Reference:sea-dweller - Revision history

Admin: Add researched Rolex Sea-Dweller 126603 coverage and index links

2026-10-20T20:24:49Z

Add researched Rolex Sea-Dweller 126603 coverage and index links

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:24, 20 October 2026
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	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference Guide — Rolexopedia		\|title=Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference Guide — Rolexopedia
	\|description=Rolex Sea-Dweller history and selected reference guide, from early 1665 examples through the ~~2017 steel 126600~~, with documented dial groups, COMEX deliveries, and movement changes.		\|description=Rolex Sea-Dweller history and selected reference guide, from early 1665 examples through the 2019 Yellow Rolesor 126603, with documented dial groups, COMEX deliveries, and movement changes.
	\|keywords=Rolex Sea-Dweller, 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, 126600, Single Red Sea-Dweller, Double Red Sea-Dweller, Great White, Triple Six, Sea-Dweller 4000, COMEX, helium escape valve, Patent Pending, Pisani dial, Khanjar		\|keywords=Rolex Sea-Dweller, 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, 126600, Single Red Sea-Dweller, Double Red Sea-Dweller, Great White, Triple Six, Sea-Dweller 4000, COMEX, helium escape valve, Patent Pending, Pisani dial, Khanjar
	\|image=Sea-dweller vintage poster.webp		\|image=Sea-dweller vintage poster.webp
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	</div>		</div>

	The Sea-Dweller is Rolex's saturation-diving line, distinguished from the Submariner by its helium escape valve. Development examples appear in 1967, and civilian sales of the 1665 followed in the early 1970s. The references covered here are 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, and ~~126600~~.		The Sea-Dweller is Rolex's saturation-diving line, distinguished from the Submariner by its helium escape valve. Development examples appear in 1967, and civilian sales of the 1665 followed in the early 1970s. The references covered here are 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, 126600, and 126603.

	The operational distinction sits at 9 o'clock on the case. A one-way helium release valve, Swiss patent CH492246 (filed November 1967, granted June 1970), lets helium dissolved in the watch during long mixed-gas chamber dives escape during decompression without popping the crystal off the case. The valve is the feature that separates the Sea-Dweller from the standard Submariner for saturation work.		The operational distinction sits at 9 o'clock on the case. A one-way helium release valve, Swiss patent CH492246 (filed November 1967, granted June 1970), lets helium dissolved in the watch during long mixed-gas chamber dives escape during decompression without popping the crystal off the case. The valve is the feature that separates the Sea-Dweller from the standard Submariner for saturation work.
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	<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a long-run modern SD?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16600\|16600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The long 3135 run, with tritium, Luminova, and Super-LumiNova dial eras, and the last Sea-Dweller with an aluminum bezel insert.</div></div></div>		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a long-run modern SD?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16600\|16600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The long 3135 run, with tritium, Luminova, and Super-LumiNova dial eras, and the last Sea-Dweller with an aluminum bezel insert.</div></div></div>
	<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Looking at the 43 mm steel Sea-Dweller?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:126600\|126600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Introduced in 2017 with calibre 3235, a Cyclops date and a single red dial line.</div></div></div>		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Looking at the 43 mm steel Sea-Dweller?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:126600\|126600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Introduced in 2017 with calibre 3235, a Cyclops date and a single red dial line.</div></div></div>
			<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Looking at the two-tone 43 mm Sea-Dweller?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:126603\|126603]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Introduced in 2019 in Yellow Rolesor, with calibre 3235 and yellow-hued dial text.</div></div></div>
	</div>		</div>

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	\|}		\|}

	== Modern 43 mm — 126600 (2017–present) ==		== Modern 43 mm — 126600 and 126603 (2017–present) ==

