Rolex Submariner 116659. Why no depth rating on dial?

[csaltphoto]

I'm genuinely curious about this. Saw one posted on RPR/IG and asked. I wondered if somehow the gem setting affected the integrity of the case. Philip responded with something along the lines of, "This is a beautiful watch not intended for work." So I wrote back and mentioned that the the PM subs all had the depth rating on the dial so why not this one. And he deleted my comment.

Anyway, I would just like to know the real answer. I mean sure, no one is probably going to dive with a 150K watch but on the other hand it's not crazy to think someone might... There are plenty of people to whom 150K isn't that much and one of the things about even the most decked out Rolex is that they are tough; not fragile baubles.

Watch I'm referring to.

[Gab27]

Interesting question...none of the cosmetic augmentations would presumably impact the depth rating of the watch, although the jewels themselves might be dislodged from heavier water usage? If nothing else, the dial does look 'cleaner' with only 3 lines of text. I'm not normally a fan of blinged out watches but this is a very attractive watch. I'd love to see a video of the process of making this.

[kieselguhr]

I would dive with that thing on. Always wanted to catch a barracuda by hand.

[csaltphoto]

Giving this a bump in case anyone has any ideas.

[GradyPhilpott]

It seems to be a mystery.

https://timeandtidewatches.com/hands...-lot-of-bling/

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

It seems to be a mystery.

https://timeandtidewatches.com/hands...-lot-of-bling/

Yeah. A nicely written article that asks the same question and provides no answers... WTF has journalism come to these days?!?!?

[DCheeta]

I have no idea but I love how it looks with only three lines of type.

[Rashid.bk]

I remember when this was released and one reviewer stated something to the extent that first off the bezel doesn't have any numbers or graduations for timing and further that because of the jewels fixed to the bezel and case, this configuration isn't recommended for diving because the pressures could affect/dislodge or whatever one of those jewels.
So unlike many other bejeweled Rolex watches that aren't dive specific or even water watches and dont have depth rating in oem configuration, this one joins the club.

However, it is still constructed and engineered to be a 300m waterproof watch.
You just can't go use it for diving or weld oil lines underwater then go whining to Rolex that you almost drowned because the bezel doesn't have numbers and you lost two sapphires and want them covered under warranty.....you know because that's what we do around here, by a large margin Rolex buyers go diving, racing and scaling 20k meter peaks with our professional sports Rolex watches.
Dont listen to that intsy tinsy tiny minority that is even afraid to shower with a Rolex or take it to Mexico, that's only like two or three vocal people on social media.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

I remember when this was released and one reviewer stated something to the extent that first off the bezel doesn't have any numbers or graduations for timing and further that because of the jewels fixed to the bezel and case, this configuration isn't recommended for diving because the pressures could affect/dislodge or whatever one of those jewels.
So unlike many other bejeweled Rolex watches that aren't dive specific or even water watches and dont have depth rating in oem configuration, this one joins the club.

However, it is still constructed and engineered to be a 300m waterproof watch.
You just can't go use it for diving or weld oil lines underwater then go whining to Rolex that you almost drowned because the bezel doesn't have numbers and you lost two sapphires and want them covered under warranty.....you know because that's what we do around here, by a large margin Rolex buyers go diving, racing and scaling 20k meter peaks with our professional sports Rolex watches.
Dont listen to that intsy tinsy tiny minority that is even afraid to shower with a Rolex or take it to Mexico, that's only like two or three vocal people on social media.

And yet the sapphires and diamonds are set in such a way that it could be used for timing and other dive functions... And it's unlikely that diving pressures could upset a jewel unless there are sealed air pockets in the setting or something. And even in that case it probably wouldn't affect the case integrity since the jewels are set in the lugs and bezel.

But I don't know. Why I was asking here since there are so many knowledgeable people.

[joli160]

Only Rolex knows and they never explain anything.
Perhaps just aesthetics, looks good imho

[interestedinwatches]

I mean Occam's Razor would state that no one would ever go deep sea diving with a six figure piece of sapphire-encrusted luxury jewelry. Probably why.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

And yet the sapphires and diamonds are set in such a way that it could be used for timing and other dive functions... And it's unlikely that diving pressures could upset a jewel unless there are sealed air pockets in the setting or something. And even in that case it probably wouldn't affect the case integrity since the jewels are set in the lugs and bezel.

But I don't know. Why I was asking here since there are so many knowledgeable people.

The pressure alone probably would not but rapidly moving your hand underwater could.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

And yet the sapphires and diamonds are set in such a way that it could be used for timing and other dive functions... And it's unlikely that diving pressures could upset a jewel unless there are sealed air pockets in the setting or something. And even in that case it probably wouldn't affect the case integrity since the jewels are set in the lugs and bezel.

But I don't know. Why I was asking here since there are so many knowledgeable people.

Serious question, would you buy this watch to go diving if it said a depth rating on it, I mean buy it specifically because you need a dive watch and this is the one.

It’s an exercise in futility trying to rationalize this watch or any Rolex as a tool. The Rainbow Daytona doesn’t have a tachymeter scale, nor do a few others, and neither don’t a couple GMTs have a 24hr bezel. This is jewelry, period.
Look at some RM chronos, can’t even read any numbers, don’t even have a scale for timing. Watches like these are jewelry statement pieces, and some ultra rich folks don’t even set the time. Grab it, wear it, flex....collect props, mission complete.

[OG1982]

I'd be more interested to understand why anyone would want to pay 150k for a watch that looks like a Christmas tree decoration?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

I'd be more interested to understand why anyone would want to pay 150k for a watch that looks like a Christmas tree decoration?

Have to agree they make them because they can and great skill in setting the stones but not my cup of tea at any price.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree they make them because they can and great skill in setting the stones but not my cup of tea at any price.

Each to their own I suppose, certainly not my cup of tea either.

[HogwldFLTR]

I'm guessing it's a matter of aesthetics alone. But truly, this watch is less likely to see 10 feet of water that any other Sub variant. This is meant for diners not divers.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I'm guessing it's a matter of aesthetics alone. But truly, this watch is less likely to see 10 feet of water that any other Sub variant. This is meant for diners not divers.

So maybe it goes to intended use. But that still doesn't answer if it is capable or if it is compromised in some way.

[Gekota]

Well, if a 150k watch isn't all that much to an individual, he/she will dive and do whatever with it, I think we can expect that they would be able to handle/afford whatever consequence which may come out of it pretty easily.

[WBaileyii]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I would dive with that thing on. Always wanted to catch a barracuda by hand.

Made me laugh out loud! Nice.