Rolex sea dweller 16600 vs submariner

[roystock]

Hi all,

What's your take on Rolex Sea Dweller 16600?
Do you own one (or used to, or intend to)?
How do you like it compared to any of the submariner models?

I started a topic a while ago asking for opinion on submariner 16610 vs 116610. I concluded then I prefer 116610 to 16610 but I had yet to buy one.
I recently came across a pre-owned Sea Dweller 16600 and I am now seriously considering getting it. Looks very neat, far less common than the subs. What's your take? 

[Yikkie]

I don't own a DSSD but I have just tried one at the AD not too long ago. The watch case is extremely thick and is quite top heavy. It does not sit well on my wrist. Make sure to try it and see if you are ok with the thickness. It certainly has a presence on the wrist.

[dualcarb]

I agree with Yikkie, try it on your wrist first and see how it sits. I personally prefer the 16610 compared to the newer ceramic bezels with super case. I do like the 16600 too, but have yet to find one in the condition that l like...good luck and keep us posted on which model you finally decide to get.

DC

[Gigi]

In my opinion the sea 16600 have all the attribute that made it one of the best to own other than daytona. It have managable size and thickness, everything just felt right when wearing it for me. Some will say its too small for their wrist bla bla. I would have choose SD or submariners as it is the best engineered watch for its given build.

Nothing wrong with Deepsea as its weight and thickness can be turn off for some. Its more about which model sings to you more  since a rolex is a rolex anyway

[tonykpk]

I have owned a dssd for quite a while now and with the micro adjustment on the clasp , it's easy to adjust it to hug fit your wrist. A 16600 will be fine for a mid size wrist , but a little  thicker than the sub 16610. Both fit equally well on the wrist . I have all  three of them. Regards tony.

Hi all,

What's your take on Rolex Sea Dweller 16600?
Do you own one (or used to, or intend to)?
How do you like it compared to any of the submariner models?

I started a topic a while ago asking for opinion on submariner 16610 vs 116610. I concluded then I prefer 116610 to 16610 but I had yet to buy one.
I recently came across a pre-owned Sea Dweller 16600 and I am now seriously considering getting it. Looks very neat, far less common than the subs. What's your take? 

I don't own a DSSD but I have just tried one at the AD not too long ago. The watch case is extremely thick and is quite top heavy. It does not sit well on my wrist. Make sure to try it and see if you are ok with the thickness. It certainly has a presence on the wrist.

[llcj]

I have both, but if u ask me which one to choose, the answer will be this:



Its more solid, thick, technically advanced (not that i will need it anyway), and give more presence when wear on my wrist.

I dont have deepsea but the sea dweller serves me well even though i have a 7" wrist. Never too small but ever more solid then the sub, which i felt a bit on the filmsy side unless u prefer light weighted watches.

Just my two cents.

[Yoda]

I think if you can find a good 16600 you should take that first as its never in production anymore.

As for the 116610 you can still get it after this 16600. For me this will be my trail. After you have got anyone of those you will never stop I believe.

I got 116610 first but I have not found a good 16600. As a fan of diver watch I am waiting for future Sub model to be release which I do not know when that be, hence my next target will be 16610LV or this 16600 preowned.

These watches simply suitable for most Asian majority with not so big wrist.

My 2 cents

[chrisyen]

SubC is more solid than SD. The built is different! Just the bracelet and clasp alone u can feel the different. Not to say the case n bezel... Much better looking with latest technologies...

SD is history, not really rare despite no longer in production. But it will be gd to hv one...

Of course to understand the spirit of of Rolex, DSSD will be the ultimate watch...
Solid, chunky, the weight will force it sit well on ur wrist... I enjoy the feel... Despite I don't hv a big wrist

[Yoda]

Just to tag along in your topic here roystock, I wonder if any members own both SubC Date and SubC no date?

Just curious

[roystock]

Just to tag along in your topic here roystock, I wonder if any members own both SubC Date and SubC no date?

Just curious

No problem. I just walked out from the rolex boutique @ klia.
All my indecisiveness on which rolex to get was solved - the new gmt master ii (blue-black) is an absolute stunner.
I wouldn't ask any more questions on rolex until I get that and start thinking of 2nd rolex

[theseira]

I'd go for the 16600 because it is now discontinued and the replacement model the deep-sea looks too chunky. The 16600 is such a beautiful piece and its a classic for me. Either way both are nice pieces! good luck with your choice

[jason_recliner]

I chose the 16600, because

1) no cyclops
2) much rarer
3) added height gives a bit more wrist presence
4) history - 16600 was worn on the deepest ever dive (700 m), was developed in conjunction with COMEX
5) Solid endlinks (some Subs have this, but not the 14060)
6) all the modern comforts (SEL, sapphire - lacking on older Sea-Dwellers) with retro style (same reason I love the MM300 and PO 2500)

Deepsea is too big and too blingy.  Sub Cs are too blocky and blingy.

(for my personal taste and style)

[watzisname]

I got a question; does all 16660 come with tritium dials? If yes, how come the ones I see for sale don't have the coffee patina?

