Rolex Deepsea: Best for High-Depth Extreme Diving?
The Rolex Deepsea ( introduced in 2008) is a professional-grade diver’s watch, as part of the Sea-Dweller line, for extreme-depth underwater exploration. It was designed to surpass the depth limitations of conventional dive watches.
Technical Overview
Case and Water Resistance
The Rolex Deepsea features a 44mm Oystersteel case with a thickness of approximately 17.7mm. It is rated for water resistance up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet), making it one of the most pressure-resistant mechanical dive watches in production thanks to its Ringlock System.
Its case architecture includes a nitrogen-alloyed steel central ring, a 5.5mm thick domed sapphire crystal, and grade 5 titanium case back, helping it withstand external pressures exceeding 3 tons per sq. inch.
Helium Escape Valve
Like the standard Sea-Dweller, the Deepsea also has a helium escape valve that allows built-up gases to release safely during decompression.
Bezel and Dial
The unidirectional rotatable bezel features a Cerachrom ceramic insert with 60-minute graduations for timing dives. The Deepsea is available in two main dial variants:
Black dial (Ref. 136660)
D-Blue dial, a gradient blue-to-black dial commemorating James Cameron’s 2012 Mariana Trench dive (also Ref. 136660)
Both variants include Chromalight luminescence for long-lasting visibility in dark underwater environments.
Movement
Current models are equipped with the Caliber 3235, Rolex’s in-house automatic movement featuring:
Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and 70-hour power reserve.
Bracelet and Clasp
The Deepsea uses a solid Oyster bracelet with a Glidelock extension system (up to 20mm) and a Fliplock extension link (26mm), for thick diving suits.
Market Pricing
Retail Prices (as of 2025)
Deepsea 136660 (Black or D-Blue): ~$14,300 USD
Secondary Market Prices
Market values on platforms like Chrono24, Bob’s Watches, and WatchBox:
Deepsea 136660 (Black): ~$15,000–$16,500
Deepsea 136660 (D-Blue dial): ~$16,500–$18,000
Older reference 116660 (discontinued): ~$12,500–$15,000 depending on condition
Special editions (e.g., James Cameron models): Typically sell at a premium due to demand and limited production
If we differentiate prices according to the platform, then on Chrono24, listings typically range from $14,000 to $19,000, with an average price around $16,000. Bob’s Watches offers new models starting at $14,250, whereas the pre-owned ones vary greatly in prices. Bernard Watch provides pre-owned models starting at around $13,250.
So in short, Pricing is influenced by dial variant, condition, production year, and availability. The D-Blue dial consistently holds a higher market value due to its association with James Cameron’s Deepsea Challenge expedition.