The history of this Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000
The Rolex Sea-Dweller was created in 1967 in response to a request from COMEX, a French professional diving company. Its divers worked under saturation conditions and spent days in pressurised chambers, where helium from the breathing mixture seeped into their watches. During decompression, the gas did not escape quickly enough and the internal pressure could cause the crystal to pop out. Rolex’s solution was a helium escape valve positioned at 9 o’clock, which releases the gas without compromising the watch’s water resistance. In 2008, the 16600 was discontinued in favour of the more substantial Deepsea. It was not until Baselworld 2014 that the Sea-Dweller 4000, reference 116600, returned to its historic 40 mm diameter. It was replaced in 2017 by a 43 mm version, making it the Sea-Dweller with the shortest production run and the last 40 mm model. Collectors refer to it as the SD4K, after its 4,000-foot water resistance.
Case, movement and bracelet of this Sea-Dweller 4000
The 40 mm Oyster case in 904L steel features a screw-down caseback engraved with ‘Original Gas Escape Valve’, a Triplock triple-seal screw-down crown and the helium escape valve on the left-hand side. The watch is water-resistant to 1,220 metres. The unidirectional rotating bezel features a black Cerachrom disc graduated to 60 minutes, a virtually scratch-resistant ceramic that retains its colour in sunlight. Beneath a flat sapphire crystal, without a magnifying lens, the black dial features ringed hour markers and white gold Mercedes-style hands fitted with Chromalight, whose blue glow remains visible in the dark. The date is displayed at 3 o’clock. The calibre 3135, a manufacture automatic movement, offers a 48-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour on 31 jewels. Its blue Parachrom hairspring is paramagnetic, and its accuracy is certified by the COSC. The Oyster bracelet, with three rows of solid, satin-finished links, fastens with an Oysterlock clasp featuring the Glidelock system, which allows the length to be adjusted in 2 mm increments without the need for tools.
Why this Rolex watch
This Sea-Dweller retains the 40 mm dimensions that have made the model’s reputation over four decades, whilst the current generation has moved to 43 mm with a magnifying lens over the date. Its flat crystal leaves the black dial perfectly symmetrical, offering a more understated read than that of a Submariner. The helium escape valve, ceramic bezel and Glidelock make it a fully-fledged diving watch. Discontinued in 2017, this model is now only available second-hand. This particular example, sold by an official Rolex retailer in Switzerland, dates from that final year of production.
Contents and condition
The watch comes with its green Rolex case, outer box, green leather card holder and international warranty card dated March 2017. Also included are the Sea-Dweller 4000 and Deepsea booklet, the two green Rolex seals, two leaflets and a purchase invoice dated January 2024. It has just been polished and shows no defects visible to the naked eye. The satin finish on the case and bracelet, as well as the polished chamfers, have been restored to their original sharpness, and the bezel insert retains a uniform black colour. The buyer will receive a watch in mint condition, including all documentation.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
*As new – a new watch, never worn or in exceptional condition. No defects visible to the naked eye.
