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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660 'Militarized DLC'

Partially verified

This Rolex Sea-Dweller, reference 16660, is a customized timepiece dating to 1987. Originally produced as a stainless steel, self-winding diver's watch, the object has been modified by the independent customizer Militarized DLC. The watch features a black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating applied to the exterior. It is part of a limited series marked as 01/05. The case includes a helium escape valve at the 9 o'clock position, a Triplock winding crown, and a unidirectional revolving decompression bezel. The case back is engraved with a specific logo associated with the customizer. The dial is black, displaying luminous indexes and a date aperture, and the watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3035 self-winding movement. This modification by an aftermarket entity means the watch is not endorsed or warranted by Rolex SA.

The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 with custom black DLC finish, displayed with its presentation box and additional strap.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 with custom black DLC finish, displayed with its presentation box and additional strap. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16660
Catalogue / lot identifier
298
Source-reported date
1987
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
9882844

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 Construction

The watch is built on the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16660 chassis, which provides a water resistance rating of 1220 meters (4000 feet). The case is a three-body construction with polished and brushed surfaces, now fully finished in an aftermarket black DLC coating. Key technical features of the case include a Triplock winding crown protected by crown guards and a helium escape valve situated on the side of the case at 9 o'clock to assist in decompression during saturation diving.

The unidirectional revolving bezel is graduated to track decompression times. The case back, also finished in DLC, features an engraving of the customizer's logo, described as a naked woman holding an AK47 firearm. The crystal is sapphire, covering a black dial with luminous indexes and skeletonized steel hands. The overall dimensions are 40 mm in diameter with a thickness of 15 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down engraved case back with the ? Militarized Logo ? ( a naked woman wearing only an AK47 gun )”
  • “graduated unidirectional revolving bezel for the decompression times”
  • “helium escape valve at 9, sapphire crystal”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is driven by the Rolex Caliber 3035, a self-winding mechanical movement with center seconds and a date function. It is a rhodium-plated movement featuring 27 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The movement is designed for precision, evidenced by the inclusion of a monometallic balance with Microstella regulating screws and a shock absorber system.

Additional components of the movement include a self-compensating, free-sprung Breguet balance spring and a hack mechanism for accurate time setting. The movement, along with the dial and case, is signed by Rolex.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 3035, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance”
  • “Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Customization and Authenticity Status

The documentation emphasizes that this object has undergone significant aftermarket modifications by an entity known as Militarized DLC. This company is stated to be independent and completely unaffiliated with Rolex SA or its regional subsidiaries. The modification process involves the application of a PVD-based DLC coating to the exterior surfaces of the watch.

The piece is numbered as part of a limited customization run, specifically marked 01/05.

Evidence for this section
  • “Militarized DLC is an independent watch customizer and is not affiliated in any way with Rolex SA”
  • “Militarized DLC aftermarket additions void the manufacturer?s warranty and Rolex will not warranty and/ or service the present watch.”
  • “No.01/05”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific provenance of the steel watch base before the DLC coating was applied?
  • Has the dial undergone any refinishing or modification to match the 'Militarized' aesthetic beyond the case coating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660 'Militarized DLC'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea Dweller 4000ft = 1220m”
Reference16660“Ref. 16660”
Case Number9882844“case No.9882844”
Date of manufacture1987“Made in 1987.”
MovementCal. 3035“M. Cal. 3035”
Limited Edition01/05“No.01/05”
CustomizerMilitarized DLC“Militarized DLC is an independent watch customizer”
Case diameter40 mm“DIAM. 40 mm.”

Visible details

  • Black DLC-coated finish applied to the case and hardware
  • Engraved logo on the case back featuring a figure with a weapon
  • Dial text specifies depth rating of 4000ft = 1220m
  • Fitted with a fabric-style strap with matching black hardware

Research qualifications

  • The long-term impact of aftermarket DLC coating on the structural integrity of the steel case is not documented
  • The status of the original Rolex factory finish beneath the DLC layer cannot be verified from the provided source

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

Consulted source

ROLEX REF. 16660 SEA DWELLER, VINTAGE EDITION, CUSTOMIZED BY MILITARIZED DLC Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea Dweller 4000ft = 1220m, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, No.01/05, case No.9882844, Ref. 16660. Made in 1987. Fine and unusual, center seconds, self-winding, water resistant, stainless steel and DLC coated wristwatch with date. Accompanied by fitted box, additional strap, guarantee and Rolex International service.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 72304de69a

Terms in this record

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

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