
Baron - Mr Red introduces his new Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660, a significant addition to his collection that offers a distinct character from his usual chronographs. This post delves into the watch's presence, its historical context, and poses a fascinating question about the evolution of the helium escape valve, inviting community insights.
New addition to the team. Bought it a couple of weeks ago. Again, a different strand to the collection (and i have to say a very welcome strand). I am still very swayed to the Daytonas and chronographs generally, but having a few diving watches in the squad offers variation in a way that I didnt expect to enjoy so much. 16660 Matt dial. The 666, Nicolas....Revelations 13!!!
Supposedly only 50 or so produced for Comex, and only 35 have ever been back to Rolex for service. Its sitting on my wrist now. There is a depth to the watch that gives it real presence. Its not a blingy watch in any sense of the word, and presence is used here in a way that is not something that shouts. Just something that "is". My son is away at the moment so the photography is not up to scratch, and the scans do not do it justice. All the same, very happy over here! Still thinking about a DRSD to keep this one company.
Question on the helium valve. As i understand it, the helium valve was introduced in order to allow helium to escape the watch on decompression. The prior inability for the helium to escape led to a number of watches imploding through the decompression process as the helium could not escape. Does anyone have any history surrounding the evolution of the helium valve? Fascinating that Rolex overcame the difficulty of allowing watches to submerge to stunning depths, but encountered problems on watches imploding on decompression. Or do i have my history wrong?





The Rolex Reference 1665, known as the "Great White," is a specific iteration within its model family. This particular reference is distinct from the Reference 1680, which the collector notes as a separate model undergoing a makeover.
This example features a case described as being in good condition. The movement is a caliber 1570. The dial is a servicedial with Luminova, marked as a Tritium dial.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking specific variations within the Rolex lineup. The presence of a servicedial with Luminova, marked as Tritium, is a notable characteristic for those interested in dial variations.
Congratulations on your new watch. The matte dial 666 is already nice, but a COMEX one... !!! Do you have any papers with the watch ? Do you know anything about the previous or first owner ? With regard to the helium escape valve, this feature was developped beween Rolex and Comex. What normally happens on the deep dives, there is helium penetrating the watch. Helium have the 2nd smallest molecules. During decompression the helium cannot escape a watch quick enough. The result was that the cryst
I have full punched papers, Rolex service documentation, box and history...even the original tag. Comes with a host of Comex goodies, and bought from a very reliable dealer. I was very tempted by a very early reference 5513 Comex, but once on the wrist, the 666 just won it.
A superb creature coming from the deepest ...Depths. And I was to post a topic about mine...Will have to wait a bit, now! Congrats, my speed Friend. Best, Nicolas
..not imploding, or at least blowing off the crystal or caseback or crown caused by the unreleased pressure. Which is why Omega dive watches have the helium valve they do. Was always surprised that the regular Submariner does not have a He escape valve. SDDS, Comex and whatnot do, smart. Question: do ALL diver's watches (Blancpain FF, etc.) have a He escape valve or a similar pressure release system? Research time...
...the HRV is only any use to those doing saturation diving. That is, diving in a "bell" filled with trimix (Oxygen, Helium, Nitrogen). The reason behind the bell is that the divers do not need to spend hours decompressing from depth, so instead they spend days/weeks at operating depth and are decompressed after completion of the task. As per above, Helium (squeaky voices) would penetrate the watch seals and at lower pressure, would expand and could pop the crystal. As to whether all diver's wat
Congratulations, Joe! This is a beautiful watch. You are right about the depth of the dial and, hey, why so modest about your photography? Your pix are great! The creamy patina on your markers is to die for! Enjoy the latest member of your watch family. Cheers, Daos
This thread is active on the Rolex forum with 15 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →