Rolex Sea-Dweller 40mm ref. 116600 Full Set

It’s not often that you can say a modern Rolex diver is rare, and yet the Sea-Dweller SD4K ref. 116600 is exactly that, a very rare Rolex diver. For some context, the ref. 116600 was produced from 2014 until 2017 (a remarkably short production run for Rolex) and in that time there was just over 27000 units produced. In comparison, the Submariner ref. 116610 that was produced between 2010 and 2020 saw exactly 414,905 units produced (according to Rolex themselves). One of their rarest modern watches, the ref. 116600 is beginning to garner increasing popularity and it’s easy to see why.

Production numbers aside, the ref. 116600 was the reference that re-launched the Sea-Dweller collection in Rolex’s catalogue after a 5 year hiatus, and it was subsequently the last Sea-Dweller 40mm reference before Rolex launched the 50th anniversary ref. 126600 model in 2017 that came in at 43mm. So, with its smaller more palatable size combining with its extreme rarity and incredibly robust Sea-Dweller construction, its easy to see what collectors love this watch so much. Featuring a black ceramic bezel and a helium escape valve alongside a date aperture that lacks a magnifying cyclops lens, the 40mm ref. 116600 is a modern Sea-Dweller unlike any other. 

While its HEV-accomodating case thickness of 15.5mm might seem like a lot, the Sea-Dweller wears with a sense of bulk and heft that isn’t actually that overwhelming. Sure, its bigger than a Submariner, but it’s supposed to be, and in all honesty, it carries the weight tremendously well. With its large Glidelock deployant clasp hanging on the opposite side of its heavy case, the ref. 116600 balances its weight on your wrist, resulting in a watch that has a sense of heft that feels intentional and thought out. We hate unnecessary bulk and thickness in a watch just as much as the next person, but the ref. 116600 feels exactly like how you imagine a dive watch ought to feel like, like its a tool you can truly rely on.

Offered in very good condition, this example does include signs of careful wear from over the years as expected for its age, with light swirling scratches apparent to varying degrees on places such as its deployant clasp, mid-case, and bracelet. The dial, crystal, and ceramic bezel are all pristine. The movement runs and functions as it should. While this is a dive watch, it is important to note that the service history for this watch is unknown and thus if you intend to dive with it, it is imperative to get it pressure tested to your own satisfaction.

Brand: Rolex
Model: Sea-Dweller 4000
Reference: 116600
Set: Watch, box, papers
Year: 2015
Dial: Black
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic cal. 3135
Case Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 15.10mm
Lug-to-lug: 51.6mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet