All the discontinued Watches from Rolex in 2025
APRIL 2025
Rolex
Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 Glossy Dial
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About the brand
Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch company that has a 116-year history of innovation in both marketing and precision engineering. The company was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London. The name "Rolex" was inspired by Wilsdorf while he was riding on a double-decker bus, as it was a unique combination of letters that could be easily pronounced in any language. In 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch retailer to receive an independently ratified Chronometric Certification. In 1919, the company moved to Geneva due to a 33% tax on custom imports in England.
In 1944, Wilsdorf founded the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation after the passing of his wife Florence. The foundation works as a private family trust and donates proceeds from Wilsdorf's shares in the company to different charitable causes. In 1960, ownership of the company was passed on to the foundation upon Wilsdorf's death. In 2017, the foundation donated $100 million to HEAD's campus, an applied arts school in Geneva.
Throughout its history, Rolex has made many technical innovations, including the first waterproof watch in 1926, the first automatic winding wristwatch in 1931, and the first self-winding chronometer in 1945. The company has also been associated with many historic events, such as the first submarine to reach the bottom of the Mariana Trench in 1960, and the first moon landing in 1969.
Today, Rolex continues to be a leading luxury watch brand, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Its watches are recognized worldwide for their precision, elegance, and durability.
The history of the Sea-Dweller
As a connoisseur of timepieces, I am delighted to introduce the remarkable Rolex Sea-Dweller, a masterpiece that has been making waves since its grand debut in 1967. The illustrious timepiece was crafted with the sole purpose of fortifying Rolex's already impressive dive watch repertoire. In fact, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was created to build upon the Submariner's lauded reputation, which had been established over the preceding 14 years.
Rolex, in its quest for excellence, partnered with leading diving companies, including the renowned COMEX, to refine the Sea-Dweller's design and ensure that it would meet and exceed the expectations of professional divers. The result of this collaboration was the ultimate dive watch that combined functionality, durability, and impeccable aesthetics.
What sets the Rolex Sea-Dweller apart is its pioneering Helium-Escape Valve, which Rolex patented in the same year of the watch's debut. The valve, ingeniously engineered, enables the watch to withstand even the most extreme pressures of the deep sea, a feat that has set the benchmark for other dive watches in the industry.
The Sea-Dweller boasts an impressive water resistance capacity, with a sizeable case design that distinguishes it from other dive watches in the market. The watch, in fact, holds its own as Rolex's most hardcore dive watch, eclipsing even the Submariner, its predecessor.
As a testament to its popularity, the Sea-Dweller comes in a variety of styles, including two-tone and various dial designs, as well as two different case sizes, 43mm and 44mm, catering to the preferences of discerning divers worldwide. Rolex has taken a page from its playbook of melding utilitarian function and aesthetic elegance and infused the Sea-Dweller with tasteful aesthetics that are both timeless and contemporary. The watch is, therefore, not only one of the most sought-after dive watches globally but also among the best-equipped that any diver could ever dream of owning.
If you're looking to take your diving experience to the next level, The Second Hand Club recommends adding the Rolex Sea-Dweller to your watch collection. It's a timepiece that is sure to make a statement both in and out of the water.
About the watch
The Second Hand Club is thrilled to delve into the rich history of the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16660, affectionately known as the "Triple Six" among discerning collectors. This transitional reference, launched by Rolex in 1978, bridged the gap between the iconic vintage Sea-Dweller 1665 and its successor, the Sea-Dweller 16600. Featuring design details from both previous generations, the Sea-Dweller 16660 was produced for approximately a decade, and The Second Hand Club proudly presents the ultimate guide to this highly coveted vintage Rolex tool watch.
Crafted specifically for professional saturation divers, the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 boasts a water-resistant Oyster case, an ingenious helium escape valve (HEV), a unidirectional rotating bezel, and luminescent hands and markers on its black dial. The HEV automatically releases trapped gases during decompression, reducing the risk of the crystal popping off due to changes in pressure. With its new automatic movement, quickset date functionality, and doubled water resistance, the Sea-Dweller 16660 is truly a marvel of engineering.
