Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII Hong Kong Saturday, June 5, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2005
    Reference No: 16600
    Movement No: 549’036
    Case No: F949’328
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Zurich Watch Co., LTD. Kowloon dated 10th May 2005, Buehlmann table, tool, anchor, extra diver’s extension link, green document holder, outer packaging and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With its design inspired from the Submariner, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was a result between a successful collaboration with COMEX. First introduced in 1967, the Sea-Dweller was the firm’s first professional diver’s wristwatch to incorporate a newly patented helium gas escape valve, allowing gas to escape in one outward direction enhancing a deeper depth rating.

    In 1989, Rolex released the Sea-Dweller ref. 16600 replacing the short-lived ref. 16660. While most features remained very much the same as its old reference, the ref. 16600 encased an upgraded cal. 3135. The reference was produced for 19 years before it was discontinued in 2008 with the introduction of the ref. 116600.

    The present Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 16600 from circa 2005 is offered in excellent overall condition and is accompanied by its original guarantee and accessories.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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991

Ref. 16600
A fine stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, gas escape valve, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2005
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$50,000 - 80,000 
€5,400-8,600
$6,400-10,300

Sold for HK$88,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII

Hong Kong Auctions 5-6 June 2021