The original DSS Fact or Myth

[cornerstore]

Is this Deep Sea Special the forerunner of the Deep Sea Sea Dweller ?

[ATTACH]rolex1_2.jpg[/ATTACH]

[imono]

Not sure about the specs.
What a beautiful looker!
Sure do like it in my wrist...

[mike]

The DS is very real, but perhaps more of a marketing ploy than anything else.

http://www.bjsonline.com/watches/articles/0022_4.shtml

Not many made, but whether the current DSSD is a descendant I'd call the DSSD an evolution in the professional dive watch.

[accutronman]

Actually, Rolex designers were very shrewd in their design of the DSSD. The design elements such as the domed crystal not only are an integral part of the engineering necessary to be rated at the depths the watch is capable of but all elements harken back to the original DS. The DSSD is both evolutionary in design from the DS but also revolutionary in the incorporated technology.

[Double_J]

Imagine how many doorways you could kill with that thing.

[Clogger]

I can't really see any likeness.

The DSSD is an evolution of the Sea Dweller, ie a watch designed for Commercial Divers.

[mike]

Not to take this to far off topic, but one of the features that really nails it for me on the DSSD is the 60 minute insert. Kind of a throw back to the Mil. Sub.

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by imono

Not sure about the specs.
What a beautiful looker!
Sure do like it in my wrist...

"Its resistance was successfully tested at the ETH in Zurich and on 30 September 1953, the Bathyscaphe Trieste and the watch fixed to its outside made their first dive to a record depth of 3150 meter. During this dive in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the island of Ponza, both Auguste and Jacques Piccard were on board of the bathyscaph. On 12th October Rolex received Piccard's memorable telegram confirming the success of the experiment with the words "Your watch perfectly resisted to 3150 meters".

Immediately the marketing arm of Rolex Geneva went into top gear and The Rolex Submariner ref 6204 was introduced at the1954 Basel Spring Fair. The Rolex Submariner, introduced in the early 50’s, laid down the tracks upon whcih most of their competitors would follow. From the rotating bezel, (used to gauge air-time when submersed), to the flip lock clasp and extension link (to wear outside a wetsuit with the minimum of fuss) - all Rolex innovations"

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by accutronman

Actually, Rolex designers were very shrewd in their design of the DSSD. The design elements such as the domed crystal not only are an integral part of the engineering necessary to be rated at the depths the watch is capable of but all elements harken back to the original DS. The DSSD is both evolutionary in design from the DS but also revolutionary in the incorporated technology.

"An extraordinary and rare, historically interesting stainless steel, gold and gilt tonneau-shaped self-winding waterproof diver's wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and date
Signed Rolex, Deep Sea Special No. 1, movement no. 419251, manufactured in 1953
Cal. 1000 nickel-finished lever movement, 21 jewels, the black dial with luminous dot, baton and triangular-shaped numerals, luminous spear hands and luminous arrow sweep centre seconds hand, in massive stainless steel case with deep domed crystal, special screw down winding crown, heavy gauge screw back engraved Rolex Oyster Deep Sea Special No. 1, the gilt metal terminals secured by steel pins, stainless steel steel and gold sprung and riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet with deployant clasp dated 4/53, case, dial and movement signed
43 mm. diam."

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by Double_J

Imagine how many doorways you could kill with that thing.

nice one

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by Double_J

Imagine how many doorways you could kill with that thing.

Reminds me of a Corum bubble from the side profile.

[WatchTimes]

What I find surprising is that it is a TT watch...

Why???

What reason would they make such a serious dive watch in TT????

[jets]

Originally Posted by Double_J

Imagine how many doorways you could kill with that thing.

[escudoturbo]

The one attached to the trieste was made of stainless I believe

[Jackxv]

The watch was mainly for marketing purpose.

Some dealers had it in the windows, it was the proof (again) of an achievement by Rolex. Because of the profits on TT watches it was displayed as TT.

Look at the achievements by Rolex

This watch is related to the SDDS like the Mercedes Benz 600 pullman is connected to the Maybach nowadays. It's the start of an era within a company, to be the best and well known for its luxury and durabilty.

I've added some photo's, property of the Bubblebackclub by Chin, of the first Rolex Sub







Jack