Rolex

That it appears is the advice, short production time- 2014-2017. Even the esteemed "Mr Rolex" is advocating we all jump on one. I can only assume the rationale being that they will hugely escalate in value. But...will they?

Pause for a second. If you like the Porsche 911, there is only one true Porsche 911 - the air cooled variety. Don't get me wrong, I do not own a Porsche, have driven the 996- and loved it. But for Purists the pre 996, 911's are the ones that they crave- they have gone up in price more than any other car that I can think off. So I ask myself a question- when did the Sea Dweller have its 996 moment?

before I get to this conclusion, lets explore the 911/SD hypothesis- they both started in the 60's, with a design evolution that we can describe as "slow" at best. Subtle tweaks rather than revolution.

The 60's saw greats as the 1665 Double Red and the first incarnation of the 911. 67 was a brilliant year of course , patent pending and 911s

Both instantly classics in design. Both hugely expensive- but if you could afford both- wow, what a tasty combo.

Both car and watch evolved at snails pace, just look at the 2.7 RS and this 1665 mk 2- 

The Porsche went onto become the 911SC, the 1665, the "great white" and evolved into the 16660

you see evolution for sure, but that iconic line for both is still there. You could put them side by side with their 60's siblings and some would not believe they are decades apart.

The 16660 evolved slowly into the 16600, and the Porsche became the 964, then the gorgeous 993.

The lineage to the 60's is clear. Wether you have a 1665 or 16600, we know it is a classic SD. Same with Porsche. 

Icons. The word is banded about a lot, but you can see the classic 911 and SD are true to its meaning.

Then Porsche 911, grew up. The 996, was (is) technically a superb car (I have driven one on a track, they are brilliant), but did it loose something in its groundbreaking revolution?

Is it what is known as "soul" ?

You can tell the 996 is a 911- but its not the same- its more grown up. Revolution as opposed to evolution? The 996 became the 997 (an even better car), and celebrated its 50th birthday

Seeing the 50th anniversary 911, you know see the departure - from the classic 911. the pure lines of the 911 are gone.

So when did the Roles Sea Dweller have its 996 moment?

i have thought about it a lot- Rolex never had a 996 moment. Instead with the demise of the 16600- we had the DeepSea. The 996 never happened. Instead we went straight to the 997- yes the SD4000 of 2014.

If you read my review of the SD400, you will know I loved it. BUT- it is not (in the same way the 996/997 are not) the classic lines /soul of the 1665 Sea Dweller. It is  brilliant watch, but now today, with the launch of the new 43mm 50th anniversary, I see only one SD I would rather have that is still affordable.

The ref.16600. The last of the air cooled Sea Dwellers. Just as pre 993 is revered so the 16600 will be. Just my opinion- but sometimes rarity is not every thing. So run , run fast to bag a Sea Dweller, but I will be trying to bag one with those sublime, sumptuous classic lines.

Just my opinion of course - but what do I know!

Best

Imran

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