A Tale of Two Sea Dwellers...
Discussion
Rather than flood all the various Wrist Check, Incoming etc etc threads with my thoughts on the Rolex Sea Dweller I'd put my thoughts down on one thread.
A Rolex Sea Dweller is a watch that I think a great deal of and is something special to me personally-it sounds a bit w
ky but all our watches are. I have my DJ that my father bought for my 21st birthday, the dress watch I bought in part from a small inheritance from my late grandfather, the DJ I bought my fiancé to surprise her with on our wedding morning and "my" Sea Dweller that I actually bought as a gift for my daughter's first birthday.
I won't lie, my Sea Dweller 16600 was bought purely as an investment.
I'd wanted a tool/sports watch for some time and decided a Sea Dweller was at that time a little undervalued. The history of the model really appealed to me, as did the seemingly indestructible build quality and weight that came the depth rating. The rumours of something special arriving at the following years Basalworld show only made me more determined that the Sea Dweller should be the one.
The appeal of investment may seem cynical but I figured a couple of nice watches would currently outperform an ISA as investment for our childs future, that Dad gets to wear a nice watch in between buying and selling was immaterial of course
I always made the deal with myself that I could trade up the watch but solely for the purpose of increasing the investment-when she hits 18, it's all hers.
So when the Sea Dweller 50th came about I was happy I'd made the right decision. New interest in old 'dwellers and a nice little price rise for my daughters university fees
However whilst picking up a GMTii BLNR last summer (for my best friend) I got talking to the salesperson about the watches and thought I had nothing to lose by going on the list for a few nice pieces. I knew a Daytona was a tall order but the BLNR was easy enough so I figured go for the SD50-why not?
Last week, around 6 months after joining the list I got the call-it was coming in and I was the first person to answer the phone and say yes. A quick call to the bank to extend the credit card limit and I'll see you at the weekend
So today was the day. Quite a leap of faith when you've only ever tried one on loosely before. On the forums we can all be quite vocal via the filter of the keyboard but I make no bones about my observations on the watch itself. I've tried 43mm watches before and always thought they're too big, the cyclops is a travesty and the ceramic bezel is bordering on plastic looking.
But none of that really matters if you want one. It is after all the 50th anniversary Sea Dweller by Rolex. Some will buy into that, some will not and probably more will hate it for being exactly that. Me personally? Rolex never do special editions. They've hinted at them before, such as the LV Submariner and they've done commemorative editions such as the Deep Sea James Cameron but as far as I'm aware they've never marketed an Anniversary edition before.
There's got to be value in that hasn't there? And if there is just remember what I'm doing this for.
First thoughts? It's big. Obviously not as big as a Deep Sea but it really is getting there, it's going to take some getting used to. The strap is a beautiful improvement on the old watch but for me in all other aspects I'm really not so sure.
The 16600 looks flash in isolation but tough and sturdy enough that I have no concerns about wearing it on the building site, doing the gardening or DIY. The Anniversary doesn't immediately fill you with such confidence.
I know it will be as tough-it's a Rolex after all but it's a perception-to me it feels like jewellery where the 16600 does feel like a tool. My mate was laughing today when I said my 16600 makes me feel like I should be piloting an old fishing boat when the Anniversary feels like I should be attempting reconstructive surgery (no offence to any surgeons out there-it's just not me!).
However, I do feel that it should be a better investment, so swings and roundabouts! I have firm offers on both watches that mean either could be sold at very good profit-I know it's a dirty word around here but I'm quite open about what I'm doing and I may even put both up for sale and whichever goes first will mean I keep the other-there's no bad option in either watch I think.
However, enough waffling for now (although all discussion is more than welcome-I need to decide somehow!), we all just want to see some pics don't we...
A Rolex Sea Dweller is a watch that I think a great deal of and is something special to me personally-it sounds a bit w
ky but all our watches are. I have my DJ that my father bought for my 21st birthday, the dress watch I bought in part from a small inheritance from my late grandfather, the DJ I bought my fiancé to surprise her with on our wedding morning and "my" Sea Dweller that I actually bought as a gift for my daughter's first birthday.I won't lie, my Sea Dweller 16600 was bought purely as an investment.
I'd wanted a tool/sports watch for some time and decided a Sea Dweller was at that time a little undervalued. The history of the model really appealed to me, as did the seemingly indestructible build quality and weight that came the depth rating. The rumours of something special arriving at the following years Basalworld show only made me more determined that the Sea Dweller should be the one.
