The Rolex “Sea-Dweller” was designed in collaboration with the famous French scuba diving company COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise). In underwater missions, divers have encountered watch failure during decompression, when the glasses exploded due to an internal accumulation of air pressure. Rolex has modified the standard “Submariner” Ref. 5513 watches to include a helium escape valve to release air while maintaining the water-resistance of the watch. Thus, in 1967, the first Ref. 1665 “Sea-Dweller” watches were delivered to authorised dealers and selected divers for testing.

The Ref. 126600 was launched in 2017 at BaselWorld to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of this model. As an homage to the Ref. 1665, it features the red writing “Sea-Dweller” on the dial. Still drawing on the Rolex diving history, a magnifying lens at 3 o’clock was added on the crystal above the date aperture, based on the famous “Submariner” Ref. 1680. If, in 1967, the Ref. 1665 had a depth rating of up to 610 metres, the Ref. 126600 provides water resistance capabilities of up to 1 220 metres. With its 43 mm. case and the Calibre 3235, this watch is a statement from the manufacture, proving Rolex creates professional tool-watches for specialist deep-sea divers, for more than 50 years.