Rolex Deepsea
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The Rolex Deepsea is the most extreme diver in the Rolex range, a 44mm Oystersteel watch rated to 3,900 metres. It sits above the Sea-Dweller in the Professional line and is built around Rolex's patented Ringlock System. Time 4 Diamonds stocks pre-owned Deepsea references, each authenticated by our watchmakers and sold with a warranty from our London showroom.
The engineering behind the Rolex Deepsea
The Ringlock System is what allows the Deepsea to survive extreme pressure. A nitrogen-alloyed steel compression ring, a 5.5mm domed sapphire crystal and a titanium case back work together against the water. That architecture is why the case measures around 17.7mm thick, making the Deepsea one of the largest watches Rolex produces. A helium escape valve and Triplock crown complete the case.
The Deepsea has run through three generations. The first, the 116660 of 2008, used the calibre 3135. The 126660 introduced the calibre 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve and a wider bracelet, and the current 136660, launched in 2022, added a slimmer bezel, a larger date window and a reworked clasp. From 2024 Rolex established the Deepsea as its own collection and removed the Sea-Dweller name from the dial.
Rolex Deepsea references and specifications
| Reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| 116660 | First generation, calibre 3135, 48h reserve |
| 126660 | Second generation, calibre 3235, 70h reserve |
| 136660 | Current, calibre 3235, slimmer bezel and clasp |
| 136668LB | 18ct yellow gold, blue dial and ceramic bezel (2024) |
| Case | 44mm Oystersteel, roughly 17.7mm thick |
| Water resistance | 3,900 metres via Ringlock System |
Two dials define the steel Deepsea: the standard black, and the gradient D-Blue, nicknamed the James Cameron after the director's 2012 solo dive to the Mariana Trench. The D-Blue fades from blue to black and carries green DEEPSEA text, and it consistently draws the strongest demand of the steel models.
Buying a pre-owned Rolex Deepsea
The Deepsea is a large, heavy watch, so trying one on matters if you are unsure about wrist fit. We check bezel action, case condition, the helium valve and movement performance on every piece before listing. Buyers who want a slightly smaller diver with saturation-diving credentials often consider the Rolex Sea-Dweller, while those after the classic Rolex diver look to the Rolex Submariner.
You can browse the full range of Rolex watches across our collection, and our team can advise on which Deepsea generation and dial suits you.
Rolex Deepsea FAQs
What is the difference between the Deepsea and the Sea-Dweller?
The Sea-Dweller is 43mm and rated to 1,220 metres. The Deepsea is 44mm, thicker, and rated to 3,900 metres thanks to the Ringlock System.
What is the D-Blue James Cameron Deepsea?
It is a Deepsea with a gradient blue-to-black dial and green DEEPSEA text, released to mark James Cameron's 2012 dive to the deepest point in the ocean.
How deep can the Rolex Deepsea go?
The standard Deepsea is water resistant to 3,900 metres. The separate 50mm titanium Deepsea Challenge is rated to 11,000 metres.
To check current Deepsea stock or arrange a viewing in London, contact Time 4 Diamonds by phone or WhatsApp.