Sea Dweller 16600

[Earthboundmisfit]

Afternoon all, I'm hoping for some advice from other who might have been in my position.

Since the passing of my father I have had some inheritance money sat in savings (earning virtually nothing in interest). Most of it has been put into Isa's but have about 10% of it sat burning a hole in my account.

I have always lusted after a Sea Dweller for as long as i could remember. It was the first watch that i actually knew the name of since my casio calculator watch in 1980's. Actually, thats a lie, i didnt realise that the SD and the sub were different as growing up in the North East in the 80's, we didnt get exposed to too many Rolex's.

About 5/6 years ago i bought an Invicta copy for £80ish (8926OB - its actually more like the sub but the thickness of a 16600 SD) which i love, not because it's a rolex copy but because its just a beautiful watch. However, i bang it against things, i wear it constantly and its looking worn but its a look i quite like. the knocks etc take the bling away from it. Only thing that annoys me is that ive knocked the lume of the 12oclock point on the bezel. Th lume on thease are like playdough so its to be expected i think.

Anyway, i seriously considering buying a 16600 SD but i want to buy it to wear. Like, wear everywhere, all the time.

Question i have for you guys is, do you think its stupid to but a cheaper "fair condition" without papers or would you still be tempted to go for the best i can with full papers etc. I'm scared that if i buy an "excellent" condition one, I'll be too precious about it. I don't want to be precious about it at all.

I'm not sure what i'd do with box and papers anyway, Id probably end up losing them as i dont have a safe. Ha Ha.

My wife is making noises about moving house and i'm thinking if i dont buy one now, this money might just be swallowed up in all that "house move" crap.

I saw one in York for £10250 with papers box etc and nearly went in to try it on but still had that nagging thought about buying cheaper with no box papers so didnt want to waste the mans time.

Have seen a few on Chrono24 for £6.5k to £7k from japan with Y serial numbers (late 90's/early 00's i beleive) which seem a good price but these come with no box and papers.

Can anyone offer any advise please?

Thanks

David

Edited to add: I would prefer to buy in the uk but these few from japan seem just what i think i am after. Does anyone have any experience with Chrono24?

Edited by Earthboundmisfit on Tuesday 7th March 13:39

[TWW]

Earthboundmisfit said:

Afternoon all, I'm hoping for some advice from other who might have been in my position.

Since the passing of my father I have had some inheritance money sat in savings (earning virtually nothing in interest). Most of it has been put into Isa's but have about 10% of it sat burning a hole in my account.

I have always lusted after a Sea Dweller for as long as i could remember. It was the first watch that i actually knew the name of since my casio calculator watch in 1980's. Actually, thats a lie, i didnt realise that the SD and the sub were different as growing up in the North East in the 80's, we didnt get exposed to too many Rolex's.

About 5/6 years ago i bought an Invicta copy for £80ish (8926OB - its actually more like the sub but the thickness of a 16600 SD) which i love, not because it's a rolex copy but because its just a beautiful watch. However, i bang it against things, i wear it constantly and its looking worn but its a look i quite like. the knocks etc take the bling away from it. Only thing that annoys me is that ive knocked the lume of the 12oclock point on the bezel. Th lume on thease are like playdough so its to be expected i think.

Anyway, i seriously considering buying a 16600 SD but i want to buy it to wear. Like, wear everywhere, all the time.

Question i have for you guys is, do you think its stupid to but a cheaper "fair condition" without papers or would you still be tempted to go for the best i can with full papers etc. I'm scared that if i buy an "excellent" condition one, I'll be too precious about it. I don't want to be precious about it at all.

I'm not sure what i'd do with box and papers anyway, Id probably end up losing them as i dont have a safe. Ha Ha.

My wife is making noises about moving house and i'm thinking if i dont buy one now, this money might just be swallowed up in all that "house move" crap.

I saw one in York for £10250 with papers box etc and nearly went in to try it on but still had that nagging thought about buying cheaper with no box papers so didnt want to waste the mans time.

Have seen a few on Chrono24 for £6.5k to £7k from japan with Y serial numbers (late 90's/early 00's i beleive) which seem a good price but these come with no box and papers.

Can anyone offer any advise please?

Thanks

David

Edited to add: I would prefer to buy in the uk but these few from japan seem just what i think i am after. Does anyone have any experience with Chrono24?

Edited by Earthboundmisfit on Tuesday 7th March 13:39

Hi David,

Apologies that you have the inheritance - but hope you'll have something nice to remember him with.

If you're looking to wear the watch forever: forget box and papers. In any event, papers are more important than a box.

The most important thing is to use Chrono24 or an authenticated buying service: and get the watch checked out!

Rolex steel is mighty hard wearing but it will end up with scratches if you wear it regularly so you need to make peace with that! I have a brushed steel SS model and it gets a lot of wear and battering but still looks great if a little weathered, as Rolexes should look (in my opinion). Just remember a service or plain old polish can get it looking great again.

