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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600

Partially verified

This Rolex Sea-Dweller, reference 16600, is a stainless steel diver’s wristwatch manufactured in 2002. The watch features a self-winding mechanism, center seconds, and a date display, encased within a robust three-body construction. Designed for professional use, it incorporates a helium escape valve at the nine o’clock position, a Triplock winding crown protected by crown guards, and a unidirectional revolving black bezel graduated for decompression times. The black dial is configured with luminous white gold indexes—round, triangular, and baton-shaped—and corresponding luminous skeletonized hands. The watch is powered by the rhodium-plated caliber 3135 movement, which includes 27 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. It is presented on a stainless steel Rolex Oyster Fliplock bracelet.

A Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600, showcasing the black dial, unidirectional bezel, and stainless steel oyster bracelet, presented with the included guarantee paper and specialized adjustment tool.
A Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600, showcasing the black dial, unidirectional bezel, and stainless steel oyster bracelet, presented with the included guarantee paper and specialized adjustment tool. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16600
Catalogue / lot identifier
89
Source-reported date
2002
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
K603951

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and External Features

The watch features a three-body stainless steel case that exhibits both polished and brushed finishes. It is equipped with a screwed-down case back that carries specific engravings related to the model's depth rating. The construction includes a unidirectional revolving black bezel, which provides a functional countdown scale for decompression times during diving activities.

To ensure integrity under pressure, the watch is fitted with a Triplock winding crown integrated into protected crown guards. A distinctive helium escape valve is positioned at the nine o'clock side of the case, a technical requirement for saturation diving. The watch is secured to the wrist with a stainless steel Oyster Fliplock bracelet.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down engraved case back”
  • “graduated unidirectional revolving black bezel for the decompression times”
  • “gas-escape valve at 9”
  • “stainless steel Rolex Oyster Fliplock bracelet”

Dial and Hands

The dial is matte black and features a high-contrast layout designed for underwater visibility. It displays luminous white gold indexes in a combination of round, triangular, and baton shapes. The outer periphery includes white printed minutes and seconds divisions for precision timing, alongside an aperture for the date display located at the three o'clock position.

The hands are composed of white gold and skeletonized to accommodate luminous material. These correspond to the indices on the dial, ensuring visibility in low-light environments. The auction documentation classifies the condition of the dial as being in an as-new state, with the hands noted as original to the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black with luminous white gold round, triangular and baton indexes”
  • “Luminous white gold skeleton hands”
  • “Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “HANDS Original”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is powered by the Rolex caliber 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement. This caliber is rhodium-plated and contains 27 jewels. The technical assembly utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and a monometallic balance that is adjusted for temperature and across five distinct positions, using Microstella timing screws for fine regulation.

Additional technical components include a shock-absorber system for the balance staff and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring to maintain chronometric precision. The movement also features a hack mechanism, allowing for accurate time setting. The auction report notes that the movement currently requires an overhaul.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 3135, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions with Microstella timing screws”
  • “self-compensating Breguet balance spring, hack mechanism”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What specific service history is associated with the movement since its initial sale in 2002?
  • Does the included guarantee documentation contain the original retailer stamp or date of sale?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea Dweller”
Reference16600“Ref. 16600”
Serial NumberK603951“case No. K603951”
Production Year2002“Made in 2002.”
Caliber3135“Cal. 3135”
Case Diameter40 mm“DIAM. 40 mm.”
Water Resistance4000ft / 1220m“Sea Dweller 4000ft = 1220m”

Visible details

  • Unidirectional rotating bezel with black graduated insert
  • Helium gas escape valve located on the case side at 9 o'clock
  • Stainless steel Oyster Fliplock bracelet
  • Luminous indexes and hands against a black dial

Research qualifications

  • The auction house reports that a movement overhaul is recommended at the buyer's expense.
  • The provenance or specific history of the watch before its entry into the auction is not documented in the source text.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ROLEX REF 16600 SEA DWELLER Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea Dweller 4000ft = 1220m, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified," case No. K603951, Ref. 16600. Made in 2002. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel diver's wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and a stainless steel Rolex Oyster Fliplock bracelet. Accompanied by fitted box, guarantee and a screwer.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 96ed24fc29

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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