I have always been a huge fan of dive watches. Something about their practical, no-nonsense design and usability has appealed to me since my interest in watches started. One of those dive watches is manufactured by none other than Rolex, a heavy-weight in this category for its timeless designs and innovation. This is my review of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600.

The Sea-Dweller started its life in the early 1960s in the form of the renowned and well established Sea-dweller 1665, the first Rolex watch to feature a helium escape valve allowing the watch to be submerged up to 500 metres. That helium escape valve would later become the hallmark of the Sea-Dweller line, being featured in every model since.

Roll forward almost two decades and my favourite of the Sea-Dweller family was born, the reference 16600. Produced between 1989 and 2009, the 16600 featured one of the longest productions runs of Rolex dive models and it was the last of the “old style” models with the smaller markers on the dial, stamped clasp and aluminium bezel insert.
The 16600 features Rolex’s bullet proof cal.3135, which featured an extended power reserve of 48 hours.

Ever since the day I acquired my very own 16600, I knew it was going to be a good daily companion for anything I could throw at it. The watch sits very comfortably on my 6.75” wrist and thanks to the oyster bracelet it stays well secured through any of my daily activities.
The way the light reflects of the flat crystal without being interrupted by a date magnification is truly stunning and clean.

The case dimensions have never been an issue for me; at 40mm without crown, and 14mm thick the watch is not large by today’s standards. It will easily fit under a shirt cuff, without feeling intrusive.

This watch will be a worthy companion for anyone who is considering the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 as their next piece, or as their only piece. A true watch for life.