Incoming: 16600 V Serial Sea Dweller, Last of a Legend

[dmash]

I previously posted on here about an interesting deal I was offered on a Sea Dweller model 16600. I’ve been on the hunt for this watch for quite some time, waiting for the right one that sprung out to me as special. The example I found was not only NOS, stickers intact, V serial final production, but interestingly it had a December 2018 dated ‘new’ style warranty card and green swing tag. This was quite puzzling to me seeing as this model was discontinued in 2009, those cards were only utilized from 2014-2020, the green swing tags didn't begin until 2015.......AND the follow up 116600 Sea Dweller was discontinued by that time.

After some back and forth with the dealer about this piece, it turns out it was a special build request by a long time Rolex employee, which Rolex granted. Apparently it was either built from existing parts inventory, or pulled from a 'reserve supply' nearly one decade after the 16600 had officially ceased production. I ended up contacting a couple Rolex collectors about this, who also verified that although *incredibly* rare, special situations happen every now and again with Rolex HQ. Additionally, both stated that they’re almost certain I obtained the last 16600 to ever leave the Swiss factory and it's the only new style warranty card 16600 they've ever seen.

Thought this was a pretty interesting story for everyone and wanted to share. I also attached some pictures, including the stamped card. Personally I think the 16600 is the best modern tool watch ever, before the change to maxi cases and ceramic bezels….. can’t wait to retire my trusty SubC and have this take over. Coincidentally enough I’m also in talks to acquire a JC Deepsea as well, so I might be picking up his big brother shortly.

[White Collar Boy]

Interesting story and fantastic score! Congratulations.

[2001jesper]

Congrats! Suddenly realised that i need one as well

[Little machines]

Congratulations!! Best tool watch enjoy!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dmash

I previously posted on here about an interesting deal I was offered on a Sea Dweller model 16600. I’ve been on the hunt for this watch for quite some time, waiting for the right one that sprung out to me as special. The example I found was not only NOS, stickers intact, V serial final production, but interestingly it had a December 2018 dated ‘new’ style warranty card and green swing tag. This was quite puzzling to me seeing as this model was discontinued in 2009, those cards were only utilized from 2014-2020, the green swing tags didn't begin until 2015.......AND the follow up 116600 Sea Dweller was discontinued by that time.

After some back and forth with the dealer about this piece, it turns out it was a special build request by a long time Rolex employee, which Rolex granted. Apparently it was either built from existing parts inventory, or pulled from a 'reserve supply' nearly one decade after the 16600 had officially ceased production. I ended up contacting a couple Rolex collectors about this, who also verified that although *incredibly* rare, special situations happen every now and again with Rolex HQ. Additionally, both stated that they’re almost certain I obtained the last 16600 to ever leave the Swiss factory and it's the only new style warranty card 16600 they've ever seen.

Thought this was a pretty interesting story for everyone and wanted to share. I also attached some pictures, including the stamped card. Personally I think the 16600 is the best modern tool watch ever, before the change to maxi cases and ceramic bezels….. can’t wait to retire my trusty SubC and have this take over. Coincidentally enough I’m also in talks to acquire a JC Deepsea as well, so I might be picking up his big brother shortly.

Agree about being a Rolex classic,my favourite Rolex my own 16600 SD had a very hard life working as a real tool watch with well over 600 hours underwater. Now almost 25 years old still ticking and looking good after many RSC services and polishing world wide, but now retired from underwater activity.

[rmlovett1]

Great story! Congratulations!

[travisb]

Great watch with a very cool story. Congrats!

[Shadow Play]

I agree the 16600 is the best Rolex ever. Timeless.

[Actor07]

Great watch, thanks for sharing.

[Jonny8]

Miss my 16600, one of the best. Great story as well!

[Gearjockey]

Awesome!

I have 6 digit discontinued cousin and I’m a BIG fan of SD.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[RichM]

Congratulations

[1st amg]

So so nice. Congrats

[padi56]

Yes V serials were last of the 16600 SD but quite a few around last of the real Roex tool watches.


https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=77161

[dmash]

Originally Posted by padi56

Yes V serials were last of the 16600 SD but quite a few around last of the real Roex tool watches.


https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=77161

Well there’s less than 50 identified owners in that thread :p

But again, it was more that this one left the factory in 2018 and is pretty positively the last one that ever did. Not only 10 years after production ceased, but even after the 116600/SD40 successor model ceased as well! That’s what makes it so interesting

[Jackie Daytona]

Really awesome watch! I’ll have a 16600 again someday. My favorite Rolex. Congratulations!