The appeal of investment may seem cynical but I figured a couple of nice watches would currently outperform an ISA as investment for our childs future, that Dad gets to wear a nice watch in between buying and selling was immaterial of course
I always made the deal with myself that I could trade up the watch but solely for the purpose of increasing the investment-when she hits 18, it's all hers.So when the Sea Dweller 50th came about I was happy I'd made the right decision. New interest in old 'dwellers and a nice little price rise for my daughters university fees
However whilst picking up a GMTii BLNR last summer (for my best friend) I got talking to the salesperson about the watches and thought I had nothing to lose by going on the list for a few nice pieces. I knew a Daytona was a tall order but the BLNR was easy enough so I figured go for the SD50-why not?
Last week, around 6 months after joining the list I got the call-it was coming in and I was the first person to answer the phone and say yes. A quick call to the bank to extend the credit card limit and I'll see you at the weekend
So today was the day. Quite a leap of faith when you've only ever tried one on loosely before. On the forums we can all be quite vocal via the filter of the keyboard but I make no bones about my observations on the watch itself. I've tried 43mm watches before and always thought they're too big, the cyclops is a travesty and the ceramic bezel is bordering on plastic looking.
But none of that really matters if you want one. It is after all the 50th anniversary Sea Dweller by Rolex. Some will buy into that, some will not and probably more will hate it for being exactly that. Me personally? Rolex never do special editions. They've hinted at them before, such as the LV Submariner and they've done commemorative editions such as the Deep Sea James Cameron but as far as I'm aware they've never marketed an Anniversary edition before.
There's got to be value in that hasn't there? And if there is just remember what I'm doing this for.
First thoughts? It's big. Obviously not as big as a Deep Sea but it really is getting there, it's going to take some getting used to. The strap is a beautiful improvement on the old watch but for me in all other aspects I'm really not so sure.
The 16600 looks flash in isolation but tough and sturdy enough that I have no concerns about wearing it on the building site, doing the gardening or DIY. The Anniversary doesn't immediately fill you with such confidence.
I know it will be as tough-it's a Rolex after all but it's a perception-to me it feels like jewellery where the 16600 does feel like a tool. My mate was laughing today when I said my 16600 makes me feel like I should be piloting an old fishing boat when the Anniversary feels like I should be attempting reconstructive surgery (no offence to any surgeons out there-it's just not me!).
However, I do feel that it should be a better investment, so swings and roundabouts! I have firm offers on both watches that mean either could be sold at very good profit-I know it's a dirty word around here but I'm quite open about what I'm doing and I may even put both up for sale and whichever goes first will mean I keep the other-there's no bad option in either watch I think.
However, enough waffling for now (although all discussion is more than welcome-I need to decide somehow!), we all just want to see some pics don't we...
No, I don’t think it’s cost anything at all. Certainly the links can be put back in in no time at all (how would anyone know?) and the stickers?
All I know is it hasn’t affected the offer I’ve got on the watch. Perhaps it’s something that forum dwellers like or appreciate but in reality makes no difference?
Personally, I can’t see the text changing to white at Basal. Obviously I’d love it if it did, but the LV ran for what, five years? The JC Deep Sea around the same?
Interestingly the sales manager did discuss this while it was being sized but she admitted everything was just a guess as no one ever knows what Rolex will do next.
She did say however that it was the perfect time to buy. She reckoned it has been confirmed by head office that sports models were being restricted to all ADs and production was being scaled back for the next price rise. She said to anticipate 10% across the board and that would come before Basal.
All I know is it hasn’t affected the offer I’ve got on the watch. Perhaps it’s something that forum dwellers like or appreciate but in reality makes no difference?
Personally, I can’t see the text changing to white at Basal. Obviously I’d love it if it did, but the LV ran for what, five years? The JC Deep Sea around the same?
Interestingly the sales manager did discuss this while it was being sized but she admitted everything was just a guess as no one ever knows what Rolex will do next.
She did say however that it was the perfect time to buy. She reckoned it has been confirmed by head office that sports models were being restricted to all ADs and production was being scaled back for the next price rise. She said to anticipate 10% across the board and that would come before Basal.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
But none of that really matters if you want one. It is after all the 50th anniversary Sea Dweller by Rolex. Some will buy into that, some will not and probably more will hate it for being exactly that. Me personally? Rolex never do special editions. They've hinted at them before, such as the LV Submariner and they've done commemorative editions such as the Deep Sea James Cameron but as far as I'm aware they've never marketed an Anniversary edition before.