	Rolex introduced the 126600 in 2017 for the Sea-Dweller’s 50th anniversary. The case grew to 43 mm, the movement changed to calibre 3235, and a Cyclops magnifies the date. Rolex retained the helium escape valve and 1,220 m rating. The red SEA-DWELLER line recalls the early red-dial 1665. [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/sea-dweller Rolex Newsroom] [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-sea-dweller-reference-126600 Hodinkee, 2017]		Rolex introduced the 126600 in 2017 for the Sea-Dweller’s 50th anniversary. The case grew to 43 mm, the movement changed to calibre 3235, and a Cyclops magnifies the date. Rolex retained the helium escape valve and 1,220 m rating. The red SEA-DWELLER line recalls the early red-dial 1665. [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/sea-dweller Rolex Newsroom] [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-sea-dweller-reference-126600 Hodinkee, 2017]

			Rolex added the Yellow Rolesor 126603 in 2019 alongside the steel 126600. It keeps the 43 mm case, calibre 3235, helium escape valve and 1,220 m rating, with yellow gold on the bezel, crown and bracelet center links. The black dial uses yellow-hued SEA-DWELLER text. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/grand-public/2019_Oyster_New_Models_English.pdf Rolex, 2019 Oyster models brochure] [https://www.rolex.com/watches/sea-dweller/m126603-0001 Rolex, 126603 specifications]

	Photographs show two dial executions at six o’clock: the 2017 Phillips example has SWISS MADE without a coronet; Rolex’s current product image shows the coronet between those words. Collectors call them Mk I and Mk II, but the name and transition date are not official Rolex specifications. See the [[Reference:126600\|126600 reference page]] for the photographed differences and dated examples. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/197215 Phillips, lot 8117]		Photographs show two dial executions at six o’clock: the 2017 Phillips example has SWISS MADE without a coronet; Rolex’s current product image shows the coronet between those words. Collectors call them Mk I and Mk II, but the name and transition date are not official Rolex specifications. See the [[Reference:126600\|126600 reference page]] for the photographed differences and dated examples. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/197215 Phillips, lot 8117]
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	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:126600\|126600]] \|\| 2017–present \|\| 3235 \|\| Sapphire with Cyclops \|\| 1220m / 4000ft \|\| 43 mm Oystersteel case; black Cerachrom insert; red SEA-DWELLER dial line.		\| [[Reference:126600\|126600]] \|\| 2017–present \|\| 3235 \|\| Sapphire with Cyclops \|\| 1220m / 4000ft \|\| 43 mm Oystersteel case; black Cerachrom insert; red SEA-DWELLER dial line.
			\|-
			\| [[Reference:126603\|126603]] \|\| 2019–present \|\| 3235 \|\| Sapphire with Cyclops \|\| 1220m / 4000ft \|\| 43 mm Yellow Rolesor case and bracelet; black Cerachrom insert; yellow-hued SEA-DWELLER dial line.
	\|}		\|}

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	The valve sits at 9 o'clock on Sea-Dweller cases and is covered by Swiss patent CH492246, filed 6 November 1967 and granted in June 1970. During saturation work, helium can enter a watch case; during decompression, a one-way spring-loaded valve lets excess internal pressure escape without opening the case. The development history includes feedback from saturation divers, including Bob Barth.		The valve sits at 9 o'clock on Sea-Dweller cases and is covered by Swiss patent CH492246, filed 6 November 1967 and granted in June 1970. During saturation work, helium can enter a watch case; during decompression, a one-way spring-loaded valve lets excess internal pressure escape without opening the case. The development history includes feedback from saturation divers, including Bob Barth.

	The 1665 carries the valve in its first generation. The 16660 enlarges it for the 1220-metre depth rating, and the 16600, 116600, and ~~126600~~ retain the larger unit.		The 1665 carries the valve in its first generation. The 16660 enlarges it for the 1220-metre depth rating, and the 16600, 116600, 126600, and 126603 retain the larger unit.

	== Historical anchors ==		== Historical anchors ==

Admin: Add 126600 to Sea-Dweller reference guide

2026-10-20T20:11:36Z

Add 126600 to Sea-Dweller reference guide

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:11, 20 October 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Sea-Dweller}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Sea-Dweller}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Sea-Dweller ~~— Complete~~ Reference Guide — Rolexopedia		\|title=Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference Guide — Rolexopedia
	\|description=~~Every pre-2020~~ Rolex Sea-Dweller reference, from ~~the 1967 Single Red prototypes~~ through the ~~2014–2017 116600 reissue. Production histories~~, dial ~~mark generations~~, COMEX deliveries, movement ~~specs, and collector context~~.		\|description=Rolex Sea-Dweller history and selected reference guide, from early 1665 examples through the 2017 steel 126600, with documented dial groups, COMEX deliveries, and movement changes.
	\|keywords=Rolex Sea-Dweller, 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, Single Red Sea-Dweller, Double Red Sea-Dweller, Great White, Triple Six, Sea-Dweller 4000, COMEX, helium escape valve, Patent Pending, Pisani dial, Khanjar		\|keywords=Rolex Sea-Dweller, 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, 126600, Single Red Sea-Dweller, Double Red Sea-Dweller, Great White, Triple Six, Sea-Dweller 4000, COMEX, helium escape valve, Patent Pending, Pisani dial, Khanjar
	\|image=Sea-dweller vintage poster.webp		\|image=Sea-dweller vintage poster.webp
	\|image_alt=Rolex Sea-Dweller 1979 magazine advertisement		\|image_alt=Rolex Sea-Dweller 1979 magazine advertisement
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	</div>		</div>

	The Sea-Dweller is Rolex's saturation-diving line, distinguished from the Submariner by its helium escape valve. Development examples appear in 1967, and civilian sales of the 1665 followed in the early 1970s. The ~~historical~~ references covered here are 1665, 16660, 16600, and ~~116600~~.		The Sea-Dweller is Rolex's saturation-diving line, distinguished from the Submariner by its helium escape valve. Development examples appear in 1967, and civilian sales of the 1665 followed in the early 1970s. The references covered here are 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, and 126600.

	The operational distinction sits at 9 o'clock on the case. A one-way helium release valve, Swiss patent CH492246 (filed November 1967, granted June 1970), lets helium dissolved in the watch during long mixed-gas chamber dives escape during decompression without popping the crystal off the case. The valve is the feature that separates the Sea-Dweller from the standard Submariner for saturation work.		The operational distinction sits at 9 o'clock on the case. A one-way helium release valve, Swiss patent CH492246 (filed November 1967, granted June 1970), lets helium dissolved in the watch during long mixed-gas chamber dives escape during decompression without popping the crystal off the case. The valve is the feature that separates the Sea-Dweller from the standard Submariner for saturation work.

	~~This hub stops at the 2014–2017 116600. Current references 126600 and 126603 are outside this historical scope.~~

	== Common entry points ==		== Common entry points ==
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	<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Researching a Triple Six?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16660\|16660]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First sapphire-crystal Sea-Dweller, with a 1,220 m rating and several documented dial and caseback generations.</div></div></div>		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Researching a Triple Six?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16660\|16660]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First sapphire-crystal Sea-Dweller, with a 1,220 m rating and several documented dial and caseback generations.</div></div></div>
	<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a long-run modern SD?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16600\|16600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The long 3135 run, with tritium, Luminova, and Super-LumiNova dial eras, and the last Sea-Dweller with an aluminum bezel insert.</div></div></div>		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a long-run modern SD?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16600\|16600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The long 3135 run, with tritium, Luminova, and Super-LumiNova dial eras, and the last Sea-Dweller with an aluminum bezel insert.</div></div></div>
			<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Looking at the 43 mm steel Sea-Dweller?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:126600\|126600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Introduced in 2017 with calibre 3235, a Cyclops date and a single red dial line.</div></div></div>
	</div>		</div>

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	! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Crystal !! Depth !! Key distinction		! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Crystal !! Depth !! Key distinction
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:116600\|116600]] \|\| 2014–2017 \|\| 3135 + Parachrom Bleu \|\| Sapphire \|\| 1220m / 4000ft \|\| 40 mm reissue with Cerachrom bezel, Maxi dial, Chromalight lume, and 97200 bracelet with Glidelock and Fliplock. Later 126600 moved the case to 43 mm.		\| [[Reference:116600\|116600]] \|\| 2014–2017 \|\| 3135 + Parachrom Bleu \|\| Sapphire \|\| 1220m / 4000ft \|\| 40 mm reissue with Cerachrom bezel, Maxi dial, Chromalight lume, and 97200 bracelet with Glidelock and Fliplock. Later [[Reference:126600\|126600]] moved the case to 43 mm.
			\|}

