Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
2002
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Sea-Dweller, reference 16600, is a stainless steel diver’s wristwatch manufactured in 2002. The watch features a self-winding mechanism, center seconds, and a date display, encased within a robust three-body construction.
Designed for professional use, it incorporates a helium escape valve at the nine o’clock position, a Triplock winding crown protected by crown guards, and a unidirectional revolving black bezel graduated for decompression times. The black dial is configured with luminous white gold indexes—round, triangular, and baton-shaped—and corresponding luminous skeletonized hands. The watch is powered by the rhodium-plated caliber 3135 movement, which includes 27 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring.
It is presented on a stainless steel Rolex Oyster Fliplock bracelet.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Diver's wristwatch
- Maker
- Rolex
- Caliber
- 3135
- Reference
- 16600
- Case Diameter
- 40 mm
- Serial Number
- K603951
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Production Year
- 2002
- Water Resistance
- 4000ft / 1220m
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The dial is matte black and features a high-contrast layout designed for underwater visibility. It displays luminous white gold indexes in a combination of round, triangular, and baton shapes. The outer periphery includes white printed minutes and seconds divisions for precision timing, alongside an aperture for the date display located at the three o'clock position. The hands are composed of white gold and skeletonized to accommodate luminous material. These correspond to the indices on the dial, ensuring visibility in low-light environments. The auction documentation classifies the condition of the dial as being in an as-new state, with the hands noted as original to the timepiece.
- Visible features
- • Unidirectional rotating bezel with black graduated insert • Helium gas escape valve located on the case side at 9 o'clock • Stainless steel Oyster Fliplock bracelet • Luminous indexes and hands against a black dial
- Case and External Features
- The watch features a three-body stainless steel case that exhibits both polished and brushed finishes. It is equipped with a screwed-down case back that carries specific engravings related to the model's depth rating. The construction includes a unidirectional revolving black bezel, which provides a functional countdown scale for decompression times during diving activities. To ensure integrity under pressure, the watch is fitted with a Triplock winding crown integrated into protected crown guards. A distinctive helium escape valve is positioned at the nine o'clock side of the case, a technical requirement for saturation diving. The watch is secured to the wrist with a stainless steel Oyster Fliplock bracelet.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The timepiece is powered by the Rolex caliber 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement. This caliber is rhodium-plated and contains 27 jewels. The technical assembly utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and a monometallic balance that is adjusted for temperature and across five distinct positions, using Microstella timing screws for fine regulation. Additional technical components include a shock-absorber system for the balance staff and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring to maintain chronometric precision. The movement also features a hack mechanism, allowing for accurate time setting. The auction report notes that the movement currently requires an overhaul.
Identification
- Reference
- 16600
- Serial number
- K603951
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction house reports that a movement overhaul is recommended at the buyer's expense.
- Research required: The provenance or specific history of the watch before its entry into the auction is not documented in the source text.