In conclusion:

- Don't worry about box or papers
- Prioritise papers
- Authentication!
- Don't worry about it getting banged up. It will hold up better than the Invicta

Share it once you get it!

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks TWW, great reply.

Please could you elaborate on what you mean by authentication, you mean once i receive it form Chrono24, take it to a dealer to authenticate??

I noticed that, Chrono24 have a authentication guarantee, I guess its up to me to get it checked out.

Copied from CHomo24 webpage:

"Guarantee / Appeal Period
This Guarantee of Authenticity applies only if the Buyer sends a complaint to [e-mail] within 14 days after receipt of the watch."


I noticed some of the no box/papers are shipped with a cert of authentication (some of the US ones anyway). These Jap ones don't seem to mention that.

DO you know if these would be liable to VAT when imported in?

Thanks again

[andy tims]

Unless you have small wrists the 16600 SD is an easy watch to wear. Thicker than a sub, but not massively so.

My wrist is 7.25"



There are those that will say you shouldn't wear a Rolex if people can see it in London or other big cities because of the theft risk. The SD slips under a shirt cuff fine so I'm not bothered wearing mine in London when I go in for work as I tend not to wear short sleeves.

Chrono24 is a reasonable place to buy. Not sure when the authentication guarantee came in but (I think) it's always been payment into escrow, released once the buyer is happy.

Don't laugh, but eBay also have an authentication service now, so that's an option and there is also Watchfinder amongst several others

Dom Hackett is a PH Forum favourite & a really decent chap. He looks to have 2 available

https://www.hackettwatches.com/watch/2006-sea-dwel...

and

https://www.hackettwatches.com/watch/1995-sea-dwel...

Things to check

Does the bracelet have all the links - should be 13 in total
How much stretch is there is the bracelet. A side on picture with someone holding the watch head gives an indication if you're buying online.
When was it last serviced? I had mine done recently by a good independent for under £400, but still not trivial. A watch worn daily / frequently should be serviced every 5 years max.
Has the watch been over polished? Check that the lugs are nice & fat and even and that the case edges are sharp.
Ask about the timekeeping - It should be +/- no more than 10 seconds a day even if it's not been serviced for a few years.
Ask about the date change. It should click over crisply at circa midnight.

Imported watches are liable for VAT and a customs fee. You might just get lucky, but best to factor that into the price.

I'd buy from the UK in your situation.

Edited by andy tims on Tuesday 7th March 14:27

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks Andy for your reply. I will check out those two that you linked to.

Do you guys insure your watches?

Thats good advice. Whenyou say 13 links, does that include the two that attatch to the lugs? Would it be a problem if it were a few links short as long as it still fits my wrist? I assume the issue would be at resale?

I have thin wrists hence the 40mm face and not the newer 43mm

[Voodoo Blue]

Some excellent advice on this.

I can highly recommend Dom Hackett from personal experience.

Insurance is best done through your household policy even if it increases the premium. Stand alone watch insurance in my view is extortionate.

[andy tims]

Drop my name with Dom & I'm sure he'll look after you as best he can.

My collection of watches are covered by my house contents policy.

The 13 links is the minimum the Oyster bracelet should have including the end links if it's supposed to be "full length", but as long as the watch fits OK, with a few adjustment holes left on the bracelet in case you do ever put on a few lbs or your wrist swells a bit in the summer, it's not the end of the world.

Oyster bracelet links are readily available, but not exactly cheap. I think I last paid about £70 for one a few years ago.

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks Chaps. Hopefully I can post some pictures soon.

[nikaiyo2]

Japan is usually “safe” to buy from, apparently, it’s a bit of a taboo, culturally to wear used items so close to the body, So there is virtually no secondary domestic market in Japan. Sort of following on from this even the tiniest mark renders a watch virtually worthless. B&P are a proper rarity in Japan.

Worth factoring in 20% vat at important.

[dom9]

Buy from Dom H, you won't regret it!

Here is mine on the train to Waterloo this morning.

[Sy1441]

It's a pretty bombproof watch. It was the first Rolex I bought, was 2nd hand and I paid £3600 for it around 10 years ago, it was an as new full set.

As mentioned above if you never plan to sell it the box and papers are broadly irrelevant as long as you know it's genuine. Mine is a 2003 Y serial which has never been serviced and still works a treat. It was my daily for a long time but I tend to wear an Apple Watch more often than not now.

[dom9]

You mentioned the service... mine was slipping when setting the time... £1700 (I think) later - it's perfect! Ok, they made me get a new clasp (£500 in its own), crystal, hands, etc. But if you need/want an RSC service, you will be paying! See if you can get one fresh-ish from a service, even if it was at a good Indy. I'm another one who paid <£4k, ~9yrs ago so that service cost stung a lot!