			== Modern 43 mm — 126600 (2017–present) ==

			Rolex introduced the 126600 in 2017 for the Sea-Dweller’s 50th anniversary. The case grew to 43 mm, the movement changed to calibre 3235, and a Cyclops magnifies the date. Rolex retained the helium escape valve and 1,220 m rating. The red SEA-DWELLER line recalls the early red-dial 1665. [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/sea-dweller Rolex Newsroom] [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-sea-dweller-reference-126600 Hodinkee, 2017]

			Photographs show two dial executions at six o’clock: the 2017 Phillips example has SWISS MADE without a coronet; Rolex’s current product image shows the coronet between those words. Collectors call them Mk I and Mk II, but the name and transition date are not official Rolex specifications. See the [[Reference:126600\|126600 reference page]] for the photographed differences and dated examples. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/197215 Phillips, lot 8117]

			{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
			\|-
			! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Crystal !! Depth !! Key distinction
			\|-
			\| [[Reference:126600\|126600]] \|\| 2017–present \|\| 3235 \|\| Sapphire with Cyclops \|\| 1220m / 4000ft \|\| 43 mm Oystersteel case; black Cerachrom insert; red SEA-DWELLER dial line.
	\|}		\|}

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	The valve sits at 9 o'clock on Sea-Dweller cases and is covered by Swiss patent CH492246, filed 6 November 1967 and granted in June 1970. During saturation work, helium can enter a watch case; during decompression, a one-way spring-loaded valve lets excess internal pressure escape without opening the case. The development history includes feedback from saturation divers, including Bob Barth.		The valve sits at 9 o'clock on Sea-Dweller cases and is covered by Swiss patent CH492246, filed 6 November 1967 and granted in June 1970. During saturation work, helium can enter a watch case; during decompression, a one-way spring-loaded valve lets excess internal pressure escape without opening the case. The development history includes feedback from saturation divers, including Bob Barth.

	The 1665 carries the valve in its first generation. The 16660 enlarges it for the 1220-metre depth rating, and the 16600 and ~~116600 inherit~~ the larger unit.		The 1665 carries the valve in its first generation. The 16660 enlarges it for the 1220-metre depth rating, and the 16600, 116600, and 126600 retain the larger unit.

	== Historical anchors ==		== Historical anchors ==
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	== Special branches ==		== Special branches ==

	~~The four main~~ Sea-~~Dweller references host~~ institutional and retailer-signed branches whose provenance and authentication ~~get their fuller treatment~~ on the individual reference pages:		Vintage Sea-Dwellers have institutional and retailer-signed branches whose provenance and authentication are covered on the individual reference pages:

	* Patent Pending caseback DRSD (1665 Mk I): hand-engraved caseback examples in the 1.7M and 2.1M serial bands. Pisani's tables describe the inside-back stamp and batch details.		* Patent Pending caseback DRSD (1665 Mk I): hand-engraved caseback examples in the 1.7M and 2.1M serial bands. Pisani's tables describe the inside-back stamp and batch details.
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	* [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|Serial numbers by year]] — numeric 1967–1987, letter prefix 1987–2010, random alphanumeric 2010 onward		* [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|Serial numbers by year]] — numeric 1967–1987, letter prefix 1987–2010, random alphanumeric 2010 onward
	* [[Reference:Movements\|Movement reference]] — ~~caliber~~ 1575 (1665), 3035 (16660), 3135 (16600 and 116600, ~~the latter with a Parachrom hairspring~~)		* [[Reference:Movements\|Movement reference]] — calibres 1575 (1665), 3035 (16660), 3135 (16600 and 116600), and 3235 (126600)
	* [[Reference:Bracelets\|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — the 9315, 93150, 93160, 78360, and 97200 fitments and the clasp date-code key		* [[Reference:Bracelets\|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — the 9315, 93150, 93160, 78360, and 97200 fitments and the clasp date-code key

