Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer that has been producing high-end watches for over a century. Among their impressive line-up of timepieces, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is a popular dive watch known for its extreme water resistance and durability. Two of the most popular models in the Deepsea series are the Deepsea ref. 126660 and the Deepsea ref. 116660. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two iconic watches.
The Dial
The dial is one of the most important components of any watch, and the Rolex Deepsea 126660 and 116660 have slightly different dials. The difference is in the lettering on the chapter ring that surrounds the outer edge of the dial. The dials themselves look identical, but the font of the chapter ring has changed.
Previously, the font of the chapter ring matched the "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER" and "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" texts on the dial. Now the chapter ring font matches the "DEEPSEA" and "SEA-DWELLER" texts on the dial, creating a more unified and cohesive aesthetic.
The Case
The two watch cases to be compared have the same diameter of 44 mm, but still have slight differences in design. The newer model, designated Ref. 126660, has a wider bracelet, which means that the lugs connecting the bracelet to the case also have a different design than the older model, Ref. 116660. Although the difference in lug width is only one millimetre (21 mm for Ref. 126660 versus 20 mm for Ref. 116660), many people find the wider lugs more visually appealing and more in keeping with the case diameter of 44 mm case diameter.
Another design difference between the two models is that the Ref. 126660 has a slightly larger crown guards than the Ref. 116660, a difference that is not immediately noticeable unless you have both models side by side, but it is there nonetheless.
The Bracelet
The bracelet is another aspect that differentiates the two compared watches. For example, the Rolex Deepsea 126660 has 21 mm wide end links, while the Deepsea 116660 has 20 mm wide end links. This difference in width led to a resizing of the Oysterlock spring-loaded safety clasp, which now matches the dimensions of the wider bracelet.
Because of the wider bracelet, the Ref. 126660 is more suitable for those with thicker wrists, as it offers a more comfortable fit. People with slimmer wrists, on the other hand, will prefer the older version, the Ref. 116660, as the narrower bracelet is more suitable for them.
The Movement
The biggest difference between these two watches is their movement. The Rolex Deepsea 126660 uses a newer movement, the calibre 3235, which is more accurate and has a longer power reserve (70 hours versus 48 hours) than the calibre 3135 used in the Deepsea 116660. The calibre 3235 has several improvements over the 3135, including a more efficient and precise escapement system, a redesigned winding system, and a new barrel architecture.
The result of these improvements is a movement that is more reliable and accurate than the older 3135, and the increased accuracy and reliability of the calibre 3235 make it a desirable movement for serious watch enthusiasts.
The Price
Finally, there is a price difference between these two watches. The Rolex Deepsea 126660 is a newer model and has several improvements over the 116660, which makes it more expensive. According to a WatchCharts source, the 126660 has a price tag of around £11,950, while the 116660 has a price tag of around £9,700. However, the price difference may vary depending on the market conditions and availability of the watches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rolex Deepsea 126660 and 116660 are both impressive diving watches suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. Although they share many similarities, there are also some differences between the two models. An upgraded movement, a wider bracelet, and subtle differences in case and dial design distinguish these two models from each other. Ultimately, the choice between these two watches will come down to personal preference and individual needs. Explore the 126660 D-Blue James Cameron Se-Dweller DeepSea
