Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller D-Blue126660

About the Item

An unworn Deepsea Sea-Dweller in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a D-Blue dial under a domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal. The stainless steel uni-directional rotatable bezel features a ceramic insert with platinum coated 60 minute graduations. The Oyster bracelet comes with a folding Oysterlock clasp equipped with the Rolex Glidelock extension system. Fitted with a helium escape valve and a self-winding automatic movement. With some of its factory stickers still attached, the watch comes complete with a Rolex box and a new style warranty card dated March 2022, ensuring the watch is covered by Rolex until March 2027. The D-Blue model was produced to commemorate film director James Cameron's solo dive into the Mariana Trench in 2012 – the deepest point in the world. One of the most prominent features of this 126660 is the colour gradient on the dial – gradually turning from blue to black, symbolic of Cameron’s dive into the unknown. In order to handle the pressures of the ocean, this timepiece is supported by the Rolex Ringlock system which ensures it is pressure resistant up to 12,800ft/3,900m. The special Rolex patented helium escape valve is fitted with a spring to allow the gas to escape without compromising the timekeeping and water resistance of the watch.

Creator:
Rolex
Design:
Sea Dweller Watch
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Strap Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Shape:
Round
Movement:
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.74 in (44 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
21st Century
Date of Manufacture:
2022
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 190422011stDibs: LU607320143932
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Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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