A Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660, Triple Six from 1984 with SN: 8390xxx. As the successor of the famous and well known Sea Dweller 1665, often called as a transitional reference, this was the first Rolex divers watch to have a sapphire crystal installed and offers a diving depth rating of 4000ft. As a tool watch for deep sea divers, this was obviously a practical and impressive feature. The improved water depth rating was thanks in part to a larger helium escape valve (HEV). Also having the new movement Caliber 3035 installed, which replaced the Caliber 1570 of the previous Sea-Dweller.
This watch: has a second generation gloss dial with white gold indices and nicely yellowish aged lume. Dial surface is changing to matte throughout the dial, which can easily be seen in the provided pictures under different lighting conditions. Cover laquer of the dial is changing, creating a numerous little „crates“ that appear matter, than the glossy parts turning it to a „stardust“ surface. Case might have been polished the past, but is in very good fat condition, with slight signs of use, a 83160 bracelet with 592 endlinks in very good condition with moderate stretch, claspcode MA1 and 11 segmets, plus double divers extension is on this watch.
As always, watch has been reviewed and adjusted by my Rolex authorized watchmaker. He changed all gaskets, replaced the Helium Escape Valve (HEV), and the spring webs with original Rolex parts, of course. Interesting fact: the new Rolex HEV’s have a bit a larger dimension in length, than the original valves– they alway look out a bit off the case, what the old HEV’s didn’t. Watch has also passed a 10 Bar pressure testing recently and is waterproof according to it’s specification, even I do not recommend exessive diving session with a vintage watch and can not guarantee for waterproofness.Exchanged parts are coming with the watch, so the old HEV – if you want to go back to the original configuration, but no waterproofness is given with the old part!!!!
Running strong with no indication for service in the near future. I perfect toolwatch for every day and ready to wear. Differential taxation §25A UStG.