Reference:126660 - Revision history

Admin: Clarify 126660 update details and dates

2026-10-28T17:41:16Z

Clarify 126660 update details and dates

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 28 October 2026
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	In 2018~~, Rolex replaced~~ the 116660 ~~with the 126660~~, ~~adding~~ calibre 3235 and ~~widening~~ the ~~Oyster bracelet from 21 to 22 mm~~.		Rolex introduced the Deepsea 126660 in 2018 as the successor to the 116660. The 44 mm case and 3,900 m rating carried over; Rolex fitted calibre 3235, widened the bracelet and reshaped the lugs and case sides.

	==Core facts==		==Core facts==
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	\| Bracelet \|\| Oyster, 22 mm; Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock and Fliplock extensions		\| Bracelet \|\| Oyster, 22 mm; Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock and Fliplock extensions
	\|}		\|}

	~~==Where it sits in the line==~~

	~~Rolex reshaped the lugs and case sides. Monochrome noted that Rolex lengthened the minute and seconds hands so they reach the outer dial tracks.~~

	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

	Rolex ~~introduced~~ the D-blue dial on the 116660 in 2014 ~~and linked its blue-to-black fade~~ to James Cameron's 2012 Mariana Trench dive. ~~The 126660 followed in 2018~~. Rolex replaced ~~it in~~ the ~~catalogue~~ with the 136660 in 2022.		Rolex added the D-blue dial to the 116660 in 2014 as a tribute to James Cameron's 2012 Mariana Trench dive. It fades from deep blue to black and has green DEEPSEA lettering. Rolex replaced the 126660 with the 136660 in the catalogue in 2022.

	==Movement notes==		==Movement notes==
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	==Dial map==		==Dial map==

	~~Rolex offered the~~ 126660 with black or D-blue dials~~; the latter fades from blue to black~~. ~~The 2018 press image shows green DEEPSEA lettering on~~ the ~~D-blue dial. Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 illustrates~~ the ~~black~~ dial.		The 126660 came with black or D-blue dials. Monochrome noted that Rolex lengthened the minute and seconds hands so they reach the outer dial tracks.

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
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	==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==		==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==

	Inside the middle case, a nitrogen-alloyed steel ring forms part of the Ringlock system. The caseback combines Oystersteel and grade 5 titanium; the domed sapphire crystal is 5.5 mm thick. Rolex ~~says~~ each Deepsea ~~is tested~~ to its ~~rated depth~~ with a 25% safety margin. The watch has a Triplock crown, a helium escape valve and a unidirectional bezel with a black Cerachrom insert. Rolex coats the bezel numerals and minute marks with platinum using PVD.		Inside the middle case, a nitrogen-alloyed steel ring forms part of the Ringlock system. The caseback combines Oystersteel and grade 5 titanium; the domed sapphire crystal is 5.5 mm thick. Rolex tests each Deepsea to its 3,900 m rating with an additional 25% safety margin. The watch has a Triplock crown, a helium escape valve and a unidirectional bezel with a black Cerachrom insert. Rolex coats the bezel numerals and minute marks with platinum using PVD.

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
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	==Bracelet, clasp, and packaging==		==Bracelet, clasp, and packaging==

	~~The Oyster bracelet is 22 mm wide, 1 mm wider than the 116660's.~~ Glidelock adjusts in roughly 2 mm steps over about 20 mm. Fliplock adds 26 mm for wear over a diving suit. Rolex ~~also redesigned~~ the Oysterlock clasp. Christie's 2019 lot 128 records bracelet ref. 98220 and clasp stamp 2FV on one example.		Glidelock adjusts in roughly 2 mm steps over about 20 mm; Fliplock adds 26 mm for wear over a diving suit. Rolex adapted the Oysterlock clasp to match the broader bracelet. Christie's 2019 lot 128 records bracelet ref. 98220 and clasp stamp 2FV on one example.

	Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 included the presentation box, booklets and three extra bracelet links. The catalogue lists no papers.		Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 included the presentation box, booklets and three extra bracelet links. The catalogue lists no papers.

Admin: Tighten 126660 prose and remove repetitive phrasing

2026-10-28T17:03:52Z

Tighten 126660 prose and remove repetitive phrasing

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:03, 28 October 2026
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	</div>		</div>

	~~The Deepsea~~ 126660 is the ~~2018 successor~~ to ~~Rolex's 116660~~.		In 2018, Rolex replaced the 116660 with the 126660, adding calibre 3235 and widening the Oyster bracelet from 21 to 22 mm.

	==Core facts==		==Core facts==
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	==Where it sits in the line==		==Where it sits in the line==

	Rolex reshaped the lugs and case sides. Monochrome~~'s 2018 report notes longer~~ minute and seconds hands ~~that~~ reach the outer dial tracks.		Rolex reshaped the lugs and case sides. Monochrome noted that Rolex lengthened the minute and seconds hands so they reach the outer dial tracks.

	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

	Rolex ~~added~~ the D-blue dial to the 116660 in 2014 and linked it to James Cameron's 2012 Mariana Trench dive. Rolex replaced the ~~126660~~ with the 136660 ~~in its catalogue~~ in 2022.		Rolex introduced the D-blue dial on the 116660 in 2014 and linked its blue-to-black fade to James Cameron's 2012 Mariana Trench dive. The 126660 followed in 2018. Rolex replaced it in the catalogue with the 136660 in 2022.

	==Movement notes==		==Movement notes==

	~~Rolex specifies~~ calibre 3235, with a date, Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. ~~Its stated~~ power reserve ~~is about 70 hours; Rolex gives a rate of~~ −2/+2 seconds per day after casing.		The 126660 uses calibre 3235, with a date, Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. Rolex rates it for a 70-hour power reserve and −2/+2 seconds per day after casing.

	~~Christie's 2019 catalogue lists calibre 3135 for case 3034X5L0.~~ Rolex's launch specification and two Sotheby's catalogues identify calibre 3235 for ~~the reference~~.		Rolex's launch specification and two Sotheby's catalogues identify calibre 3235. Christie's 2019 catalogue gives calibre 3135 for its example, case 3034X5L0.

	See [[Reference:Movements\|Movements]] for calibre 3235's other applications.		See [[Reference:Movements\|Movements]] for calibre 3235's other applications.
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	==Dial map==		==Dial map==

	Rolex offered a black ~~dial and a~~ D-blue ~~dial that~~ fades from blue to black. The 2018 press image shows green DEEPSEA lettering on the D-blue dial; Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 ~~records a~~ black-dial ~~example~~.		Rolex offered the 126660 with black or D-blue dials; the latter fades from blue to black. The 2018 press image shows green DEEPSEA lettering on the D-blue dial. Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 illustrates the black dial.

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
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	==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==		==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==

	~~The Ringlock~~ case ~~has~~ a nitrogen-alloyed steel ring ~~inside~~ the ~~middle case~~. ~~Its~~ caseback combines Oystersteel and grade 5 titanium~~. Rolex specifies a~~ 5.5 mm ~~domed sapphire crystal and~~ says each Deepsea is tested to its rated depth with a 25% safety margin. The ~~case also~~ has a Triplock crown ~~and~~ helium escape valve~~. The~~ unidirectional bezel ~~uses~~ a black Cerachrom insert; Rolex ~~says~~ the numerals and minute marks ~~receive a~~ platinum ~~coating by~~ PVD.		Inside the middle case, a nitrogen-alloyed steel ring forms part of the Ringlock system. The caseback combines Oystersteel and grade 5 titanium; the domed sapphire crystal is 5.5 mm thick. Rolex says each Deepsea is tested to its rated depth with a 25% safety margin. The watch has a Triplock crown, a helium escape valve and a unidirectional bezel with a black Cerachrom insert. Rolex coats the bezel numerals and minute marks with platinum using PVD.

