Deep Blue: Reviewing Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea D-blue Dial Oystersteel Watch Replica

The Sea-Dweller Deepsea is an incredible collector's item that was created to commemorate director James Cameron's record-breaking dive to the bottom of the ocean. The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea D-blue dial 126660 replica is an upgrade to the original ref.116660, offering a slightly different case and bracelet as well as an upgraded calibre 3235 perpetual movement. A helium escape valve, a screw-down case back, and a waterproof screw-down crown allow the case itself to withstand depths of up to 12,800 feet, an accomplishment that attracts more than just deep saturation divers.


D-Blue Dial

The luminous material on the hands, markers and zero marker on the bezel have a blue glow. The advantage for divers is that water absorbs long-wave light better than short-wave light, so blue light is the easiest to see underwater. The Rolex Deepsea D-blue dial watch replica has a timeless look, despite its historical dial design. This is due to its contemporary size, domed crystal, high-tech bezel and visible inner ring of the Ringlock System. The iconic Rolex text on the dial remains a matter of taste. The Rolex Deepsea D-Blue dial replica is wordier than ever.


Into the Depths

In 2018, Rolex modified both versions of the Deepsea. While the most obvious difference is the wider bracelet with its larger folding clasp. The bracelet of the new Rolex Deepsea D-blue dial oystersteel watch replica no longer protrudes above the lugs compared to its predecessor.
Rolex also tinkered with some of the smaller details. the distance between the case and the bezel has been reduced, which limits the amount of dirt that can penetrate into the watch. The round luminous marker on the bezel is also not as tall and is, therefore, less susceptible to damage. The bracelet has been redesigned to be more supple and comfortable.

High Pressure

Producing an extremely pressure-resistant watch is actually not extremely difficult. The thickness of the case walls and the external dimensions can be increased to the point where a watch can be made with very high water resistance.  This required a completely new redesign of the case structure – resulting in the Rolex-developed and patented "Ringlock System." The system consists of three elements that absorb pressure: the 5.5-mm-thick sapphire crystal, the 3.28-mm-thick caseback made of Grade 5 titanium and the inner ring of Biodur 108 steel. The system is surrounded by a 904L steel Rolex case. The titanium caseback is not screwed down but is pressed onto the inner ring by a threaded ring made of the same steel as the case.


Calibre 3235

The calibre 3235 is a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This self-winding mechanical movement is at the forefront of the art of watchmaking. A consummate demonstration of Rolex technology, with 14 patents, it offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. It incorporates the new Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference.

The Helium Escape Valive

Before they return to the open air, professional divers heading for the surface after a deep saturation dive must spend time in a decompression chamber, where they breathe a gas mixture containing helium. The tiny molecules of helium, an extremely light and non-volatile gas, infiltrate everywhere in the chamber, also penetrating the watch. During decompression, the helium is unable to escape from the waterproof case quickly enough, creating a pressure differential that could force the crystal out of the watch case. Rolex engineers created a gas escape valve fitted with a spring: it opens when the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the watch reaches 3 to 5 bars, allowing the helium to escape, thereby protecting the watch.

Official Information

Model: Sea-Dweller Deepsea 126660
Diameter: 44 mm
Dial: D-blue
Bezel: Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic, numerals graduations coated in platinum
Water-resistance: Waterproof to 3,900 metres / 12,800 feet, helium escape valve
Movement: Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding
Functions: Centre hour, minute seconds hands Instantaneous date in apertures, unrestricted rapid-setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Bracelet material: Oystersteel
Clasp: Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system. Fliplock extension link
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