Rolex 126600: sixth generation of the Sea Dweller

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by arinsd

I’m sorry but can someone please make the OP a pledge member... because that write up was truly a gift.

That is hands down the best review I’ve ever read on TRF. Pictures. Comparisons. Impressions. History.

Wow. Just wow.

+1.

[dberdichevsky]

Excellent review. Singlehandedly, the best write up I have read on this reference, anywhere. And those pictures, man they are stunning. I’ve never seen such nice macro shots. Thanks for sharing, I truly enjoyed it!

[cking12]

Great review and pictures. Just got the 126600 and love this watch

My appreciation for watches began at a very young age. I don’t know what it was about them, but, my interest was peaked. I had the Mickey Mouse watch, Hot Wheels watch, the Timex digital watches and all I wanted for my 14th birthday was a new “grown up” watch. Thus entered the Timex quartz on a leather strap. How cool was this I thought. I wore that Timex with many different straps thru high school and into college and longed for the day I could own a Rolex of my own.

While in college a met a girl, the most beautiful, lovely girl ever, fell in love and was married at 20 years old. Still in college, I took a part time job to make ends meet and several of the guys in the office wore Rolexes. This was 1987, one of the guys I worked for had a Daytona and one had a solid gold President and a DateJust two tone. Here goes, I had the girl, I had a job and man I wanted a Rolex.

While my wife and I were out one weekend shopping, we met a guy selling Rolex replicas. They were inexpensive and kind of had “the look”. Good enough for now I thought. Monday came and wore my new “Rolex” to the office The first topic Monday morning was our weekly sales meeting where I was promptly asked, “new watch, let me see”. Then came, “ ok, but, it’s not the real deal”. Of course I knew this and had already felt like a poser with this fake on my wrist. Now it was confirmed. I wore the watch for the day, took it off when I got home and never put it on again. Nor will I ever put on a fake watch, No matter what.

I got married in 1987, to that fabulous girl, was getting ready to graduate NC State and had started my career. My new wife decided to surprise me and went out and bought my first watch, a Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660. Brand new, unworn, 1985 model from our local AD.

From the moment it went on my wrist, i loved that watch. I wore the 16660 daily and rarely did it come off. My first thought was , “this thing is a chunk”. For all of the reasons I was drawn to the brand ( the cyclops, the jubilee bracelet, etc) that was exactly what Was avoided when making the decision of what was best for me. Those watches just had to much flash for me. I remember the first scratch, and first time I hit the 16660 on something. I had it serviced as recommended and only once did I ever have an issue when it began running fast not keeping good time. Each time it was gone for service, I longed for the time it returned.

Fast forward to summer of 2015, while running and playing with the dog, I slipped and fell in the pool. Upon getting myself up, I discovered that I had left the crown loose on the 16660 and noticed moisture under the crystal. The watch started loosing time almost immediately. And, spots formed on the dial and hands.

Within a couple days, a trip to the local AD for a service and clean-up was in store. They recommended new dial, bezel, hands and of course the needed service to return it to new condition. After all, it was showing it’s age somewhat and the tritium markers had very little lume if any. I agreed and This was the worst mistake I could make. I didn’t realize I didn’t get to retain my original parts from my watch.

When it was returned to me, it looked brand new (just as promised) it was beautiful. But, was it “mine”. It was missing the little scratches, nicks and scuffs that it had earned over the last 30 years. Man, I missed those marks that made the 16660 mine.

I now have my own business and I have been looking at new Rolexes for a while. While I like many models, I decided that the sea-dweller was still is the watch for me. It’s a no-nonsense, no flash, tool with enough class that will fit in to any environment. From the conference room, to the beach and anywhere in between it finds its way at home. Last week, I purchased a new Sea-Dweller 50th anniversary 126600. When I put this on my wrist, my first thought was “this thing is a chunk, it’s beautiful “. I must admit, it will only get wet in the shower, the pool or splashing in the waves at Cherry Grove Beach SC. It will never go for a dive or remotely come close to use it’s potential.

I was a little skeptical of going form the classic 40mm to 43mm and I wasn’t too sure about the cyclops. But personally, in the past 33 years i haven’t gotten any taller but I grown a little more round ( so, why shouldn’t my watch). I have a 7-1/2” wrist and after a couple days, I think the 43mm is absolutely perfect. I’m pleased that the brand did not increase the 15mm height. I appreciate the flat black dial with the red “sea-dweller” letters and the heritage it represents. The ceramic bezel is stunning and I do like the cyclops as it helps my aging eyes see the date better. The 3235 movement keeps perfect time and the Chromalight lume is fantastic. The bracelet is light years ahead of the 93160 on the 16660, smooth and tight. Overall, magnificent fit, finish and quality. I would expect nothing less from Rolex and they have exceeded my expectations.

In the end, I still do love the 16660, as do I love the 126600. Both will remain with me as long as I am around because they represent special times and events in my life.

