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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's watch

Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 16660

Partially verified

The Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16660, frequently referred to as 'Triple Six', is an automatic wristwatch from 1988, serial number R9XXXXX. This model features a 40mm stainless steel case equipped with a helium escape valve, allowing for water resistance to 1220 meters. It is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3035 movement, which includes a quick-set date function. The watch displays a black glossy dial with white gold surrounds for the tritium markers, which have aged to a golden hue. The watch is fitted with an Oyster 93160 bracelet, end links 592, and includes a diving extension. The auction description indicates that the case is unpolished, retaining original factory finishes and chamfers despite signs of use. It features an open 6 and 9 date disc and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a tritium luminous pearl.

Front view of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 showing the glossy dial and tritium markers.
Front view of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 showing the glossy dial and tritium markers. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's watch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16660
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1988
Source-reported place
سوئیس
Source-reported serial
R9XXXXX

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 Dial

The stainless steel case measures 40mm in diameter and is reported by the source to be unpolished. The case retains its original factory finishes, chamfers, and lugs, though it displays minor wear from use. A helium escape valve (HEV) is situated on the flank of the case to enable pressure equalization during decompression, supporting a water resistance rating of 1220 meters (4000 feet).

The black glossy dial features tritium hour markers set within white gold surrounds. These markers have developed a golden patina over time. The date window utilizes a white background disc with open 6 and 9 numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه استیل ضدزنگ این ساعت با قطر ۴۰ میلی‌متر، طبق منبع دست‌نخورده و بدون پولیش باقی مانده”
  • “قاب ساعت مجهز به شیر خروج هلیوم (HEV) در پهلوی بدنه است”
  • “دیسک تقویم پس‌زمینه سفید با اعداد ۶ و ۹ باز (Open 6 & 9) است”

Movement and Functionality

The watch operates on the Rolex Caliber 3035 movement. This automatic caliber introduced the quick-set date feature, allowing for independent adjustment of the date display. The movement is enclosed in a case designed for high-pressure environments, incorporating advancements introduced in 1981, such as sapphire crystal and an updated unidirectional spring-loaded bezel.

The source reports that the movement maintains time accurately, although no documentation regarding its past service history is available. All components, including the 93160 Oyster bracelet with 592 end links and the integrated diving extension, are presented as original to the assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “به‌کارگیری کالیبر 3035 با امکان تنظیم سریع تاریخ (Quick-set)”
  • “طبق اطلاعات منبع، این ساعت زمان را به خوبی نگه می‌دارد، اما پیشینه دقیق سرویس‌های قبلی آن نامشخص است”
  • “بند اویستر 93160 با اتصالات انتهایی توپر 592 و افزونه غواصی ارائه شده است”

Provenance and Documentation

The reference 16660, known by collectors as 'Triple Six', represents a transitional phase in the evolution of professional Rolex diving watches. This specific unit is attributed to 1988 based on its serial number R9XXXXX.

The information provided serves as a descriptive catalogue entry based on data supplied by the vendor.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت رولکس Rolex Sea-Dweller رفرنس 16660 که در میان مجموعه‌داران با لقب «ترپل سیکس» (Triple 6) شناخته می‌شود”
  • “این ساعت که بر پایه شماره سریال R9XXXXX به سال ۱۹۸۸ میلادی نسبت داده شده”
  • “همچنین اقلام جانبی، جعبه یا اسناد همراه آن ذکر نشده و موجود نیست”

Open research questions

  • Determine if the 'Frozen Dial' effect on this specific serial range matches verified laboratory reports of paint degradation.
  • Confirm the production timeframe for the 16660 reference featuring the specific combination of gloss dial and white gold surrounds.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 16660
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“برند: Rolex”
ModelSea-Dweller (Ref. 16660)“مدل: Sea-Dweller (Ref. 16660)”
Year1988“سال ساخت: ۱۹۸۸”
SerialR9XXXXX“شماره سریال: R9XXXXX”
CaliberRolex Caliber 3035“کالیبر: Rolex Caliber 3035”
Water Resistance1220m“مقاومت در برابر آب: ۱۲۲۰ متر (۴۰۰۰ فوت)”
BraceletOyster 93160“بند اویستر 93160”

Visible details

  • Open 6 and 9 date disc
  • Helium escape valve on the case flank
  • Golden-hued tritium indices
  • Tritium pearl on bezel insert

Research qualifications

  • The exact history of previous service is unknown
  • The 'Frozen Dial' patina is subject to individual interpretation

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Sea-Dweller رفرنس 16660 معروف به Triple Six ساخت ۱۹۸۸

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9798f5d44d

Terms in this record

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

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