I'm pretty sure they marketed the 16610LV as exactly that in 2003, the 50th Anniversary of the Submariner......???As others have said, introducing the Cyclops on a SD is a big fail in many people's view, but, this is the effect of Rolex SS sports watches now being considered jewellery rather than tools, which is a shame, and why I think, in the long term, a mint 16600 will be worth more than one of these things. Partly, because more people will buy these new ones as investments, and in 20 years time there will be a lot of unworn investment ones around, compared to mint 16600 which people bought to actually wear.
jshell said:
But, if you've got OCD the the 11 o'clock bezel marker will eventually drive you insane... 
I can't believe I'm going to ask the question and let it annoy me forever, but go on then-what's wrong with it?!aeropilot said:
I'm pretty sure they marketed the 16610LV as exactly that in 2003, the 50th Anniversary of the Submariner......???
As others have said, introducing the Cyclops on a SD is a big fail in many people's view, but, this is the effect of Rolex SS sports watches now being considered jewellery rather than tools, which is a shame, and why I think, in the long term, a mint 16600 will be worth more than one of these things. Partly, because more people will buy these new ones as investments, and in 20 years time there will be a lot of unworn investment ones around, compared to mint 16600 which people bought to actually wear.
I'm more than open to the idea I'm wrong about the LV but although it was obviously done as a 50th anniversary it was never actually marketed as such. As others have said, introducing the Cyclops on a SD is a big fail in many people's view, but, this is the effect of Rolex SS sports watches now being considered jewellery rather than tools, which is a shame, and why I think, in the long term, a mint 16600 will be worth more than one of these things. Partly, because more people will buy these new ones as investments, and in 20 years time there will be a lot of unworn investment ones around, compared to mint 16600 which people bought to actually wear.
The cyclops? I've kind of already stated my feelings on it, it's disappointing and I wish it wasn't there. But it is and until Rolex decide to change their minds about it there isn't much we can do-I've read it can't be removed like the old crystals but I don't think I would do it even if I could. It's part of the watches look and it is the way it is.
The investment potential of the 16600 V's the 126600 is the really interesting one. The 16600 is obviously known as the longest running Sea Dweller, lasting some 20 years but how many were produced? Way more than any other reference SD but how would anyone except Rolex know? I'm surprised you think it would offer more potential over the 126600 but then that's the thing-none of us have crystal balls do we?
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I'm surprised you think it would offer more potential over the 126600 but then that's the thing-none of us have crystal balls do we?
No, but, gut feel is a mint, full set, well looked after, only Rolex serviced 16600 will be the valuable one in 20 years time, largely because as I said, people bought them to wear and although they made a lot of them, a lot of them will have suffered as a result.Look what mint, full set, FRSH (
) maxi-dial 5513 Subs are now fetching etc.Granted the same for a first year, unworn LV, which I've seen a few for sale at £15k recently
But, how many people are buying a new 50th SD to just stick away as an investment.......?
If there's so many of them, the price won't be as high as the supply might exceed the demand.......?
As you say, crystal balls and all that.....
LaurasOtherHalf said:
jshell said:
But, if you've got OCD the the 11 o'clock bezel marker will eventually drive you insane...
I can't believe I'm going to ask the question and let it annoy me forever, but go on then-what's wrong with it?!Nice watches but there is no way i would be buying watches as investments if a phone call to the bank to extend the limit on the credit card was required in order to buy it.
Maybe i've read it incorrectly or my idea of finance is all messed up but I'd sooner have no debt and a Seiko than an extended credit card limit and two Seadwellers.
That doesn't mean I'm right though so good luck to you.
I think the newer one with the red looks great.
Maybe i've read it incorrectly or my idea of finance is all messed up but I'd sooner have no debt and a Seiko than an extended credit card limit and two Seadwellers.
That doesn't mean I'm right though so good luck to you.
I think the newer one with the red looks great.
Vipers said:
Ooh thanks for that, will save that to enjoy with a dram one evening. Thanks for the concern Budflicker but I think I have it covered 
What os this, the watch section or the finance? 
Ok, I guess I did make it all about investment myself!
Again, I appreciate the concern for my familly's financial plight The remaining balance is of course, on a 0% deal, all of which would be paid off in full by the sale of either watch.
In fact, the offers on either individual watch would provide a nice little profit.
The "mission creep" as it is, is whether it may actually be sensible to pay off the card with a dividend and keep both, hedging my bets investment wise? Decisions, decisions...
