One of the quietest, yet most satisfying introductions of BaselWorld 2014 was the watch you see above. This is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 4000, reference 116600. While it didn't boast the flashy innovations of some of its contemporaries, its understated elegance and significant improvements over its predecessor cemented its place as a highly sought-after timepiece. This article delves deep into the Rolex 116600, exploring its design, features, price, and legacy, addressing common questions surrounding its availability and comparing it to its successor, the Rolex 126600.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600 Review: A Modern Classic
The Sea-Dweller 116600 represents a subtle yet significant evolution in the Sea-Dweller line. Prior to its release, the Sea-Dweller was largely associated with its larger, more robust, and arguably more overtly tool-watch aesthetic. The 116600, however, offered a more refined approach, maintaining the professional diving capabilities while presenting a more versatile and wearable design.
At its core, the 116600 is a professional diving instrument, boasting a water resistance of 4000 feet (1220 meters), a testament to its exceptional engineering. This impressive depth rating is achieved through Rolex’s renowned Oyster case, a monobloc middle case, a screw-down crown, and a Triplock winding crown system. The case itself, measuring 40mm in diameter, represents a more manageable size compared to its predecessors, making it suitable for a wider range of wrists and occasions.
The dial is a picture of understated elegance. Typically offered in black, the dial features large, luminous hour markers and hands, ensuring excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. The cyclops lens over the date window is a hallmark of Rolex, providing magnified readability. The overall design is clean and functional, free from unnecessary embellishments, reflecting the tool-watch ethos of the Sea-Dweller.
The movement powering the 116600 is the caliber 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its robustness and reliability. This workhorse movement, a staple in many Rolex models, provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Its accuracy and longevity are legendary, reflecting Rolex’s commitment to precision and durability.
Rolex 116600 Price: A Collector's Item
The Rolex 116600, even though it's no longer in production, remains a highly desirable watch. Its price reflects this demand. While the original retail price was significantly lower than current market values, finding a new, unworn 116600 is exceedingly rare. The pre-owned market is where most buyers find these watches. Prices vary depending on condition, box and papers (original packaging and documentation), and seller. Expect to pay a premium above the original retail price, reflecting the watch's collectibility and its now-discontinued status. You can expect prices to fluctuate, but it's safe to say that a well-preserved 116600 represents a solid investment.
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