Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary 126600 Cyclops
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Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary 126600 Cyclops

By ImranLondon · Dec 7, 2017 · 7 replies
ImranLondon
WPS member · Rolex forum
7 replies3310 views7 photos
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Miranda delves into the controversial 50th-anniversary Rolex Sea-Dweller, examining its introduction at Baselworld and the divisive addition of the Cyclops lens. The article traces the Sea-Dweller's lineage from its revolutionary 1967 debut, highlighting its historical significance as a pinnacle of Rolex's diving watch expertise.

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Since its launch at Baselworld, the Sea Dweller 50th anniversary has courted controversy. Perhaps not helped by leaks prior to the official release, the introduction of the Cyclops is probably the most divisive development of the Sea Dweller yet.

First introduced in 1967, the Sea Dweller was the pinnacle of Rolex’s expertise and know how in the development of divers watches. Considering it was less the a decade and a half earlier that the first divers professional pieces were introduced with the references 6202 and 6204, rapidly followed by the 6200 with the larger Brevet crown- the precursor to the triplock crown, the 1665 was revolutionary watch. It featured a helium escape valve, developed in conjunction with Comex an Doxa. The first valves were seen in the Comex only ref 5513.







By the time the 1665 was developed, the now familiar 40mm case with crown guards and large crown was well established. The 1665 first introduced a date (the Submariner Date was launched in 1969) as well as the HEV.





I can imagine that the introduction of date had it happened today would have rattled a few feathers!! In essence the 1665 was a culmination of all the progress that Rolex had made in the preceding years.






In many respects the new anniversary model follows in its illustrious forefathers footsteps. It is a bringing together of all new technologies, seen with the Deepsea and its new larger case and brilliant bracelet, the ceramic bezel and now a Cyclops because the technology allows it. The anniversary model is a true homage to the history of the Rolex divers watch, with nuances from famous pieces, the red writing (probably more famous from the Red sub 1680 than the early prototype Sea Dweller), the military 5517 inspired bezel, the HEV from the 1665.

 

It is all the knowledge and know how melded in to one piece.











It is perhaps the perfect modern day Rolex diver.

Best
Imran

About the Rolex great white Ref. 1665

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.

Specifications

Caliber
1570, 1575
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
610m (2000ft)
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BA
Baron - Mr Red
Dec 7, 2017
For the Rolex collector.....

it is Marmite. I love that you love it.

CO
COUNT DE MONET
Dec 7, 2017
I am not sure if that comparison is applicable

But Marmite sells! Although it was nothing I would have bought again ...

BA
Baron - Mr Red
Dec 7, 2017
In England.....

Marmite has a reputation of being either loved or hated. Very binary.

CO
COUNT DE MONET
Dec 7, 2017
Best combination of case design, case size and thickness

of all current sport Rolex watches. This is why it is an anniversary model only with red printing: it is a classic transitional model to a bigger SD with a cyclope.

CH
charcoal6666collector
Dec 7, 2017
I love the 116600 SD4000 as well [nt]

AM
amanico
Dec 7, 2017
This is one of those I have to see it the flesh. I am totally unsure about my feelings.

The James Cameron intrigues me a lot. This one could be, too... Best, Nicolas

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