Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jan 19, 2023
LOT 122
ROLEX
REF. 126600, DIVER’S, SELF-WINDING, CENTRE-SECONDS, DATE, “OYSTER” BRACELET; “SEA-DWELLER” SO-CALLED “RED” “50th ANNIVERSARY”; STAINLESS STEEL; FRESH OFF THE MARKET
EUR 10,200 - 20,300
USD 10,900 - 21,700 / HKD 85,000 - 170,000 / CHF 10,000 - 20,000
Sold: EUR 13,000
A very fine and rare, stainless steel, self-winding, massive diver’s wristwatch, water-resistant (4 000 ft = 1 220 m.) with screwed case-back, original gas escape valve and ring lock system, black colour dial with centre-seconds and date of the month; black ceramic bezel.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 1 |
As new |
Movement: 1* |
As new Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 1-01 |
As new HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model "Sea-Dweller", 50th Anniversary, so-called "Red"
Reference 126600
Year circa 2017-2019
Case No. 2RD14035
Material stainless steel
Bracelet stainless steel Rolex "Oyster" bracelet with deployant clasp
Diameter 43 mm.
Length 200 mm. (approx.)
Caliber 3235
Length 200 mm. (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box, guarantee-card
Notes
Rolex, “Sea-Dweller” 50th Anniversary, Ref. 126600
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.
To the best of our knowledge, this watch is fresh off the market, since it was consigned by the original owner.
Provenance
Giorgia Mondani's personal collection