[red1108nyc]

Truly one of my most loved and enjoyed model and what a super rare find!! Enjoy in good health and best of life

[Exceeder]

Congrats! Amazing piece

[Cru Jones]

16600….Absolutely THE Sea-Dweller to own. Many congrats!

[cloud_flare12345]

What a cool story! Congrats!

[Gerry62]

I bought a new SD 16600 in 2010 ser V 43
Then stupidly resold but in 2019 bought a Ser M again. Never again without it







My Ser M today



Congrats!!! dmash

[Polarexplorerii]

That is a cool story! Congrats

[prnceofpersia23]

So this employee got Rolex to build him a discontinued reference and then flipped it? Lmao.

Congrats on a great find!

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by dmash

I previously posted on here about an interesting deal I was offered on a Sea Dweller model 16600. I’ve been on the hunt for this watch for quite some time, waiting for the right one that sprung out to me as special. The example I found was not only NOS, stickers intact, V serial final production, but interestingly it had a December 2018 dated ‘new’ style warranty card and green swing tag. This was quite puzzling to me seeing as this model was discontinued in 2009, those cards were only utilized from 2014-2020, the green swing tags didn't begin until 2015.......AND the follow up 116600 Sea Dweller was discontinued by that time.

After some back and forth with the dealer about this piece, it turns out it was a special build request by a long time Rolex employee, which Rolex granted. Apparently it was either built from existing parts inventory, or pulled from a 'reserve supply' nearly one decade after the 16600 had officially ceased production. I ended up contacting a couple Rolex collectors about this, who also verified that although *incredibly* rare, special situations happen every now and again with Rolex HQ. Additionally, both stated that they’re almost certain I obtained the last 16600 to ever leave the Swiss factory and it's the only new style warranty card 16600 they've ever seen.

Thought this was a pretty interesting story for everyone and wanted to share. I also attached some pictures, including the stamped card. Personally I think the 16600 is the best modern tool watch ever, before the change to maxi cases and ceramic bezels….. can’t wait to retire my trusty SubC and have this take over. Coincidentally enough I’m also in talks to acquire a JC Deepsea as well, so I might be picking up his big brother shortly.

Congrats! What an intriguing story. So judging from the warranty card, this long time employee must have worked for Rolex in Madrid, Spain?




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[dmash]

Originally Posted by prnceofpersia23

So this employee got Rolex to build him a discontinued reference and then flipped it? Lmao.

Congrats on a great find!

6 years later seems more of a ‘need the money’ rather than a ‘quick flip’…..not sure your logic on that one. Also it being NOS/Stickered obviously means he put it back for safe keeping.

But regardless, works out beautiful for me. Can’t wait to take these stickers off and jump in the water with it , safe queen no more!

Originally Posted by BumbleB

Congrats! What an intriguing story. So judging from the warranty card, this long time employee must have worked for Rolex in Madrid, Spain?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is what I assume!

[prnceofpersia23]

Originally Posted by dmash

6 years later seems more of a ‘need the money’ rather than a ‘quick flip’…..not sure your logic on that one. Also it being NOS/Stickered obviously means he put it back for safe keeping.

But regardless, works out beautiful for me. Can’t wait to take these stickers off and jump in the water with it , safe queen no more!



This is what I assume!

Yeah I didn't mean "flip" like it's defined these days. I'm just surprised a piece this special that was basically a favor from Rolex themselves, would be sold. Especially one kept in NOS condition.

Either way, it's yours now. Enjoy!

[jb335]

Beautiful watch, congratulations on acquiring one with extra sauce.


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[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by prnceofpersia23

Yeah I didn't mean "flip" like it's defined these days. I'm just surprised a piece this special that was basically a favor from Rolex themselves, would be sold. Especially one kept in NOS condition.

Either way, it's yours now. Enjoy!

Unless, as speculated in the other thread, it was true NOS that had sat forgotten at the distribution center for over a decade and then offered to current employees.

One thing I never asked in that thread: Would a service case (which is what a custom job presumably would have been built from) have a V serial, or random, since that transition began around 2010.

[ltmgeller]

Congrats!!!