1996 Sea-Dweller 16600 Papers + Box

$8,500

The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 is a professional-grade dive watch built for extreme depths, embodying Rolex’s legacy of technical innovation and rugged design. Introduced in the late 1980s and produced until around 2008, the 16600 carried forward the Sea-Dweller’s tradition as the ultimate tool for saturation divers. A 1996 example captures the model in its purest form, combining vintage charm with modern reliability. Key Features: • 40mm stainless steel Oyster case – thicker and more robust than the Submariner, engineered for deep-sea exploration • Helium Escape Valve (HEV) at 9 o’clock – allowing safe decompression during professional saturation diving • Water resistance up to 1,220 meters / 4,000 feet – far surpassing the Submariner’s 300m rating • Unidirectional rotating bezel with aluminum insert, designed for tracking dive times • Black dial with luminous hour markers and hands (tritium on 1996 examples, marked SWISS – T<25) • Date function at 3 o’clock, without a Cyclops magnifier for unobstructed legibility • Sapphire crystal for scratch resistance • Powered by the Rolex Caliber 3135, a COSC-certified automatic movement renowned for its accuracy and durability • Fitted with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with flip-lock clasp and extension link, designed for secure fit over a wetsuit Why Collectors Value It: The Sea-Dweller 16600 represents the perfect middle ground between vintage tool-watch appeal and modern Rolex engineering. A 1996 model offers the charm of tritium lume, which develops a creamy patina over time, making each example unique. With its lack of Cyclops lens, professional-grade depth rating, and iconic Rolex reliability, the 16600 remains one of the most respected and sought-after dive watches in the brand’s history.