One of the most significant updates to the Sea-Dweller 16660 was the replacement of its domed Plexiglas crystal with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which is now standard on all Rolex watches. Another notable enhancement was the enlarged HEV, which enabled the Sea-Dweller 16660 to achieve a water-resistance rating of 4,000 feet, double that of its predecessor. The unidirectional bezel provided even greater safety for divers, and the Caliber 3035 movement brought greater shock resistance and a quickset date feature to the table.
With several dial variations over the years, the Sea-Dweller 16660 is a true collector's item. The matte black dial of earlier versions features tritium hour markers without surrounds, with two main versions: Mark I and Mark II. Later glossy dials with applied white gold surrounds and four lines of text featured a hyphen in the Sea-Dweller name, with Mark IV offering improved resistance to cracking.
At The Second Hand Club, we appreciate the lasting legacy of the Sea-Dweller 16660, which laid the foundation for today's iterations of this iconic dive watch. Prices for the Sea-Dweller 16660 vary depending on age, condition, and dial type, with matte dial versions typically commanding higher prices than their glossy counterparts. Collectors should also note that COMEX Sea-Dweller 16660 examples are incredibly rare and highly coveted, with prices reaching six figures in private party sales.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660 "Triple Six" is the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern functionality, making it an excellent addition to any collection. At The Second Hand Club, we invite you to explore this historic Rolex reference in-depth and appreciate its timeless beauty and practicality.
Condition Report
The Dial
In a mesmerizing display of contrast, the tritium luminescent hour markers and hands of this remarkable timepiece are enveloped by the rich darkness of its pitch-black dial and bezel. The deep yellow patina that adorns them glows brightly, adding an alluring touch of vintage charm to its already striking aesthetic.
The Sapphire Crystal
Although the cyclops lens is a common feature in most Rolex models, it was not included in the ref. 16660, which instead introduced the sapphire crystal to the Sea-Dweller collection. The absence of the lens at the 3 o'clock position sets the ref. 16660 apart from other Rolex models and adds to its unique charm.
Overall Condition
This timepiece is in superb condition, with no visible scratches or dings on the edges, which are sharply chamfered, indicating that it has been recently polished. Although the bezel insert has some minor marks, as shown in the images, the dial is in excellent condition, save for some areas of oxidation around the date window. The luminous dots and hands have aged gracefully to a dark yellow hue. The bracelet comprises 14 links, four of which are removable, and there is minimal stretching. An incredible example available today at The Second Hand Club.
Specifications
| Movement | Self Winding |
|---|---|
| Calibre | In House Calibre 3035 |
| Dial | Black & Tropical markers |
| Case size | 40mm |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Bracelet | Oyster Stainless Bracelet |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Excellent with some signs of wear |
| Box & Papers | Watch Only, circa 1986 |
About the brand
About the watch
24 month warranty
Delivery & returns
169 East Flagler Street
169 East Flagler Street
1025
Miami FL 33131
United States
7867185608
Pickup currently unavailable at 169 East Flagler Street
About the brand
About the watch
At The Second Hand Club, we are committed advocates for the exceptional quality of our curated selection of pre-owned timepieces and mechanical objects. In the event of an unexpected issue, we remain committed to addressing it promptly and effectively. Our client's trust and satisfaction are paramount to our entire team.
Each pre-owned watch in our collection has been meticulously examined using non-intrusive methods to confirm their mechanical integrity. Where necessary, servicing has been performed to guarantee they align with our highest standards for timekeeping precision and functional performance.
Unless explicitly indicated, our pre-owned watches are protected by either a comprehensive or a limited warranty for a period of twenty-four months. However, this warranty does not cover damages resulting from accidents or misuse. Given their vintage status, pre-owned watches may not withstand the same conditions as brand new models.
We have a no refund policy, which means that all sales are final.
In some rare cases, we will accept a return awarding you with a store credit making you eligible to choose a different watch from our inventory using your initial payment amount towards the new timepiece.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at contact@thesecondhandclub.com. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at contact@thesecondhandclub.com.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Refunds
All sales are final. We do not issue refunds.
