The Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16600. The name alone conjures images of deep-sea exploration, robust engineering, and timeless elegance. While not a current production model – its production run concluded around 2008 – the 16600 remains a highly coveted and sought-after piece in the world of luxury watches. This article serves as a comprehensive examination of this iconic timepiece, exploring its history, design variations, and the factors contributing to its enduring popularity. We'll delve into specifics, addressing key aspects like its production years, dial variations, thickness, and current market price. Think of it as a thorough "Rolex 16600 test," albeit one conducted through meticulous research and analysis rather than a hands-on laboratory setting.
Rolex 16600 History: A Legacy of Depth
Understanding the Rolex 16600 requires a journey back to the origins of the Sea-Dweller line. Developed in collaboration with Comex, a French commercial diving company, the Sea-Dweller was designed to withstand the extreme pressures of professional saturation diving. The original Sea-Dweller, the reference 1665, introduced in 1967, marked a significant step forward in dive watch technology. Its helium escape valve, a crucial feature for saturation divers, allowed for the safe release of helium gas accumulated during deep dives, preventing the crystal from shattering.
The Rolex 16600, introduced later, represents a refinement and evolution of the Sea-Dweller concept. While maintaining the core functionality and robustness of its predecessor, the 16600 incorporated subtle but significant improvements in design and materials. This model solidified the Sea-Dweller's reputation as a supremely reliable and capable professional dive watch, capable of handling the demands of extreme underwater environments. Its production run, spanning several years (detailed below), cemented its place in Rolex history and the hearts of collectors.
Rolex 16600 Production Years: A Limited Window of Opportunity
Pinpointing the exact start and end dates of the 16600's production run requires careful consideration of serial numbers and anecdotal evidence from collectors and Rolex experts. While there's no official definitive statement from Rolex, the consensus among enthusiasts places the production period generally between the late 1970s and 2008. This extended production run allowed for several subtle changes and variations, contributing to the diversity seen among 16600 models today. These variations, often subtle, are key factors influencing the value and desirability of individual pieces. The later years of production, closer to 2008, are often considered particularly desirable by some collectors.
Rolex 16600 Sea-Dweller: Design and Features
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