Sea Dweller 16660

[fikko]

What is the 'real' difference between Sea Dweller 16660 (triple 6) and 16600?
Sorry if it has been discussed before.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Well, the Rolex SD 16660 has the Cal. 3035 movt. and Tritium dial and hands. The very first ones had a matte dial, not a glossy one.

It was also the first steel Rolex to introduced solid end links. And first SD with a sapphire crystal, increasing the depth rating to 4,000 feet.

The 16600 uses the Cal. 3135 movt. and has a SuperLuminova dial (1998 on onwards). Also, the 16600 has the updated diver's link ("O" marked, sturdier version).

Interestingly, the ref. # of the coming Deepsea Sea-Dweller is 116660, harking back to the first SD with a sapphire crystal.

[fikko]

thanks.
If I understand correctly, the only difference between the last 16660 and the first 16600 will be the movement only? sorry for the stupid question.
Just cant understand why 16660 is double the price of 16600.....

[Stratton]

The first model 16660 also had a matt a dial and around 1985 the dial changed to gloss with white gold surrounds. The 16660 was also made in 316L Steel and the 16600 was made in 904L. Here's a pic of a 16660 with matt dial.

[Stratton]

The last 16660 and first 16600 do indeed look the same.