In more interesting news, the watch has actually seen some delicate wrist time today
Obviously I'm devaluing it hugely so if anyone wants to offer fifteen hundred quid to take it off my hands I'm all ears
Opinions on how it wears this evening I think...
Ok, I guess I did make it all about investment myself!Again, I appreciate the concern for my familly's financial plight
The remaining balance is of course, on a 0% deal, all of which would be paid off in full by the sale of either watch.In fact, the offers on either individual watch would provide a nice little profit.
The "mission creep" as it is, is whether it may actually be sensible to pay off the card with a dividend and keep both, hedging my bets investment wise? Decisions, decisions...
In more interesting news, the watch has actually seen some delicate wrist time today
Obviously I'm devaluing it hugely so if anyone wants to offer fifteen hundred quid to take it off my hands I'm all ears
Opinions on how it wears this evening I think...
I was lucky enough to get a 16600 seadweller back in 2004, like the OP stated I just found it more substantial than the standard Sub, especially after coming from an Omega seamaster chrono.
I love the watch, cost me £2400 and it was used but unworn (2001), I have been offered £4500 just to sell to trader.
What I dislike about the watch is the crap bracelet and especially the clasp which is pressed steel.
The new seadweller is way out of budget for me but I am tempted to trade in my SD for a GMTII in either black or black/blue. Or shall I get mine serviced and just keep it?
I do fear that if I do buy the GMT I will be afraid to wear it, especially as the links are polished and it will scratch easily, as OP has also said my current watch is already scratched and worn to do any job ( within reason)
I love the watch, cost me £2400 and it was used but unworn (2001), I have been offered £4500 just to sell to trader.
What I dislike about the watch is the crap bracelet and especially the clasp which is pressed steel.
The new seadweller is way out of budget for me but I am tempted to trade in my SD for a GMTII in either black or black/blue. Or shall I get mine serviced and just keep it?
I do fear that if I do buy the GMT I will be afraid to wear it, especially as the links are polished and it will scratch easily, as OP has also said my current watch is already scratched and worn to do any job ( within reason)
rat840771 said:
I was lucky enough to get a 16600 seadweller back in 2004, like the OP stated I just found it more substantial than the standard Sub, especially after coming from an Omega seamaster chrono.
I love the watch, cost me £2400 and it was used but unworn (2001), I have been offered £4500 just to sell to trader.
What I dislike about the watch is the crap bracelet and especially the clasp which is pressed steel.
The new seadweller is way out of budget for me but I am tempted to trade in my SD for a GMTII in either black or black/blue. Or shall I get mine serviced and just keep it?
I do fear that if I do buy the GMT I will be afraid to wear it, especially as the links are polished and it will scratch easily, as OP has also said my current watch is already scratched and worn to do any job ( within reason)
Some interesting points...I love the watch, cost me £2400 and it was used but unworn (2001), I have been offered £4500 just to sell to trader.
What I dislike about the watch is the crap bracelet and especially the clasp which is pressed steel.
The new seadweller is way out of budget for me but I am tempted to trade in my SD for a GMTII in either black or black/blue. Or shall I get mine serviced and just keep it?
I do fear that if I do buy the GMT I will be afraid to wear it, especially as the links are polished and it will scratch easily, as OP has also said my current watch is already scratched and worn to do any job ( within reason)
I had the bracelet clasp on my 16600 adjusted by my local jeweller last year (used to be an AD but now just a second hand specialist) and was shooting the breeze with the owner who is a Rolex trained repairer. The reason was the clasp wasn't really grabbing when the deployment clasp was lifted.
I was saying how the new bracelets are much nicer when he simply bent some more resistance into the clasp with a pair of pliers, "can't do that with the new ones" he dryly added
We started talking about the watch and he was hugely impressed, OK it's only a 2004 so not that old but it really does look almost as good as new, with only that mild patina of the bracelet that comes with use. He loved it, saying the Sea Dweller 16600 was one of his favourite watches.
The bracelets are a bone of contention with detractors using them to knock old Rolexes but I have always found them durable. I lived with an Oyster bracelet for over 20 years now and my DJ is still as tight as it ever was. I wear them relatively snug and I think keeping it reasonably tight can keep wear at bay. And they come up like new once serviced.
Have you ever considered a rubber band strap? It doesn't look like one is available yet for the Sea Dweller Anniversary but they do look great on a 16600 http://rubberb.com/en/rolex-watch-band-products/ro... (other options are available-Everest etc.)
Obviously they can be bought for a GMTii should the polished bracelet be too flash as well, but I've always thought the GMT the bargain of the range what with it's added complication.
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