The Rolex Sea-Dweller, an emblematic watch

With the new innovation of the helium escape valve, it was first used on the Rolex Submariner ref. 5514 watches which were created for COMEX. But Rolex struggled to produce the watch as it was first a Submariner then modified into a ‘Submariner COMEX’. This took far too much time to produce to make any profit plus each one created would have been very unique since it was mostly done by hand. That was until 1967, when Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 as the first watch produced featuring a helium escape valve. Not only did this make it easier to produce now that it was officially a line of its own within the Rolex catalogue but it also meant people of the public could now purchase one too. These particular COMEX models today are near enough impossible to come by as they were only produced in limited amounts, just in case you were after one of these!

When Rolex first started producing the Sea-Dweller it looked very similar to a submariner as it was more or less the same case but just a bit thicker featuring a helium escape valve on the side. Rolex made some additional changes to the Sea-Dweller to ensure it was recognized as its own model, Rolex added two lines of text on the dial in red print – along with “Submariner 2000” and “patent pending” engraved on the case back. This was because Rolex had not yet patented its helium escape valve innovation due to the urgency to produce the watch. Whilst Rolex rarely do this now, they wanted to try and be the first commercially available watches with a helium escape valve and whilst they were close they came just behind DOXA.

Over the coming decades the Sea-Dweller would see some changes but fewer compared to other models like the Submariner or yachtmaster. Up until 1977, you could find certain models featuring either one or two lines of red text on the dial; the single line of red text meant it was a fully working prototype. In 1977, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was updated again, gaining the nickname “Great White”. This model got rid of the red lettering on the dial as well as any mention of “Submariner 2000”, to better differentiate between the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller models. Just one year later Rolex updated it 

Then in 1978, while the ref. 1665 was still in production, Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller ref. 16660 that fitted with a sapphire crystal, a bigger helium release valve and an improved depth rating of 4,000ft or 1,220m. Rolex really took a big step in improving the Sea-Dweller with ‘modern’ features for its time and really served as a watch for not just deep-sea divers but also those who enjoyed the dive watch wrist presence but felt the Submariner was too small. 10 years later in 1988 the Sea-Dweller ref. 16600 that was powered by the modern calibre 3135, replacing the older 1575 movement while also having the newer solid end-links on the bracelet and a glossy-finish dial. As Rolex saw more of their customers using the watch in more ‘dressy’ scenarios and not so much at great underwater depths, Rolex made their watches more appealing to people to wear everyday but never compromising on its tool watch capabilities.

The Rolex Sea-Dweller was then discontinued in 2008 to be temporarily replaced by an even more extreme divers watch but Rolex realised that people were missing the original model. So, in 2014 Rolex reintroduced the Sea-Dweller as the ref. 116600, a model that had all the same features as the classic Sea-Dweller: 1,220m water resistance, a helium escape valve, no magnifier on the date, but also some new improvements like a slightly slimmer case (but still 40mm), a ceramic bezel and adjustable Glidelock bracelet. 3 short years later in 2017 and Rolex gave us the Sea-Dweller we see today in 2024 in the AD, the ref 126600 and 126603 for the yellow Rolesor model.

Today in 2024 you have a choice between two options when it comes to the Rolex Sea-Dweller, either an all-steel version or a two-tone yellow gold model. With its 43mm Oyster case crafted from corrosion-resistant Oystersteel and a unidirectional rotatable bezel, this model ensures reliable water resistance up to 1,220 metres (4,000 feet). The black dial features Chromalight luminescence for enhanced legibility in dark environments, while the iconic cyclops lens magnifies the date display at 3 o'clock. Powering the Sea-Dweller 4000 is the calibre 3235, a self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its precision and robustness.

However, for those wanting something a little more than steel on their wrist, Rolex offers a combination of Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold that exudes a bold yet sophisticated presence on the wrist. Its helium escape valve ensures the watch's integrity during deep-sea dives, complemented by a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a black Cerachrom insert. The champagne-coloured dial adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise extreme tool-watch designed watch. 

Being only 2 mm bigger than the Submariner, it is not too much bigger so for those with a larger wrist the Sea-Dweller may sit a bit better on the wrist if you are looking for a solid dive watch. Rolex could see that and hence it is why they offer this model in two-tone as well because they know whilst it can be used as a true tool watch, people can now also wear it to more formal events thanks to the addition of precious metal.

Whilst the Sea-Dweller looks fantastic on the three-link oyster bracelet, you can enhance that sports-watch look to another level by switching out the brushed or two-tone bracelet for a high-quality rubber strap designed to fit your Rolex Sea-Dweller perfectly. ZEALANDE has created just the product you have been looking for with its straps benign designed with the same attention to detail as your Rolex to ensure a luxurious wearing experience. ZEALANDE offers a wide range of colours to have a play around with for your Sea-Dweller or you can opt for a classic black or white strap to really put the spotlight on your watch case. These rubber straps are excellent on your watch especially if you are someone who enjoys wearing your watches during more sporty activities a ZEALANDE rubber strap can offer a lighter, and more scratch resistant option compared to your bracelet. This way you can enjoy your Sea-Dweller with less scratches on the bracelet and use the durable KFM strap options from ZEALANDE to handle the sporty activities in style and colour.