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Line 85:		Line 85:
	==Bracelet, clasp, and packaging==		==Bracelet, clasp, and packaging==

	The Oyster bracelet is 22 mm wide, ~~compared with 21~~ mm on the 116660. ~~Rolex describes~~ Glidelock ~~adjustment~~ in roughly 2 mm steps ~~across~~ about 20 mm~~; the~~ Fliplock ~~extension~~ adds 26 mm for wear over a diving suit. Rolex ~~resized~~ the Oysterlock clasp ~~with the bracelet~~. Christie's 2019 lot 128 records bracelet ref. 98220 and clasp stamp 2FV.		The Oyster bracelet is 22 mm wide, 1 mm wider than the 116660's. Glidelock adjusts in roughly 2 mm steps over about 20 mm. Fliplock adds 26 mm for wear over a diving suit. Rolex also redesigned the Oysterlock clasp. Christie's 2019 lot 128 records bracelet ref. 98220 and clasp stamp 2FV on one example.

	Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 included the presentation box, booklets and three extra bracelet links. The catalogue lists no papers.		Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 included the presentation box, booklets and three extra bracelet links. The catalogue lists no papers.

Admin: Create Rolex Deepsea reference 126660

2026-10-28T16:57:28Z

Create Rolex Deepsea reference 126660

New page

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Deepsea 126660}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Deepsea 126660 — 44 mm, 3,900 m, calibre 3235 | Rolexopedia
|description=Rolex introduced the Deepsea 126660 in 2018 with calibre 3235, a 22 mm bracelet and black or D-blue dial.
|keywords=Rolex 126660, Deepsea, Sea-Dweller, D-blue, calibre 3235, Ringlock
|image=Ref 126660 hero.webp
|image_alt=D-blue Rolex Deepsea 126660 on its Oyster bracelet
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]] → '''126660'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 126660 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=D-blue Rolex Deepsea 126660 on its Oyster bracelet|D-blue 126660, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-126660-deep-sea-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's 2020 lot 113]]]
</div>

The Deepsea 126660 is the 2018 successor to Rolex's 116660.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
|-
! Detail !! Specification
|-
| Reference || 126660
|-
| Model || Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea; also catalogued as Sea-Dweller Deepsea
|-
| Introduced || 2018
|-
| Catalogue successor || 136660, 2022
|-
| Case || 44 mm Oystersteel with Ringlock system
|-
| Depth rating || 3,900 m / 12,800 ft
|-
| Movement || Calibre 3235, automatic, date
|-
| Dials || Black; D-blue gradient
|-
| Bezel || Unidirectional, black Cerachrom insert
|-
| Crystal || Domed sapphire, 5.5 mm thick
|-
| Bracelet || Oyster, 22 mm; Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock and Fliplock extensions
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Rolex reshaped the lugs and case sides. Monochrome's 2018 report notes longer minute and seconds hands that reach the outer dial tracks.

==Production outline==

Rolex added the D-blue dial to the 116660 in 2014 and linked it to James Cameron's 2012 Mariana Trench dive. Rolex replaced the 126660 with the 136660 in its catalogue in 2022.

==Movement notes==

Rolex specifies calibre 3235, with a date, Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. Its stated power reserve is about 70 hours; Rolex gives a rate of −2/+2 seconds per day after casing.

Christie's 2019 catalogue lists calibre 3135 for case 3034X5L0. Rolex's launch specification and two Sotheby's catalogues identify calibre 3235 for the reference.

See [[Reference:Movements|Movements]] for calibre 3235's other applications.

==Dial map==

Rolex offered a black dial and a D-blue dial that fades from blue to black. The 2018 press image shows green DEEPSEA lettering on the D-blue dial; Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 records a black-dial example.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Ref 126660 dial detail.webp|D-blue dial in [https://12-24.com/upload/iblock/75f/75fb70ca099f882ec6ab130fc8a87840.pdf Rolex's 2018 press presentation]
Ref 126660 black dial.webp|Black-dial 126660, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 black dial detail.webp|Black-dial close view, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
</gallery>

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==

The Ringlock case has a nitrogen-alloyed steel ring inside the middle case. Its caseback combines Oystersteel and grade 5 titanium. Rolex specifies a 5.5 mm domed sapphire crystal and says each Deepsea is tested to its rated depth with a 25% safety margin. The case also has a Triplock crown and helium escape valve. The unidirectional bezel uses a black Cerachrom insert; Rolex says the numerals and minute marks receive a platinum coating by PVD.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Ref 126660 case side.webp|Crown side of the case, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 caseback.webp|Caseback and bracelet, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
</gallery>

==Bracelet, clasp, and packaging==

The Oyster bracelet is 22 mm wide, compared with 21 mm on the 116660. Rolex describes Glidelock adjustment in roughly 2 mm steps across about 20 mm; the Fliplock extension adds 26 mm for wear over a diving suit. Rolex resized the Oysterlock clasp with the bracelet. Christie's 2019 lot 128 records bracelet ref. 98220 and clasp stamp 2FV.

