The overlooked Rolex - For good reason?

Рет қаралды 20,474

Күн бұрын

#since2008 #deepsea
The 116660 is a recently discontinued (updated to the 126660) steel model from the professional line. It isn't hyped by watch enthusiasts and it doesn't carry a premium on the secondary market. In fact a good used example can be found for under retail. These factors are uncommon for this brand. It seems to be overlooked. Especially compared to other classic and professional models from Rolex. Is it overlooked for good reason? Is it too big, too overbuilt, too difficult to wear, too boring? Or is this a stealthy cool model that is a well kept secret. A watch that some watch enthusiasts or Rolex collectors will regret not adding before it is gone forever? I'm interested to hear your take in the comments section.
THANK YOU Chris for letting me borrow your Deepsea. You are a generous man. I had a very enjoyable time filming this watch
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Пікірлер: 130

@WatchUnwind 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a fan of the deep sea, I didn’t spend as much time with it as you but I was able to try one on in Hawaii. For my wrist it was a good size and I think there is something fun about a dive watch with such a ridiculous overkill level of water resistance. People like to brag about water resistance so you mind as well go big or go home. I do agree it wouldn’t make a great daily wearer though, possibly would make a good second Rolex if you already owned something more versatile.

@jasonnutter2047 2 жыл бұрын

i agree with “overkill”. Great point!

@WatchUnwind 2 жыл бұрын

@@jasonnutter2047 I want a watch so water resistant that you find the deepest point of the ocean, drill a hole there another mile down, put the watch down there and it’s good 😂

@willsmeg1967 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve had a sea dweller 4000 since 1991 and i still absolutely adore it 31 yrs later. The deep sea is an absolutely monster and a really lovely watch . Another great video Bruce

@DirkWerning 2 жыл бұрын

A buddy of mine just picked one up recently as his first Rolex.

@jameshoward9700 8 ай бұрын

Awesome leviathan! Looks great on the RB. I much prefer the black dial to the JC - it’s just a bit cooler and tooltastic. And JC himself wears the black… People give these a lot of stick, but they are a phenomenal piece of engineering and a real celebration of deep sea exploration. Not the most practical everyday watch; but what, like any of us are into watches for the practicality?!

@Leftystrat 5 ай бұрын

6 foot and 220 pounds 7’5 inch wrist. Not that big guys. Most comfortable watch I’ve owned and more tooly than the JC, horses for courses😆

@jasonnutter2047 2 жыл бұрын

I have both the black and Cameron versions of the Deepsea. I am a larger guy, but I have seen them on smaller wrists, and I believe they don’t look too big, but that is my opinion. There is no such thing as too much Rolex. Great comparison to some other awesome purses as well. Cheers mate.

@JeremyJakeWest 2 жыл бұрын

Removing the dive extension helps with the wearability of this watch. Once you have the bracelet dialed in it can be a comfortable watch to wear...even forgettable on a larger wrist. I owned the newer version for a year and loved it's heft and presence...then made a bracelet adjustment to clean and strangely could never get the sizing back to my taste. I ended up trading the DSSD for a SD43 which has become my daily wearer. The one thing I miss about the DSSD is it's legibility...even vs. the 43...the Deep Sea crystal is awesome and very, very clear!

@justinyancey9571 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos and love the SD! That being said your watch location on your wrist just gets me every time… that crown has GOT to be digging into the back of your hand when you move your hand surely? Lol love your vid!

@MrComasesta 2 жыл бұрын

Rolex’s most tested watch, I truly believe it’s going to be collectible in a near future. It’s always nice to have the most capable of and not to settle with the 300m!

@jonathansmith283 2 жыл бұрын

I was lucky , got the AD call two Friday's ago. been wearing my brand new crispy DEEPSEA JC since it came home . it is quite a beast. I like it. the JC dial is beautiful, the clasp/ bracelet very nice. - be safe. ~ JDS/CT

@eyeheartsushi2212 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats! The JC is a lovely watch.

