vs 126660 Review (Comparison and historical context)
4. Bob's Watches - Rolex Deepsea 116660 Information (Example of pre-owned dealer information)