Rolex Sea-Dweller Watches

About Rolex Sea Dweller Watches

By the 1960’s, sea exploration was expanding and the sport of scuba diving was growing in popularity. Rolex had already entered the dive watch market with the creation of some of their most iconic models, like the Seamaster in 1948 and the Submariner in 1953. However, by the 1960’s, diving technology was improving and equipment was evolving. There was a growing demand for more than a casual tool watch that was equally suitable for everyday wear. So, Rolex was inspired to develop a dive watch that was even more rugged, complex, and capable.

Soon, they got just the push they needed to create their best dive watch yet. Rolex was approached by an industrial deep-sea diving company called Comex. They needed a watch that could serve their divers who were tasked with servicing offshore oil rigs. It needed to be able to withstand the conditions of their rigorous work, and to function at deeper depths for longer periods of time than anything else currently on the market.

Rolex was up for the challenge. They quickly began modifying one of their existing Submariner models, the Ref. 5513. First, they added a one-way escape valve to help relieve the pressure experienced at greater depths. Next, they added a thicker crystal and equipped it with a larger, reinforced case. These updates helped to increase the watch’s depth rating to over 600 meters. Rolex was so pleased with the outcome that they decided to add the model to their collection and make it available to the general public. In 1967, the first Sea Dweller was born.

Over the years, Rolex has continued to improve upon the Sea Dweller's capabilities. As a result, they’ve been able to more than double the model’s depth rating to 1220 meters. One of the most notable and recent variations of the model was released in 2017 in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The Ref. 126600 features a contemporary and hefty 43mm case, 70-hour power reserve, and the addition of a Cyclops magnifier over the date.