@SinnerAndSaint 2 жыл бұрын

The Deepsea really is a gem! You did a great job highlighting the special features and quirks of this watch. I would definitely want to own one but unfortunately it's WAY too big for me... and I think this is the case for most of the people. And that's probably the simple reason why it's not that popular - yet! Thanks a lot for this review, Bruce!

@d3xmeister 2 жыл бұрын

No, there is no reason other than popularity. Think about the other watches like the polar explorer ii, you could barely get $2500 for one if you really wanted to sell it. Other watches were already sky rocketing. And some people in watch communities started to talk about it and at first the comments were “because it’s white” “because it’s not a diver” and things like that. No the reason people didn’t want it was because other people didn’t wanted it. When that changed, everything changed. It’s the same with the Sea Dweller, it’s not the size or anything about the watch, people don’t want it because other people don’t want it. You made this video, if a few other watch channels will do, and forums will start to take notice and discussions, it will sky rocket.

@damachine3 2 жыл бұрын

5:41 When you mention the caseback you should also mention that it's titanium. That helps with the extreme resistance to pressure. Love my JC.

@Uracas2012 5 ай бұрын

Pretty sure that is a weight reduction measure, does it really improve WR?

@damachine3 5 ай бұрын

@Uracas2012 Yes, both. You can read about it. Lots of articles on it.

@Uracas2012 5 ай бұрын

. Thx! I never saw that but just found it. Appreciate the tip 🙏

@Uracas2012 5 ай бұрын

Where did the strap here come from? Anybody know?

@JeffreyMcMahon 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the excellent review. How do you compare the Deep Sea's chunkiness to the Seiko MM300's? Are they similar in that regard?

@jeremypitotti6654 2 жыл бұрын

This is a technical marvel in the Rolex lineup. I had a 1st gen model and really enjoyed my experience with it. However the weight started to bother me and I moved it along. A fair review of this king of divers!!

@Saz-23 2 жыл бұрын

As usual, great video Bruce! What are your thoughts on the 40mm Rolex 116600 Sea Dweller?

@TheSouthcountykid 2 жыл бұрын

The Deepsea is my grail. Hope to pick one up some day!

@Carvewater 2 жыл бұрын

It looks great on the over the top shot but when you laid it down next to the sub all I could do is laugh. Maybe I’m just too old now but I would not get something that beefy. The market for these types of watches is very limited. Thus the pricing. Maybe Rolex should shift some production and get me a Pepsi meteorite dial!!! Ha.

@titi64230 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruce ! Thanks for this one . Do you prefer this black deepsea or the James cameron ?

@nogaroblu9321 2 жыл бұрын

It’s a killer watch. I own JC DEEP SEA and feel it will be very collectible when they discontinue.

@N.S.56 3 ай бұрын

I have 8.25” wrist, had a 47mm panerai titanium submersible, the deep sea is smaller and no problem at all on my wrist. The bezel is better than panerai. The glidelock is awesome for a fine-tuned fit.

@juniorgallo8786 2 жыл бұрын

It's definitely not a model that you can service at an independent watchmaker. Most Rolexes are easy to service and, in the unlikely event that a part needs to be replaced, it's not that hard to source through the right contacts, but the Deepsea is a "Rolex Service Center Only" model. It can be an influential factor.

@kfkwAL7 5 ай бұрын

Don’t know why you think this, it’s the 3135 movement, the same as the sub?

@jamesblonde2271 2 жыл бұрын

I had one years ago, partly because it was (relativly) cheap but I'm an 18cm but it was on a bracelet. I swopped it for a Blue Seamaster in the end.

@tballz4350 2 жыл бұрын

Only Rolex I've ever tried on was the Cameron deep sea. It was laughably large. I've got 7 in flat wrist. I don't care what the name is on the dial. If it doesnt fit well it's a no go.

@Shawn-ky2tw Ай бұрын

Too bad you don't have a real Man's 7.25" wrist there Bud! lol

@RampusChannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thick, heavy, clunky, top-heavy... All reasons why it's trading below retail.

@diavalus 2 жыл бұрын

Only someone completely bs’d off by this Rolex hype would buy DS just to have a Rolex

@michaelriera6277 2 жыл бұрын

Completely agree

@Leftystrat 3 ай бұрын

The only Rolex worth having below retail imho ladies

@Leftystrat 3 ай бұрын

If you have a wrist the size of a big toe😅

@tonyhall395 3 ай бұрын

I love mine, yes it’s big and heavy, but on a nato strap it just gives off so much wrist presence. I have the 40mm version too which I wear for best. 😎😎🍺🍺 I think the Deepsea will be worth a fortune in 20 years.

@matth4680 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruce love the watch on the rubber strap. I didn’t realise that this model is under list on the grey market I will research this. Great review of a possible future classic.

@xb12r1974 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry, but i didn’t see this under list on the grey market for the past 2 years . Let me know where pls and i get one

@matth4680 2 жыл бұрын

@@xb12r1974 Not expecting to find one either

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Search the 116660 not the current 12660. A couple small changes but multiple listings under 13k

@Dnooch74 4 ай бұрын

I went back and watched this review again after your recent review of the Omega Ultra Deep. I’m confused why you found the Rolex so,large and unwieldy when the Ultra Deep got a great review while being larger than the Rolex.

@loganoftherockies9453 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man; that's a beast---never realized it was THAT big. Total respect for anyone pulling that one off. You know what, I could see it taking off if any major fashion icon decided to rock it as the ultimate "obviously big and deliberately oversized" watch. And I'd even give odds that it would be more likely to be a woman. Remember when Oprah was plugging Invicta Lupahs? Or the Invicta Russian Diver craze? Could also see it being an NBA or NFL thing and fashion following suit. But in any case, wouldn't see demand lasting in a sustained way the way it has for other Rolex models simply as most people won't be comfortable with an F-150 hanging off their wrists!

@michaelriera6277 2 жыл бұрын

Your Hulk has lots of scratches and scuffs…congratulations! You’ve enjoyed that bad boy.

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

The only way to enjoy a sub. Wear it!

@jonathana2079 2 жыл бұрын

The IWC 46mm big pilot is another huge watch. When I tried one on it felt like was wearing a hefty g shock.

@mitchmatic8029 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. Definitely a beast. Would like to see next to a Citizen Aqualand.

@vdbdg 2 жыл бұрын

Tried it on at an AD when everything got scarce. It’s just ridiculously big for normal wrists. Good for bodybuilders

@philo2197 2 жыл бұрын

On the list for the James Cameron… even though I won’t wear it much due to size but I think it’s a watch that will be collectible in the future.

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

100 percent

@yousif4646 2 жыл бұрын

Picked up a hardly worn first gen JC two years ago for what now is a bargain price of $12k and how glad I am that I did. Even when I’m not wearing it, I never have enough of marvelling at that dial and the one of a kind sapphire crystal on top. Good luck getting ‘the call’ buddy. Great piece, truly

@raystewart365 10 ай бұрын

@@yousif4646got my JC yesterday after waiting nearly 4 years ref 136660 and what a beauty it is.

@omegafanboyian 2 жыл бұрын

Question for you Bruce ; Should I relocate to Utah & get myself such a generous mother-in-law ? ? ?

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Worth a shot!

@scottlalonde2878 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video, Bruce, thanks 👍

@ahmedelsokkary4790 7 ай бұрын

Can you drop the link to buy this strap?

@markymark3572 2 жыл бұрын

The sort of watch where u really need 2 have a wrist like King Kong 2 carry it off

@titi64230 2 жыл бұрын

Funny i was trying deepsea this week-end ! I have the seadweller too, but from the side , it s not my taste. The deepsea side looks like tudor bb 41 or pelagos that i like . The seadweller is really strange , the valve hélium too small ...