Next watch, maybe an Explorer 214270....I like the simplicity.

Oh, and about that girl, I still have her too. I love her and she is a keeper. And, if she ever mentions face lift, tummy tuck or any other cosmetic surgery, my answer is, hell no! We earned these scrapes, marks and wrinkles together and that’s the way it should be. I learned that lesson.

Thanks for tolerating be being long winded.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Rori

...Still trying to understand how a small tiny red line can make such a huge difference...

Agreed although the SD50 would still be awesome even if it wasn't red - that's just the proverbial cherry on top

Originally Posted by Robf52

+1.

Originally Posted by dberdichevsky

Excellent review. Singlehandedly, the best write up I have read on this reference, anywhere. And those pictures, man they are stunning. I’ve never seen such nice macro shots. Thanks for sharing, I truly enjoyed it!

I blush... so many thanks for such kind words...

Originally Posted by cking12

Great review and pictures. Just got the 126600 and love this watch. My appreciation for watches began at a very young age... In the end, I still do love the 16660, as do I love the 126600. Both will remain with me as long as I am around because they represent special times and events in my life...

Great story - T4S!
p.s. Good thing your "triple six" didn't have a MK I "matte" dial - that would've made the servicing even more painful... !


~~~~


TGIF everyone

[Travelller]

Red rings & red txt F.T.W. !

[Rori]

Enjoying Sunday with this guy.



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[Robf52]

Great write-up. Love mine. Enjoy and wear in good health.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Robf52

Great write-up. Love mine. Enjoy and wear in good health.

Many thx
Feel free to post a wristshot of yours here

[Travelller]

Came in with my SD43, tried on the 124060, would have loved to leave with both but no chance... *sigh*

[mimariani]

Fantastic and very helpful as I have been looking at the scheduler… Thank you very much

[tomcat4t4]

Dope.

[stratguy]

I've had mine for a couple of weeks - really loving it.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by stratguy

I've had mine for a couple of weeks - really loving it...

Congrats!!!
Enjoy & wear in good health

[Rori]

Let me add this recent SD43 sight to this catalogue :-)



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[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Rori

Let me add this recent SD43 sight to this catalogue...

Looking good T4S

[Happy.Hades]

Originally Posted by stratguy

I've had mine for a couple of weeks - really loving it.

That red really stands out in the sun! gorgeous.

[saxo3]

A great article, many thanks to the OP for sharing with excellent photos.

[tomtomtom3]

How would this look on a 7" wrist?

Any photo examples?

[28337]

what is SD43 dial color? Is it black or dark grey? Some pictures looks like deep black, some - like grey.

[Peter Toronto]

It’s matte black.


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[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by 28337

what is SD43 dial color? Is it black or dark grey? Some pictures looks like deep black, some - like grey.

Originally Posted by Peter Toronto

It’s matte black.


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I beg to differ.

I realize lotta people say matte... but this dial is more than that imo.

To me:
In low light, it’s matte.
In sunlight, it’s satin-like.

Rolex website used to state “black, gloss, fine satin finish” but now doesn’t show any description except “black” lol
I think even they r confused.
Yes the screen shot from Rolex site below is of the 18k sd43.. but afaik they both have same dial.

Hodinkee says 126600 is “little glossy”

All I know is that it’s special

[Morganfletch]

Very cool and detailed review.Good news is that my AD called and my SD50 has arrived also:-)

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by Morganfletch

Very cool and detailed review.Good news is that my AD called and my SD50 has arrived also:-)

SD43 - 43 mm
SD50 - 50th anniv.
SD54 - 54th anniv. in 2021
....

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by saxo3

A great article, many thanks to the OP for sharing with excellent photos.

Originally Posted by Morganfletch

Very cool and detailed review.Good news is that my AD called and my SD50 has arrived also:-)

Many thanks, gents @Morganfletch - please be sure to post some shots once yours gets in

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

To me In low light, it’s matte. In sunlight, it’s satin-like...

I have to agree - it's not purely matte so "satin-like" sounds good to me

[Martinm]

Hey guys, great review loved it.
Just a quick question When did they change that SWISS MADE writing at 6 o'clock has a crown between them?
It's different than in this first review pics.

thanks M.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Martinm

Hey guys, great review loved it.
Just a quick question When did they change that SWISS MADE writing at 6 o'clock has a crown between them?
It's different than in this first review pics.

thanks M.

Early summer 2018 the first mk2 dials started to pop up.

[carbon888]

Great write up, made me love the SD even more! Does the Mk2 have the laser crown?

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by carbon888

Great write up, made me love the SD even more! Does the Mk2 have the laser crown?

Yes, both mk1 and mk2 have the LEC.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Early summer 2018 the first mk2 dials started to pop up. ... Yes, both mk1 and mk2 have the LEC.

Thanks for the excellent support

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Thanks for the excellent support

Sure, no probs!