Sotheby's 2022 lot 496 included the presentation box, booklets and three extra bracelet links. The catalogue lists no papers.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Ref 126660 bracelet.webp|Bracelet on the black-dial example, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 packaging.webp|Box and accessories, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
</gallery>

==Auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Catalogue !! Example-specific record
|-
| Sotheby's, 2020, lot 113; case 73'287'5U9 || D-blue dial, calibre 3235, 44 mm case; catalogue dates it circa 2018 and lists a guarantee card dated 27 August 2018, presentation box, outer packaging and booklets.
|-
| Christie's, 2019, lot 128; case 3034X5L0 || Catalogue dates it circa 2019, lists calibre 3135, a guarantee dated 1 May 2019 and an original box.
|-
| Sotheby's, 2022, lot 496; case 1N'6S9'210 || Black dial, calibre 3235 and 44 mm case; catalogue dates it circa 2018.
|-
| Christie's, 2022, lot 65 || D-blue dial; catalogue dates it circa 2019 and lists a guarantee dated 18 July 2019.
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Ref 126660 hero.webp|D-blue 126660, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-126660-deep-sea-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's 2020 lot 113]
Ref 126660 dial detail.webp|D-blue dial, [https://12-24.com/upload/iblock/75f/75fb70ca099f882ec6ab130fc8a87840.pdf Rolex's 2018 press presentation]
Ref 126660 black dial.webp|Black-dial 126660, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 black dial detail.webp|Black-dial close view, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 case side.webp|Crown side of the case, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 caseback.webp|Caseback and bracelet, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 bracelet.webp|Bracelet on the black-dial example, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
Ref 126660 packaging.webp|Box and accessories, [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's 2022 lot 496]
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://12-24.com/upload/iblock/75f/75fb70ca099f882ec6ab130fc8a87840.pdf Rolex, "Baselworld 2018 Deepsea press presentation", Rolex Newsroom, 2018-03-21]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-deepsea-126660-introducing James Stacey, "Introducing: The Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660", HODINKEE, 2018-03-22]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-deepsea-sea-dweller-reference-126660/ Robert-Jan Broer, "The New Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller Reference 126660", Fratello Watches, 2018-03-23]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2018/03/baselworld-2018-introducing-the-rolex-deepsea-d-blue-with-an-updated-case-and-movement.html Staff Writer, "Baselworld 2018: Rolex Introduces the Revamped Deepsea Sea-Dweller Ref. 126660", SJX Watches, 2018-03-21]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-deepsea-ref-126660-update-baselworld-2018-hands-on-price/ Brice Goulard, "Hands-On — Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660 — Baselworld 2018", Monochrome Watches, 2018-03-23]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-126660-deep-sea-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Sotheby's — Rolex ref. 126660 Deep-Sea, lot 113, circa 2018", Sotheby's]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-10/reference-126660-sea-dweller-deepsea-a-stainless Sotheby's, "Sotheby's — Rolex ref. 126660 Sea-Dweller Deepsea, lot 496, circa 2018", Sotheby's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6231318 Christie's, "Christie's Rare Watches, ref. 126660 case 3034X5L0, circa 2019", Christie's, 2019]
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-champion-collection-part-ii-sport-elegance/rolex-deepsea-d-blue-ref-126660-65/145792 Christie's, "Christie's Watches Online, lot 65, Deepsea D-blue ref. 126660", Christie's, 2022]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-new-rolex-deepsea-is-the-same-but-also-different Danny Milton, "The New Rolex Deepsea Is The Same, But Also Different", HODINKEE, 2022-03-30]

[[Category:Deepsea]]