Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660 'Militarized DLC'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1987
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Sea-Dweller, reference 16660, is a customized timepiece dating to 1987. Originally produced as a stainless steel, self-winding diver's watch, the object has been modified by the independent customizer Militarized DLC.
The watch features a black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating applied to the exterior. It is part of a limited series marked as 01/05. The case includes a helium escape valve at the 9 o'clock position, a Triplock winding crown, and a unidirectional revolving decompression bezel. The case back is engraved with a specific logo associated with the customizer. The dial is black, displaying luminous indexes and a date aperture, and the watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3035 self-winding movement.
This modification by an aftermarket entity means the watch is not endorsed or warranted by Rolex SA.
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 watch
- Maker
- Rolex
- Movement
- Cal. 3035
- Reference
- 16660
- Customizer
- Militarized DLC
- Case Number
- 9882844
- Case diameter
- 40 mm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Limited Edition
- 01/05
- Date of manufacture
- 1987
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Visible features
- • Black DLC-coated finish applied to the case and hardware • Engraved logo on the case back featuring a figure with a weapon • Dial text specifies depth rating of 4000ft = 1220m • Fitted with a fabric-style strap with matching black hardware
- Case and External Construction
- The watch is built on the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16660 chassis, which provides a water resistance rating of 1220 meters (4000 feet). The case is a three-body construction with polished and brushed surfaces, now fully finished in an aftermarket black DLC coating. Key technical features of the case include a Triplock winding crown protected by crown guards and a helium escape valve situated on the side of the case at 9 o'clock to assist in decompression during saturation diving. The unidirectional revolving bezel is graduated to track decompression times. The case back, also finished in DLC, features an engraving of the customizer's logo, described as a naked woman holding an AK47 firearm. The crystal is sapphire, covering a black dial with luminous indexes and skeletonized steel hands. The overall dimensions are 40 mm in diameter with a thickness of 15 mm.
- Customization and Authenticity Status
- The documentation emphasizes that this object has undergone significant aftermarket modifications by an entity known as Militarized DLC. This company is stated to be independent and completely unaffiliated with Rolex SA or its regional subsidiaries. The modification process involves the application of a PVD-based DLC coating to the exterior surfaces of the watch. The piece is numbered as part of a limited customization run, specifically marked 01/05.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The timepiece is driven by the Rolex Caliber 3035, a self-winding mechanical movement with center seconds and a date function. It is a rhodium-plated movement featuring 27 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The movement is designed for precision, evidenced by the inclusion of a monometallic balance with Microstella regulating screws and a shock absorber system. Additional components of the movement include a self-compensating, free-sprung Breguet balance spring and a hack mechanism for accurate time setting. The movement, along with the dial and case, is signed by Rolex.
Identification
- Reference
- 16660
- Serial number
- 9882844
- 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 long-term impact of aftermarket DLC coating on the structural integrity of the steel case is not documented
- Research required: The status of the original Rolex factory finish beneath the DLC layer cannot be verified from the provided source