I'd still argue it's the 'best' tool watch reference Rolex has ever done. YMMV

[Earthboundmisfit]

Hi all, please could you tell me what this is on the strap? The bit that looks not flat like the rest of the strap. Thanks.

Also, any thoughts on this? Maybe the clasp crown looks a little feint? Price ms at £7800 via eBay with box and papers. EBay authentication service available.

[gregs656]

Its the bracelet extension.

It can be folded back into the clasp. It's for wet suits etc. I'd find out how many links are on that bracelet and come with the watch, it might have been sized for a smaller wrist and links are usually not cheap.

[Louis Balfour]

Earthboundmisfit said:

Hi all, please could you tell me what this is on the strap? The bit that looks not flat like the rest of the strap. Thanks.

Also, any thoughts on this? Maybe the clasp crown looks a little feint? Price ms at £7800 via eBay with box and papers. EBay authentication service available.

If you can, try a 16600 and 16610 side by side. I had a 16600 and wasn't overly keen on the slight heft of the thing. Also, it was more prone to magnetism than my other Rolexes, for some reason.

If you don't need a date, I think the 14060 is better than either of them.

[dom9]

Love a lug hole case! Budget-wise, if you want to keep the wife happy - Dom does have one a bit cheaper:

https://www.hackettwatches.com/watch/2006-sea-dwel...

I wouldn't be overly concerned about box and papers for something you'll keep and wear. You'll eventually get service papers, pouch/box, etc. if you let RSC at it in the future.

Realised in the photo I took of mine, the polished case sides protection wrap stuff was still on from service! How did I miss that? Really enjoying wearing it again and been my daily the last couple of weeks or so. Tough old thing and has that little extra heft over a 5-digit Sub and just feels more tool-like than a 6-digit (not that I have anything against them).

Edited to add: I also have a 16610 - Definitely try one as well but I do prefer the tougher SD, with the HEV and no cyclops. It's personal preference and you'll love the one you love. I also had a 14060 and sold it... to Dom H! Just didn't get on with it, felt like the little brother. Albeit I'd love a 5513, so go figure! I also had a DeepSea... Too big!

Edited by dom9 on Monday 20th March 20:39

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks again for your replies. I’ve actually tried on a 16610 and felt it was a little light. I really like the heft of the SD. I agree, I prefer the 5 digit to the 6 as I feel the 6 digit looks more jewellery like (if that makes sense) although I love the clasp on the 6 digits though.

Regarding box and papers. I’m torn on this still. I do plan on wearing it everyday until I’m gone but I am nearly 50 so in 20 years my kids might be selling this. 20 years seems a long time away but in reality it’s not. Morbid I know but having had to deal with my dads estate, I want it to be as easy as possible for them.

A lot to think about.

[dom9]

It will be easy to sell on, regardless. More boxes will get lost as time goes on, vintage watches will become more common without boxes. Pay less now, the kids may receive less in the future but it will all be in proportion. As much as I love the 16600, I don't think it will be such a classic that it will make night and day difference (to have B&P) and one of them might like to keep it anyway.

Pay as little as possible for the right watch now, love it, enjoy it and the kids will be fine. Mine will never be sold. It's the keeper, even if my 16710 Coke is the one I miss now... it went first!

[gregs656]

dom9 said:

It will be easy to sell on, regardless. More boxes will get lost as time goes on, vintage watches will become more common without boxes. Pay less now, the kids may receive less in the future but it will all be in proportion. As much as I love the 16600, I don't think it will be such a classic that it will make night and day difference (to have B&P) and one of them might like to keep it anyway.

Pay as little as possible for the right watch now, love it, enjoy it and the kids will be fine. Mine will never be sold. It's the keeper, even if my 16710 Coke is the one I miss now... it went first!

I agree. Especially if you’re planning to wear it normally.

It’s not unusual for 90s watches not to have boxes even now. For a long time it was just a box. Now you have to keep them.

[don logan]

Earthboundmisfit said:

Thanks again for your replies. I’ve actually tried on a 16610 and felt it was a little light. I really like the heft of the SD. I agree, I prefer the 5 digit to the 6 as I feel the 6 digit looks more jewellery like (if that makes sense) although I love the clasp on the 6 digits though.

Regarding box and papers. I’m torn on this still. I do plan on wearing it everyday until I’m gone but I am nearly 50 so in 20 years my kids might be selling this. 20 years seems a long time away but in reality it’s not. Morbid I know but having had to deal with my dads estate, I want it to be as easy as possible for them.

A lot to think about.

Hi

They are even more money but just to fry your brain some more, have you seen the unusually short run SD 4000 from 2014-2017?

The last 40mm Sea dweller, no cyclops, a ceramic bezel, modern bracelet, curious short run history (wasn’t popular at the time)

Edited by don logan on Monday 20th March 23:43