116600 Seadweller Manual

[pamountainbiker]

I used to have a 116600 SD4K years ago and then sold it because it was just not getting the wrist time. Been thinking about buying it again (should've kept the original!). That being said, my 116600 was a 2016 model year and the user manual had a "wavy," raised pattern on it. I was recently looking at some listings for NOS on Chrono and some of them have a manual that is "smooth," without any raised wavy motif. The look is basically the same as manuals you get today. Are these manuals add ons later and hence not period correct? Or did Rolex change the manual graphic design somewhere between 2016 and 2017/2018 (as the last SD4K's rolled out or into consumer hands in 2018). Thanks...just want to know because if I'm paying the NOS premium I'd like to get a period accurate fullset.

[inadeje]

OP I’m wondering how you could ascertain that the manuals you are looking at aren’t relief printed (wavy as you call it) if digital images are 2 dimensional?

[pamountainbiker]

Great question, the difference in manuals is fairly evident given a decent image. Hard to describe, but the old manual used to have these wavy lines across the cover that were ever so slightly raised up. The new manuals, including those today have no design on them. When looking for a 116600 I've seen Chrono listings with both types of manuals. So wondering if there was an official change or sellers are just substituting SD43 manuals.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by pamountainbiker

Great question, the difference in manuals is fairly evident given a decent image. Hard to describe, but the old manual used to have these wavy lines across the cover that were ever so slightly raised up. The new manuals, including those today have no design on them. When looking for a 116600 I've seen Chrono listings with both types of manuals. So wondering if there was an official change or sellers are just substituting SD43 manuals.

The most important thing is the watch and not the manuals,just like the boxes manuals etc are made by third parties in many parts of the world.

[brandrea]

Can you post a picture or google image?

[pamountainbiker]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I believe the mystery is solved! The 2016 and prior manual had a wave motif. In 2017, Rolex changed to a straight flat cover, much like you have today. Thanks TRF member who DM'ed me!

[pamountainbiker]

I certainly agree about the watch, the only reason this is material is because I'm looking to buy an NOS version that's a complete original set. I just want to make sure that if I'm paying the premium for an original set, I'm actually receiving that. That being said, I also understand that descriptions of NOS watches from almost 10 years ago all require that extra bit of due diligence, hence this message.

[pamountainbiker]

See second pic, (wavy)

2016 and prior manual: https://davidsw.com/shop/watch/rolex...seadweller-85/


2017 manual: https://www.ebay.com/itm/265686786482