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	* [https://lwmitalia.com/watch/rolex-sea-dweller-16600-date-polipetto-italian-police-assigned-full-set-nos/ LWM Italia editorial, "Sanarico Polipetto ref. 16600, patent 126", LWM Italia]		* [https://lwmitalia.com/watch/rolex-sea-dweller-16600-date-polipetto-italian-police-assigned-full-set-nos/ LWM Italia editorial, "Sanarico Polipetto ref. 16600, patent 126", LWM Italia]
	* [https://rolexpassionreport.com/15606/the-evolution-of-rolex-luminous/ Rolex Passion Report editorial, "The Evolution of Rolex Luminous — Tritium to Chromalight", Rolex Passion Report]		* [https://rolexpassionreport.com/15606/the-evolution-of-rolex-luminous/ Rolex Passion Report editorial, "The Evolution of Rolex Luminous — Tritium to Chromalight", Rolex Passion Report]

			* [https://www.rolex.com/watches/sea-dweller/m126600-0002 Rolex, Sea-Dweller reference 126600 product specification]
			* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6200091 Christie’s, ref. 126600, case 61GY4787, circa 2018]
			* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Sothebys/2017/20171013%20HK0752A%20Fine%20Timepieces%20%5B150%5D.pdf Sotheby’s, ref. 126600, Hong Kong, October 2017]

	[[Category:Sea-Dweller]]		[[Category:Sea-Dweller]]
	[[Category:Family]]		[[Category:Family]]

Klaudiusz: Deep anti-slop and chronology audit: Sea-Dweller hub

2026-09-28T21:33:54Z

Deep anti-slop and chronology audit: Sea-Dweller hub

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:33, 28 September 2026
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	The Sea-Dweller is Rolex's saturation-diving line, distinguished from the Submariner by its helium escape valve. Development examples appear in 1967, and civilian sales of the 1665 followed in the early 1970s. The historical references covered here are 1665, 16660, 16600, and 116600.		The Sea-Dweller is Rolex's saturation-diving line, distinguished from the Submariner by its helium escape valve. Development examples appear in 1967, and civilian sales of the 1665 followed in the early 1970s. The historical references covered here are 1665, 16660, 16600, and 116600.

	The operational distinction sits at 9 o'clock on the case. A one-way helium release valve, Swiss patent CH492246 (filed November 1967, granted June 1970), lets helium dissolved in the watch during long mixed-gas chamber dives escape during decompression without popping the crystal off the case. The Submariner ~~has no valve. Saturation divers need one~~.		The operational distinction sits at 9 o'clock on the case. A one-way helium release valve, Swiss patent CH492246 (filed November 1967, granted June 1970), lets helium dissolved in the watch during long mixed-gas chamber dives escape during decompression without popping the crystal off the case. The valve is the feature that separates the Sea-Dweller from the standard Submariner for saturation work.

	This hub stops at the 2014–2017 116600. Current references 126600 and 126603 are outside this historical scope.		This hub stops at the 2014–2017 116600. Current references 126600 and 126603 are outside this historical scope.
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	== Related families ==		== Related families ==

	* [[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] — the parent line. ~~Same case, same bezel template, with~~ the valve and the depth rating ~~as the functional split~~.		* [[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] — the parent line. The Sea-Dweller adds the helium valve and the higher depth rating.
	* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — ~~the other specialist~~ tool~~. Different threat (magnetism, not pressure)~~, ~~same purpose: a Rolex built for one specific working environment~~.		* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — another Rolex tool watch, designed around magnetic resistance rather than saturation diving.
	* [[Reference:gmt-master\|GMT-Master]] — ~~the~~ parallel sports line~~. Same~~ Cerachrom ~~transition arrives on both lines~~ in the late 2000s.		* [[Reference:gmt-master\|GMT-Master]] — a parallel sports line that adopted Cerachrom bezels in the same broad late-2000s period.

