Rolex Deepsea 126660

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

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

Production outline

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

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.

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 Movements for calibre 3235's other applications.

Dial map

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.

D-blue dial in Rolex's 2018 press presentation
Black-dial 126660, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Black-dial close view, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496

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 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.

Crown side of the case, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Caseback and bracelet, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496

Bracelet, clasp, and packaging

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.

Bracelet on the black-dial example, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Box and accessories, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496

Auction record

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

D-blue 126660, Sotheby's 2020 lot 113
D-blue dial, Rolex's 2018 press presentation
Black-dial 126660, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Black-dial close view, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Crown side of the case, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Caseback and bracelet, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Bracelet on the black-dial example, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496
Box and accessories, Sotheby's 2022 lot 496

Sources