[TheHobbit]

I got a question; does all 16660 come with tritium dials? If yes, how come the ones I see for sale don't have the coffee patina?

Can't give you and answer on the first part of you question, though off hand I would say yes. The second part, patina is very mush hit and or miss. Some will develop some won't. Some will turn orange, some gilt, some coffee and sadly some don't.

[watzisname]

I got a question; does all 16660 come with tritium dials? If yes, how come the ones I see for sale don't have the coffee patina?

Can't give you and answer on the first part of you question, though off hand I would say yes. The second part, patina is very mush hit and or miss. Some will develop some won't. Some will turn orange, some gilt, some coffee and sadly some don't.

I also read that the bottom of the dial should read "Swiss t < 25 " for tritium dials. This particular watch for sale just reads "Swiss"

[TheHobbit]

I got a question; does all 16660 come with tritium dials? If yes, how come the ones I see for sale don't have the coffee patina?

Can't give you and answer on the first part of you question, though off hand I would say yes. The second part, patina is very mush hit and or miss. Some will develop some won't. Some will turn orange, some gilt, some coffee and sadly some don't.

I also read that the bottom of the dial should read "Swiss t < 25 " for tritium dials. This particular watch for sale just reads "Swiss"

A service dial perhaps. Likely if it says 'Swiss', the dial would be Luminova.

[watzisname]

I got a question; does all 16660 come with tritium dials? If yes, how come the ones I see for sale don't have the coffee patina?

Can't give you and answer on the first part of you question, though off hand I would say yes. The second part, patina is very mush hit and or miss. Some will develop some won't. Some will turn orange, some gilt, some coffee and sadly some don't.

Thanks. What do you mean by a service dial? Meaning the dial has been changed?



I also read that the bottom of the dial should read "Swiss t < 25 " for tritium dials. This particular watch for sale just reads "Swiss"

A service dial perhaps. Likely if it says 'Swiss', the dial would be Luminova.

[mav23]

for 16660, it's supposed to be swiss t<25 = tritium luminous. if there's a 'swiss' at the bottom of the dial, it's a service dial replaced during a service at RSC in the past. it has luminova material and we can hardly see patina developed on the luminova dials as they r usually snow white

[watzisname]

for 16660, it's supposed to be swiss t<25 = tritium luminous. if there's a 'swiss' at the bottom of the dial, it's a service dial replaced during a service at RSC in the past. it has luminova material and we can hardly see patina developed on the luminova dials as they r usually snow white

Whats the difference between 16660 and 16600 then if you exclude the tritium dial?

[mav23]

16660 is the transition model from 1665 to 16600

hence, 16660 still has tritium dial. besides, it has 2 types of dials. one is glossy with white metal ring ard the hour markers n another one is matte without ring ard markers (earlier batch).

besides, 16600 has improved movement 3135 n 16660 has older 3035.

[watzisname]

16660 is the transition model from 1665 to 16600

hence, 16660 still has tritium dial. besides, it has 2 types of dials. one is glossy with white metal ring ard the hour markers n another one is matte without ring ard markers (earlier batch).

besides, 16600 has improved movement 3135 n 16660 has older 3035.

Nice , I learn something new everyday

[mav23]

Hi all,

What's your take on Rolex Sea Dweller 16600?
Do you own one (or used to, or intend to)?
How do you like it compared to any of the submariner models?

I started a topic a while ago asking for opinion on submariner 16610 vs 116610. I concluded then I prefer 116610 to 16610 but I had yet to buy one.
I recently came across a pre-owned Sea Dweller 16600 and I am now seriously considering getting it. Looks very neat, far less common than the subs. What's your take? 

i used to own one 16600. it's slightly thicker than 16610 so u can feel the heft of it. however, it sits a little tall on my wrist than sub, which i feel more comfortable with sub. cyclop is rolex icon as well. both r classic anyway. the interesting part is that their bezel insert will age in different shades as years go by. it gives the warm look to the watch appearance that words can hardly describe. this makes collecting rolex interesting.

for 116610, the ceramic bezel is a little blingy n brittle. it is a dressy watch now instead of a tool watch. u have to handle with care. don't drop it. its lugs r fatter, which i feel that they don't go that well with bracelet that remains the size of before. however, i like the maxi dial of the current models. this can only be found in 16610LV among 5-digit serial models.

[Yoda]

Between these 2, 16600 and submariner which one cost more when come to service? So the cost may have to be considered too.

My guess is the 16600 as it has one Helium valve inside.

Whats your comment or experience? Care to share?

[mav23]

i sent in my M-serial 16600 to RSC for repair in 2011. it costed me RM200+ for changing a mainspring or something.

today i believe it makes no difference which basic model u send in bcoz they now quote a minimum package for full service that easily costs RM2k+ for watches above 5 yrs. i got a shock at RSC 2 mths back. after checking your watch and if u do not want to proceed with the service, they will charge u for the quotation cost at RM200+    this never happened in the past 

so u need not worry SD or Sub would cost u more service charge 

[manSubmariner]

Good info!..for me Both are nice..