	== Shared references ==		== Shared references ==

Admin: Full hub prose, evidence, and image audit

2026-09-22T00:13:09Z

Full hub prose, evidence, and image audit

Show changes

Admin: site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

2026-09-05T01:22:38Z

site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:22, 5 September 2026
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	== Common entry points ==		== Common entry points ==

	~~{\| style~~="~~width:100%; border~~-~~collapse:separate; border~~-~~spacing:8px 0; margin:1em 0 1.5em 0;~~"		<div class="rp-grid">
	\|-		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a vintage acrylic-crystal SD?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:1665\|1665]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Caliber 1575 without quickset, three dial generations — Single Red prototypes, Double Red Mk I–IV, Great White Mk 0–IV — and the 1976–1981 COMEX 300-unit run.</div></div></div>
	~~\| style~~="~~width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border~~-~~left:3px solid #555; vertical~~-~~align:top;~~" ~~\| ''~~Identifying a vintage acrylic-crystal SD?''<br/>~~'''~~[[Reference:1665\|1665]]~~''' — caliber~~ 1575 without quickset, three dial generations — Single Red prototypes, Double Red Mk I–IV, Great White Mk 0–IV — and the 1976–1981 COMEX 300-unit run.		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Researching a Triple Six?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16660\|16660]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First sapphire-crystal Sea-Dweller, depth doubled to 1,220m, Andrea Piccinini's eight-tier dial taxonomy.</div></div></div>
	~~\| style~~="~~width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border~~-~~left:3px solid #555; vertical~~-~~align:top;~~" ~~\| ''~~Researching a Triple Six?''<br/>~~'''~~[[Reference:16660\|16660]]~~''' — first~~ sapphire-crystal Sea-Dweller, depth doubled to 1,220m, Andrea Piccinini's eight-tier dial taxonomy.		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a long-run modern SD?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16600\|16600]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The twenty-year long run on caliber 3135, three lume eras (tritium, Luminova, Super-LumiNova), and the last Sea-Dweller with an aluminum bezel insert.</div></div></div>
	~~\| style~~="~~width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border~~-~~left:3px solid #555; vertical~~-~~align:top;~~" ~~\| ''~~Cross-checking a long-run modern SD?''<br/>~~'''~~[[Reference:16600\|16600]]~~''' — the~~ twenty-year long run on caliber 3135, three lume eras (tritium, Luminova, Super-LumiNova), and the last Sea-Dweller with an aluminum bezel insert.		</div>
	\|}

	== Vintage acrylic-crystal era ==		== Vintage acrylic-crystal era ==

Admin: site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

2026-09-05T00:39:01Z

site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 5 September 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Sea-Dweller}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Sea-Dweller}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Sea-Dweller — Complete Reference Guide — ~~BezelBase~~		\|title=Rolex Sea-Dweller — Complete Reference Guide — Rolexopedia
	\|description=Every pre-2020 Rolex Sea-Dweller reference, from the 1967 Single Red prototypes through the 2014–2017 116600 reissue. Production histories, dial mark generations, COMEX deliveries, movement specs, and collector context.		\|description=Every pre-2020 Rolex Sea-Dweller reference, from the 1967 Single Red prototypes through the 2014–2017 116600 reissue. Production histories, dial mark generations, COMEX deliveries, movement specs, and collector context.
	\|keywords=Rolex Sea-Dweller, 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, Single Red Sea-Dweller, Double Red Sea-Dweller, Great White, Triple Six, Sea-Dweller 4000, COMEX, helium escape valve, Patent Pending, Pisani dial, Khanjar		\|keywords=Rolex Sea-Dweller, 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600, Single Red Sea-Dweller, Double Red Sea-Dweller, Great White, Triple Six, Sea-Dweller 4000, COMEX, helium escape valve, Patent Pending, Pisani dial, Khanjar

Admin: Structure: remove body heading duplicating {{DISPLAYTITLE:}} (renders as a second page title)

