Your Thoughts? 126600 vs 126660-002

[Rolexvoyer]

Hi All - I’m new to this forum. I’m curious on everyone’s take on the Sea Dweller 43mm 126600 (redline) vs the Deep Sea 44mm 126660-002 (James Cameron)? Which one do you think has more “pop” to it? Also, which one do you think will appreciate more in value? I have a big wrist so either will fit well (the 126600 might even look a bit small). I know it comes down to personal preference, but I’m curious on everyone’s opinion. Thank you!

[Beginner]

If your wrist can carry it, go for the DSSD James Cameron!

The dial is special!

[alphadweller]

The SD43 commemorates 50 years of extreme saturation diving with men risking their lives in the water to do a job under extreme conditions. Fifty years of dedication from Rolex to develop the best possible tool for the job.

The Deepsea JC celebrates one extreme dive in a submarine with no one having to leave the sub under water. James Cameron was inside the Challenger Deep in March 2012 and reached 10,908 m / 35,787 ft. However extraordinary this is, they didn't beat the record set by Piccard and Walsh in Jan 1960 at 10,916 m / 35,815 ft down the Marianna Trench inside the Trieste. Rolex attached a "clock" called Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Challenge to the hull in 2012 and a Deep Sea Special No. 3 in 1960. To me, these feats are more like a marketing exercise on Rolex' part, consisting in associating the brand with a heroic accomplishment in the same way they've done throughout their history to help build the brand. The Deepsea JC is the incarnation of that marketing tour de force, a publicity stunt of sorts, the fabrication of a hero of the deep which wasn't even inside or outside the submarine at the time.

I'll let you guess which one I find more significant in Rolex' history.

[bp1000]

JC
Special watch.

[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

The SD43 commemorates 50 years of extreme saturation diving with men risking their lives in the water to do a job under extreme conditions. Fifty years of dedication from Rolex to develop the best possible tool for the job.

The Deepsea JC celebrates one extreme dive in a submarine with no one having to leave the sub under water. James Cameron was inside the Challenger Deep in March 2012 and reached 10,908 m / 35,787 ft. However extraordinary this is, they didn't beat the record set by Piccard and Walsh in Jan 1960 at 10,916 m / 35,815 ft down the Marianna Trench inside the Trieste. Rolex attached a "clock" called Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Challenge to the hull in 2012 and a Deep Sea Special No. 3 in 1960. To me, these feats are more like a marketing exercise on Rolex' part, consisting in associating the brand with a heroic accomplishment in the same way they've done throughout their history to help build the brand. The Deepsea JC is the incarnation of that marketing tour de force, a publicity stunt of sorts, the fabrication of a hero of the deep which wasn't even inside or outside the submarine at the time.

I'll let you guess which one I find more significant in Rolex' history.

Thanks for the colour.

If you don’t mind me asking, is your forum moniker somehow related to your love of the sea dweller reference?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by Rolexvoyer

Hi All - I’m new to this forum. I’m curious on everyone’s take on the Sea Dweller 43mm 126600 (redline) vs the Deep Sea 44mm 126660-002 (James Cameron)? Which one do you think has more “pop” to it? Also, which one do you think will appreciate more in value? I have a big wrist so either will fit well (the 126600 might even look a bit small). I know it comes down to personal preference, but I’m curious on everyone’s opinion. Thank you!

I personally prefer the SD43 because it was my very first Rolex. It felt substantial and the red line gave it a nice pop.

Both are great watches though.

I didn’t like that ring lock system text on the rehaut of the deep sea.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[travisb]

The JC definitely has more “pop” to it. The gradient dial and domed sapphire crystal is something special. Both excellent watches but the Deepsea is next level in my opinion.

[brandrea]

What no pictures ...

Even I have to admit the JC is the clear winner if you're talking wrist presence.

Too bad I no longer own it

Now the SD43 is no slouch either.



Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Reikolexguy

Thanks for the colour.

If you don’t mind me asking, is your forum moniker somehow related to your love of the sea dweller reference?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're welcome.

Yes, it kind of is! I really appreciate what the Sea-Dweller represents.

[Baiv]

JC gets my vote and welcome to the forum

[PBJ1925]

Between the two options, I'd lean toward the JC DSSD

[Ketler]

Had both and sold both.
Went back to my 16600…!!!

[MichelleP]

JC for sure. If I had the wrist for it, I'd get it in a heartbeat

[Teksurv]

I bought the 126660 recently for a few reasons. First, I have a 8.25" flat wrist so it fits nicely. Second, the gradient dial that also tastefully incorporates a bit of green is stunning in sunlight. Third I have an absolute fear of open water and this watch, every time I look at the dial, reminds me of that. I know that is silly but those are my reasons.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Ketler

Had both and sold both.
Went back to my 16600…!!!

A nice piece of history, along with the 16660.

[Rolexvoyer]

Originally Posted by Ketler

Had both and sold both.
Went back to my 16600…!!!

What did you like/dislike about both?

[Rolexvoyer]

Originally Posted by Teksurv

I bought the 126660 recently for a few reasons. First, I have a 8.25" flat wrist so it fits nicely. Second, the gradient dial that also tastefully incorporates a bit of green is stunning in sunlight. Third I have an absolute fear of open water and this watch, every time I look at the dial, reminds me of that. I know that is silly but those are my reasons.

I haven’t seen the JC in person, but my concern (if you can even call it that), is that there are so many/too many rows of text on it. Do you notice it at all while wearing it though?

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Rolexvoyer

I haven’t seen the JC in person, but my concern (if you can even call it that), is that there are so many/too many rows of text on it. Do you notice it at all while wearing it though?

Some people don't particularly like all the rows of text on a Rolex dial in general and a DSSD certainly seems to double down on the concept. To my mind, so it was with the double reds back in the day as well
I used to be one of those who wondered about the redundancy of it all when comparing a Rolex to another brand's offerings except to say that it's a casual acceptance the "Rowlex way". Especially when it all didn't necessarily mean all that much before the Rolex Superlative spec was created.
But I've always found the reality of the ownership experience of their watches far and away exceeded the marketing department's aspirations. And so it was with the purchase of my first DSSD in 2011
Enter into my life the 116660 JC to add to my little Rolex collection and I can say the relocation of one line of text from the top half of the dial, down to the bottom half with the JC has certainly added to the clutter, but its visuals are offset by the bright green text and it adds to the novelty and beauty in a fun kind of way so much so that it draws the attention away from the rest of it
But this is from a person who prefers the convenience of being able to simply look at the time on their wrist and doesn't really notice much else at the time including the text on the Ringlock.
Studying the details of the watch is really only reserved for when it gets a quick bath every so often to spruce it up a bit but I don't even bother to dry it off properly

[Kiddodoc]

Own both references. Looks wise, JC the winner hands down. Functionality, less height, more of an everyday watch then the 126600 as I think it is the best all around diver from Rolex.