The New 2020 Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Model

Rolex has never shied away from designing and developing watches that can withstand some of the most extreme environments and activities on earth. As diving gained popularity, both as a sport and hobby, in the 1940s, the brand saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market for superior underwater watches. 

In 1953 they introduced the Oyster Perpetual Submariner with water resistance up to a depth of 1,000 feet. Thirteen years later, they launched a new luxury watch that could function even further underwater, the Sea-Dweller, which, by the time its 1978 model was released, impressed watch enthusiasts with its water resistance up to 4,000 feet. But it wasn’t until 2008 that they launched the magnificent Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea.

The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea solidifies Rolex’s reputation as the premium dive watch brand. These outstanding watches boast water resistance up to 12,800 feet, with each one being individually tested in a hyperbaric chamber in Geneva. Although the Deepsea has been well received since its 2008 launch, Rolex has since released further models that respond to user concerns, bringing out their latest version in 2020: The Rolex Deepsea Model 126660 Year 2020.

Man with white shirt wearing 2020 Rolex Sea-dweller deepsea

The Extended Power Reserve and Improved Accuracy

Perhaps the most significant change seen on the 2020 Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is the new Caliber 3235 movement, which is perpetual, mechanical, and self-winding. The new 3235 movement is a wonderful example of Rolex’s innovative technology, including no less than 14 patents. 

As a COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certified chronometer movement, it has been subjected to various tests and has been proven to be made from the highest quality components. In fact, in terms of precision, the new Sea-Dweller Deepsea surpasses COSC’s standards: while COSC requires accuracy within -4/+6 seconds a day, this incredible timepiece manages accuracy within -2/+2 seconds a day.

Another area where the 2020 Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea’s movement shows substantial improvement to previous models is the power reserve, which has increased from a generous 48 hours to a remarkable reserve of approximately 72 hours. 

The Chic, Legible Dial

Like every feature of Rolex’s Sea-Dweller Deepsea, the dial has been designed with the needs of divers in mind. The watch uses Rolex’s iconic geometric hour markers that are easy to read at a glance, even if you’re deep under the sea. This legibility is aided by the use of Chromalight, a photoluminescent material that can emit an attractive blue light for up to eight hours.

The dial itself is available in chic black or an unusual blue gradient. This blue model is known as the James Cameron as it commemorates the director and diving enthusiast’s historic solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in 2012. It makes for an eye-catching dial that echoes the colors of the ocean.

Man holding 2020 Rolex Sea-dweller Deepsea

The Durable and Functional Bezel

In 2011, Rolex first began using a ceramic bezel insert, known as Cerachrom. This patented insert is virtually scratchproof and is highly resistant to UV rays. Its addition to the Deepsea 126660 further establishes it as an impressively robust timepiece. It is features like these that make vintage and pre-owned Rolexes just as desirable as brand new models.

The 60-minute graduated, unidirectional rotatable bezel is ideal for divers to monitor their decompression times safely. The easy-grip knurled bezel edge has also been carefully designed to make adjusting it underwater or while wearing diving gloves effortless.

The Coveted Helium Valve

One successful feature that Rolex has retained in the new Sea-Dweller Deepsea is the admired helium valve. This ingenious system, found on the case at the nine o’clock position, protects the watch’s crystal from cracking when under external pressure for extended periods while diving.

During dives, the pressure can cause a buildup of helium inside the watch. The valve allows tiny molecules of helium to escape, releasing the pressure. This one-way valve is so small it does not let larger water molecules in, ensuring the watch stays waterproof.

There are many elements to the Sea-Dweller Deepsea’s water resistance, starting with the middle case, created from a solid block of corrosion-resistant Ostersteel. The back of the case is edged with incredibly fine fluting and has been screwed down hermetically. This makes the Sea-Dweller Deepsea mechanism so secure that only Rolex watchmakers can access the watch’s movement.

2020 Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 126660

The Stylish and Sporty Bracelet

Due to the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea’s functionality as a deep-sea dive watch, it is rather sizable. The case has a diameter of 44mm, and it is the thickest of the brand’s watches. While dive watch aficionados loved this timepiece’s power and size, Rolex received some feedback that its bracelet wasn’t wide enough to match. Accordingly, the company widened the bracelet in 2018. 

The Oyster bracelet is robust, comfortable, and stylish and is the top choice for most Rolex sports watches, including the 2020 Sea-Dweller Deepsea. The use of the famous Oysterlock clasp means that there is no way for your watch to open accidentally. The Glidelock mechanism allows you to easily adjust the length of the bracelet without using any tools. In fact, with this nifty system, you can alter the bracelet while wearing it.

Rolex uses Oystersteel for its stainless steel watches, such as the Deepsea. A 904L steel, typically used in the chemical and aerospace industries due to its outstanding corrosion resistance. The choice of Oystersteel adds to the Sea-Dweller Deepsea’s durability; however, the bracelet is more than a practical choice; it’s also aesthetically pleasing. For instance, one attractive feature is that, while the top and bottom of the bracelet have a satin steel finish, the edges are polished, creating an unusual contrast of textures depending on your angle of view.

The Rolex Deepsea 126660: A Timepiece That Will Endure

Watch enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that the 2020 Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 126660 retains the most popular features of previous models while adding to its already impressive functionality with improved precision and power reserve. 

If you are considering selling an old Rolex to update your timepiece to a new, improved model, this 2020 Sea-Dweller Deepsea could be the ideal choice. It is highly functional and durable with a sporty, masculine design and boasts some of Rolex’s most impressive innovations.

If you’re looking to invest in a luxury watch or piece of fine jewelry for a gift or to treat yourself, take a look at our extensive collection at Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

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