2026-08-09T23:50:07Z

Structure: remove body heading duplicating {{DISPLAYTITLE:}} (renders as a second page title)

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:50, 9 August 2026
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	~~= Rolex Sea-Dweller =~~

	The Sea-Dweller is the Rolex reference built for saturation diving — the Submariner with a helium escape valve. The line opens in 1967 with a small batch of Single Red prototypes hand-made in Geneva for the US Navy's SEALAB 3 programme and the Tektite I saturation experiment. Civilian retail begins in 1971 with the 1665 Double Red. The line runs through four canonical references over fifty years, with the 116600 closing the pre-2020 small-case era in 2017.		The Sea-Dweller is the Rolex reference built for saturation diving — the Submariner with a helium escape valve. The line opens in 1967 with a small batch of Single Red prototypes hand-made in Geneva for the US Navy's SEALAB 3 programme and the Tektite I saturation experiment. Civilian retail begins in 1971 with the 1665 Double Red. The line runs through four canonical references over fifty years, with the 116600 closing the pre-2020 small-case era in 2017.

Admin: Fact fix: Berry Cannon died during the SEALAB III helium-leak repair dive, not inside the deck decompression chamber; cause of death is disputed (Navy CO2-poisoning finding vs. Kevin Hardy's 2024 electrocution reinvestigation) — per Wikipedia 'SEALAB III' citing Chamberland (Proceedings, USNI, 1986) and Hardy (InDEPTH, 2024)

2026-08-09T21:36:11Z

Fact fix: Berry Cannon died during the SEALAB III helium-leak repair dive, not inside the deck decompression chamber; cause of death is disputed (Navy CO2-poisoning finding vs. Kevin Hardy's 2024 electrocution reinvestigation) — per Wikipedia 'SEALAB III' citing Chamberland (Proceedings, USNI, 1986) and Hardy (InDEPTH, 2024)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 9 August 2026
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	* 1967 — first Single Red prototypes delivered. Hand-made in Geneva for SEALAB 3 and Tektite I aquanauts, with Rolex USA's T. Walker Lloyd hand-picking the divers who received them. Jose Pereztroika's serial-by-serial census for Perezcope documents at least 11 examples.		* 1967 — first Single Red prototypes delivered. Hand-made in Geneva for SEALAB 3 and Tektite I aquanauts, with Rolex USA's T. Walker Lloyd hand-picking the divers who received them. Jose Pereztroika's serial-by-serial census for Perezcope documents at least 11 examples.
	* 15 February 1969 — Berry Cannon's death on SEALAB 3. He wore a valved Single Red during the ~~fatal deck decompression chamber sequence~~.		* 15 February 1969 — Berry Cannon's death on SEALAB 3. He wore a valved Single Red during the dive to repair a helium leak in the habitat; the Navy investigation attributed his death to CO2 poisoning after his rebreather ran out of baralyme, while a 2024 reinvestigation by ocean engineer Kevin Hardy for ''InDEPTH'' argues electrocution is the more likely cause.
	* Late 1971 — first co-branded Rolex–COMEX delivery. Batch of ten in the 2.6M serial range, double-signed and numbered 1 through 10.		* Late 1971 — first co-branded Rolex–COMEX delivery. Batch of ten in the 2.6M serial range, double-signed and numbered 1 through 10.
	* 17 February 1972 — formal Rolex–COMEX exclusivity letter. From Rolex Geneva to John M. Kelly, Singapore.		* 17 February 1972 — formal Rolex–COMEX exclusivity letter. From Rolex Geneva to John M. Kelly, Singapore.

Admin: Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

2026-08-09T21:14:45Z

Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

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Admin: Add Sources section per CLAUDE.md hard rule #11 — Sea-Dweller family scholarship, COMEX and dial-taxonomy research, named auction lots

2026-08-08T18:08:13Z

Add Sources section per CLAUDE.md hard rule #11 — Sea-Dweller family scholarship, COMEX and dial-taxonomy research, named auction lots

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 * [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Sea-Dweller line
 * [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes
 [[Category:Sea-Dweller]]
 [[Category:Family]]