@damnbrosky 2 жыл бұрын

I love this watch , I love chunkiness of it, size, tool apparition. But is out of my budget. That why I bought Orient Pro Saturation Diver 😎

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Love the OS300

@damnbrosky 2 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams it nice to hear that, not many people knows about this watch, greetings

@fire_watch7735 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Bruce, Let’s face it, the reason no one wants the Deep Sea is because it’s too dam big and heavy. My left wrist is 8.5” and is smaller than my right wrist at 9” because I broke my arm back in the day and it’s too big for me. I’m a big Rolex fanboy and have six in my collection so if I can’t make it work, I doubt many others can/will either. Therefore, I don’t think it’s overlooked or a hidden secret, there are just too few people who can pull it off. Also, one of the main reasons people love Rolex is due to their extreme wearability, an aspect that many other great watches overlook including the Deep Sea. Cheers

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

It's a logical reason, but then again the James Cameron dial is trading above retail and will have a wait-list at the AD. Same dimensions

@mynameistechno 2 жыл бұрын

Why in the world a profesional deep diving watch need a date window?

@artaudcharles 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review

@kevinrudd2810 2 жыл бұрын

I just picked up a sea deweller 43. Red line. From my AD What do you think.

@andrewchilton9685 2 жыл бұрын

It’s not as popular because it’s gargantuan. I’m 6’1”, 250 lbs, with an 8.5” wrist. It was HUGE on me. Also, the helium escape valve label inside the dial looks tacky.

@oceandriver7 11 күн бұрын

My dad has one. Hope i get it someday.

@hansobermann4871 2 жыл бұрын

I love monsters. Thanks for good review Bruce Williams. Stay healthy everybody. Greetings from Germany.

@nightstalker824 2 жыл бұрын

That's a sick watch. Rolex created that watch in the apex of the big watch/crazy depth craze of the late 00's and it shows now. It's still a Rolex so it's got that going for it, but that watch was meant to be worn with some True Religion jeans and an Affliction t-shirt. It's definitely a "time period" watch.

@brandonnickerson8934 2 жыл бұрын

8.75" wrist and the biggest I can go is 15mm thickness. This thing has to be top heavy. I love my Subs. Long sleeves, jackets, don't get hung up.

@japd7897 2 жыл бұрын

The Deep Sea is so much nicer than the Sea Dweller. The Omega PloProf is the ultimate professional diver style.

@ItsTimePictures 2 жыл бұрын

They are hockey puck huge.

@diavalus 2 жыл бұрын

Watermeters

@markedfortime 2 жыл бұрын

This is crossing into Invicta sizes..too big for even my wrist, which is saying something!

@bnick25352535 2 жыл бұрын

Majority of my friends and family members aren't watch geek like me.If I did get a Deepsea theyll probably think it's fake because no cyclops.Then I would have to explain to everyone it's not a Submariner lol.

@rrs1234567 2 жыл бұрын

Not trying to be contrarian, but I’ve never seen this below retail (at least online at the larger retailers/grey dealers).

@Slickrickyb654 2 жыл бұрын

I rock the planet ocean as a pretty much daily wear would definitely rock this beast lol

@config2543 2 жыл бұрын

@ 3:10. Call it the Hulk-buster.

@scottwexlin6456 2 жыл бұрын

I love it! But then again, I like big watches.

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Me too

@dillonm4794 2 жыл бұрын

I think this one is easy and can be answered by asking a hypothetical question: would this model be in higher demand if it were the size of the Sub? I think the answer would be an easy “yes”. So it’s the size. It’s just too large.

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Good point. but then again the James Cameron is the same size and it's a wait-list watch with a premium on the aftermarket

@entroheat 2 жыл бұрын

Rolex news getting boring

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the view and comment anyways 👍

@markdance574 2 жыл бұрын

Coming from a Breitling Super Avenger 2 trying on a deep sea feels ok - where as a Sub feels too small .

@kingofdeath5600 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to know how much that bad boy weights with a bracelet on 😄

@treasurecoastgypsy 2 жыл бұрын

I think the engineering of this watch, is truly remarkable, but it puts you in harms way, to the possibility , of being another Rolex theft, or assault scenario victim . I chose Omega Ploprof 1200 m in Steel, as it has remarkable engineering as well, without the seemingly , crime liability .Good video !

@davidg4536 2 жыл бұрын

Do you feel that the explorer 2 is also overlooked a bit?

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Yes 5 years ago... Now no it's one of the hot models

@davidg4536 2 жыл бұрын

@@BruceWilliams it will be my first & I should be picking it up this week 😀👍🏻

@NickZaharakisChiefOfficer 9 ай бұрын

I own it and once I put it on though it was a bit small! All other Rolexes look like lady watches on my wrists and can't wear any other Rolex.

