Reference:116600

Sea-Dweller › 116600

Sea-Dweller 4000, reference 116600

Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller 4000, reference 116600, at Baselworld in March 2014. It brought the line back to a 40 mm case after the 44 mm Deepsea 116660, while retaining the Sea-Dweller’s 1,220 m depth rating and helium escape valve. The ceramic bezel, Chromalight display and calibre 3135 with a blue Parachrom hairspring were among its main updates. Rolex replaced it with the 43 mm reference 126600 in 2017.

Core facts

detail	value
reference	116600
model name	Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 4000
production	2014–2017
case	40 mm Oystersteel, screw-down caseback and Triplock crown
depth rating	1,220 m / 4,000 ft
movement	calibre 3135, automatic, date, COSC-certified
crystal	sapphire, with an unmagnified date
bezel	Unidirectional Cerachrom insert; platinum-coated graduations
dial	Black, with Chromalight-filled hands and hour markers
bracelet	Oyster, reference 97200, with Glidelock and Fliplock extensions

Place in the line

The 116600 followed the 40 mm Sea-Dweller 16600, discontinued in 2008, and the larger 116660 Deepsea. It kept the earlier Sea-Dweller’s case diameter and depth rating, while adding a ceramic bezel and the Glidelock clasp adjustment. Rolex’s 2017 successor, the 126600, grew to 43 mm and added a Cyclops magnifier over the date. Its red dial lettering recalled the early red-text Sea-Dwellers.

“Sea-Dweller 4000” was the model name. The depth rating also appears as “4000 ft = 1220 m” on the dial. The informal name “SD4K” is used by collectors and sellers.

Production and dial

Rolex’s March 2014 launch material describes a black dial with large Chromalight hour markers and hands. The white-gold marker surrounds and enlarged plots give it the broad-index look collectors call a “Maxi” dial. The date sits at 3 o’clock beneath the flat sapphire crystal. The dial has white “SEA-DWELLER” lettering and the printed depth rating.

The published record documents this standard black-dial configuration. Production totals and proposed factory dial generations remain unverified. A specific watch may have received service parts, so condition and originality need to be assessed on the individual example.

Black dial with Chromalight markers and date

Movement

The 116600 uses calibre 3135, an automatic movement with date, 31 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour and an approximately 48-hour power reserve. Rolex’s launch specification identifies a blue Parachrom hairspring and COSC chronometer certification. Rolex says the alloy resists magnetic fields and temperature variation; its launch material also describes improved shock resistance.

Rolex introduced the Parachrom hairspring in 2005; its 2014 launch specification identifies the blue Parachrom spring in the 116600. Published accounts differ on when it reached late 16600 production, so an inspection of the movement is stronger evidence than a date inferred from the watch’s serial alone.

Case and bezel

The 40 mm Oyster case is made from Rolex’s 904L steel, now marketed as Oystersteel. It has a screw-down Triplock crown, a helium escape valve and a fluted screw-down caseback. Rolex rated the watch to 1,220 m (4,000 ft).

Cerachrom bezel insert and platinum-coated graduations

The black Cerachrom insert has a unidirectional 60-minute scale. Rolex’s 2014 specification says its engraved numerals and graduations receive a thin platinum coating by physical vapour deposition. The full minute scale is marked around the bezel. A sapphire crystal covers the date, which is shown without magnification.

The helium escape valve belongs to the Sea-Dweller’s saturation-diving design. During decompression, it releases helium that has entered the case while preserving the watch’s water resistance. The valve’s history and patent are covered on the Sea-Dweller family page.

Bracelet and clasp

The 116600 was supplied on an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock safety clasp. Rolex’s launch specification identifies the bracelet as solid three-piece links in 904L steel and lists both extension systems: Glidelock adjusts the fit in 2 mm steps across approximately 20 mm, while the Fliplock link adds 26 mm. Both systems adjust by hand.

Successor

In 2017 Rolex replaced the 116600 with the 43 mm 126600. The newer watch retained the 1,220 m rating and Cerachrom bezel, and introduced calibre 3235, a red “SEA-DWELLER” line and a Cyclops over the date. Rolex presented it as the Sea-Dweller’s 50th-anniversary model. The 116600 remains the 40 mm ceramic-bezel Sea-Dweller in this part of the line.

Related references

• Sea-Dweller 16600 — 40 mm predecessor with an aluminium bezel insert.
• Sea-Dweller Deepsea 116660 — the 44 mm model that preceded the 116600.
• Sea-Dweller 126600 — 43 mm successor introduced in 2017.
• Sea-Dweller family guide

Gallery

• 
  Full watch, shown at its 2014 introduction
• 
  Black dial and date
• 
  Cerachrom bezel detail

Sources

• Rolex, "A new generation Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 4000", Rolex; archived transcription at Watch-Wiki, 2014-03-26
• Rolex, "Rolex History — 1971–1992", Rolex
• Rolex, "Parachrom hairspring", Rolex
• Rolex Passion Report editorial, "Basel World 2014 Rolex News: Sea-Dweller Ref. 116600", Rolex Passion Report, 2014-03-20
• SJX, "Up Close With the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref. 116600", SJX Watches, 2014-06-23
• Hodinkee editorial, "Reference Points: Understanding the Rolex Sea-Dweller", Hodinkee, 2018

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