In 2017, Rolex celebrated a significant milestone in its illustrious history: the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller. This robust professional diving watch, an evolution of the iconic Submariner, marked a pinnacle of horological engineering and cemented its place as a legend among divers and collectors alike. This article delves into the significance of the 2017 50th-anniversary Sea-Dweller, exploring its design, features, and enduring legacy within the context of the broader Sea-Dweller lineage. We'll also touch upon current market values, newer models, and key specifications to provide a comprehensive overview for both enthusiasts and prospective buyers.
A Legacy Forged in the Depths: The Sea-Dweller's Evolution
The Sea-Dweller's story begins not in 1967, but earlier, with the groundbreaking Submariner. The Submariner, introduced in the 1950s, set a new standard for underwater timekeeping. However, professional divers, particularly those involved in saturation diving, demanded a watch capable of withstanding even greater pressures at significantly deeper depths. This demand led Rolex to create the Sea-Dweller in 1967, a watch engineered to push the boundaries of underwater exploration.
The original 1967 Sea-Dweller (reference 1665) was a game-changer. Its helium escape valve, a crucial innovation, allowed helium gas – used in saturation diving to prevent decompression sickness – to escape during ascent, preventing the watch crystal from shattering under pressure. This feature, along with its increased water resistance, made the Sea-Dweller a vital tool for professional divers, separating it from its Submariner sibling.
Over the decades, the Sea-Dweller underwent several iterations, each refining its design and performance. Different references, such as the 16600 and 16660, introduced subtle but significant improvements in terms of materials, movements, and water resistance. Each iteration built upon the foundation laid by the original, demonstrating Rolex's unwavering commitment to innovation and precision.
The 2017 50th Anniversary Edition: A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation
The 2017 50th-anniversary Sea-Dweller (reference 126600) represented a significant moment, not just for the Sea-Dweller line but for Rolex as a whole. This model paid homage to the original while incorporating the latest advancements in horological technology. The most striking visual difference was the increase in size, moving from the 40mm case of its predecessors to a more substantial 43mm. This larger case allowed for improved legibility and wearability, particularly for divers using thick gloves.
Beyond its size, the 2017 model boasts a number of key features:
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