A Bigger Diver: The Discontinued Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 116600

Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref. 116600 at Baselworld 2014. The watch retained all the defining design features of its previous siblings and sported all the latest Rolex elements. However, Rolex has discontinued this Sea-Dweller version, replacing it with the modern Sea-Dweller Reference 126600 in 2017.

Well, you are not out of luck if you have missed the Sea-Dweller 116600 as it is yet available in the pre-owned market. Moreover, its demand has only increased in the current years, and it is pretty natural for discontinued models.

If you own a Sea-Dweller 116600 and want to raise some fast cash, you can choose to secure a loan against your Rolex watch with confidence. Trusted pawnbrokers in London like The Luxury Hut can offer you the highest possible cash loan amount for your timepiece. Get a free loan quote now.

Nonetheless, let’s explore the characteristic features that make the Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600 so unique.

The Oyster Case

The Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600 featured the usual stainless steel Oyster case, measuring 40mm in diameter.

• However, Rolex introduced the watch as a smaller and thinner alternative to the bigger 44mm Sea-Dweller Deepsea watches.
• The Oyster case forged out of 904L stainless steel offered maximum resistance to corrosion.

Moreover, the upgraded Sea-Dweller Reference 116600 sported broader crown guards and lugs, giving a more prominent appearance on the wrist.

The Ceramic Bezel

Rolex equipped the Sea-Dweller 116600 with a ceramic Cerachrom bezel as found in all contemporary Rolex watches. Its previous sibling, Reference 16600, featured the aluminium bezel. However, the ceramic offers resistance to scratching, fading and also renders a more uplifted look to the timepiece.

Moreover, the Cerachrom bezel on the Sea-Dweller 116600 featured minute markings all the way around. You can see this small detail on the vintage Rolex Milsub and Deepsea models.

The Maxi Dial

The Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 116600 flaunts a Maxi dial with bigger hands and luminous markers, offering a contemporary look.

• Moreover, the watch glows blue in the dark rather than green because of the Chromalight luminescent material.
• Furthermore, the Chromalight shines quicker and stays longer than the usual Super-LumiNova that emits green light.

The Helium Escape Valve

Rolex released its patented Helium Escape Valve in the Sea-Dweller collection. The watchmaker produced the Helium Escape Valve in collaboration with COMEX and the US Navy. However, this component releases built-up helium molecules to enable the timepiece to decompress correctly. Keep in mind that the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref. 116600 is resistant up to 4,000ft underwater.

The Bracelet

The bracelet of the Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref. 116600 received impressive enhancement. The watch features a stainless steel Oyster bracelet that is further fitted with a Glidelock extension system. With this micro-adjustable mechanism, you can adjust the Oyster bracelet easily and get a perfectly comfortable fit.

The Calibre 3135 Movement

The Rolex Calibre 3135 powers the Sea-Dweller Reference 116600. This automatic movement offers a power reserve of 48 hours and functions at 28,800 beats per hour. Moreover, Rolex fitted the movement with its patented blue Parachrom hairspring.

• It offers higher resistance to temperature changes and shocks. Moreover, Calibre 3135 also has date functionality.
• You can see the date aperture at the 3 o’clock side on the dial.
• However, the significant point to note here is that the date window does not have the Cyclops lens.

And the Reference 116600 is the last example in the Sea-Dweller collection to not feature the Cyclops lens. Rolex offered the new Reference 126600 with a Cyclops lens.

Overall, Reference 116600 refreshed the Sea-Dweller line. And this is the last iteration that sported all the defining Sea-Dweller components. All these factors make this watch a significant part of the history of Rolex’s diver watches.

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