@Leftystrat 5 ай бұрын

Agree totally and it takes the knocks of daily wear, bullet proof on the construction site, wear it or go get a fickle sub😂

@africatwinadventures Ай бұрын

superb !!!!!!!!

@TheMuffinator 2 жыл бұрын

This watch is just way too thick. I could never wear a watch this big.

@thomasoliverpryce4914 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe his mother-in-law was trying to drown him with the weight?

@steelsteez6118 2 жыл бұрын

It's overlooked for obvious reasons. The majority of people are not gorillas with 9 inch wrists. 😁

@BruceWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

It's a valid thought! But the James Cameron is the same size and is pretty popular

@kuanseow7407 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@jamessymington2466 2 жыл бұрын

It is a vulgar bauble - that’s why it’s overlooked.

@19NJS71 2 жыл бұрын

it's just too big.. so the amount of people who can really wear it is way lower than usual. and the older version was really disproportioned

@TypeSly 2 жыл бұрын

It's just over-done in every way. The ridiculous size and weight, the ridiculous amounts of text on the dial and chapter ring. Who or what really needs that much water-resistance? Take down the water-resistance, so that the thickness can be taken down with it.

@WrongTimeWatch 2 жыл бұрын

Cool watch, but way too big for my small wrist.

@kjakan79 2 жыл бұрын

Its top heavy

@falconinflight6235 7 ай бұрын

The Rolex 44mm is a statement. Period

@Leftystrat Жыл бұрын

Looks better on a bracelet

@allanreardon 2 жыл бұрын

What a monster. I really love the look but you need tree trunks to wear that, which I don't have.

@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather 2 жыл бұрын

......kayaking, lol.......where's he going kayaking? This watch is big enough to function as a life raft ;)

@matlindell5022 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely not my cup of tea.Have you ever tried on the Cameron ?I do.And I can tell you it’s definitely unwearable.😰😰

@MohammadAWaly 2 жыл бұрын

Tale as old as hype, wait till it gets discontinued

@kfkwAL7 5 ай бұрын

If you think this watch is too big, you just don’t get it and it’s not for you.

@Leftystrat 5 ай бұрын

It’s only 44 mil plenty of others that are bigger. If people have wrists the size of their big toe nothing will shut em up!!😅

@williamcoolidge9884 2 жыл бұрын

Tiger Woods wears this model every day. He loves it.

@jh-il5sb 2 жыл бұрын

hard to recommend this watch unless you are going to use it for the purpose it was intended.

@DancingMalik 2 жыл бұрын

Soon to be discontinued methinks

@cubex68 2 жыл бұрын

Not counting the obvious heft, for me, it’s the amount of text on the face that makes it repulsive

@Nils0scar 2 жыл бұрын

😲

@elmasnasılbulunur 2 жыл бұрын

Rolex

@kylena7533 4 ай бұрын

It's way too big for me

@Leftystrat 3 ай бұрын

The watch is not that big mate! The only Rolex that I like , wear it every day on a rubber strap, not rubber b ( too small), hardly comical pal

@jamesminshall4601 2 жыл бұрын

It’s a clunky gimmick and who how many people want to pay a premium for that. I know most diver watches have depth ratings that are pointless which is ok if that does not detract from its function as a wrist watch but this feels childish. I think most people want to be able to show off there Rolex so it’s good that they are useable by many different people in different circumstances. This would be great for a contestant on worlds strongest man but for normal sized people it looks like a child has borrowed there dads watch. Basically the market for this watch is quite small compared to the rest of the range.

@Milofchg 2 жыл бұрын

The Deepsea Sea-Dweller is OVERLY STOOPIDLY oversized. It's the thickness (yes necessary for the water resistance) that ruins the wear-ability.... As if recreational diver can dive that deep, let alone a professional do that deep. No it's not fun to wear for a wrist under 7 & 3/4 inch, it's too top heavy. You just have to be a huge guy. Like fat, stocky, tall, bodybuilder big. There's a reason why it's not a hype Rolex.