The year was 2017. Baselworld buzzed with the unveiling of a significant update to a legendary diver's watch: the Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm (reference 126600). This wasn't just a minor tweak; it was a substantial redesign, marking a new chapter in the Sea-Dweller's storied history. This article presents a hands-on review, incorporating original photographs from Baselworld 2017, a deep dive into its specifications, pricing, and a comprehensive analysis of its place within the Rolex ecosystem and the broader world of luxury dive watches.
Background: A Legacy of Depth
The Sea-Dweller, a sibling to the iconic Submariner, has always been synonymous with extreme depth and robust performance. Originally designed in collaboration with Comex (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises), a French underwater engineering company, its purpose was to withstand the immense pressures of saturation diving. Early Sea-Dwellers featured helium escape valves, a crucial element for professional divers working at significant depths. Over the years, the Sea-Dweller evolved, but its core identity – a tool watch built for demanding underwater environments – remained constant. The 2017 43mm iteration, however, marked a significant shift, both aesthetically and functionally.
Baselworld 2017: First Impressions
(Insert original Baselworld 2017 photo here – showing the watch on a wrist, close-up of the dial, etc. Multiple photos are recommended, showcasing different angles and details.)
My first encounter with the 126600 at Baselworld 2017 was unforgettable. The watch exuded an aura of robust sophistication. The increased 43mm case size, while noticeable, felt perfectly balanced on the wrist, not overly bulky or cumbersome. The brushed finish of the case, contrasted with the polished bezel, created a pleasing visual texture. The dial, with its crisp, legible markers and hands, was instantly captivating. The cyclops magnifier over the date window, a hallmark of Rolex, remained, providing effortless date readability. The overall impression was one of refined strength and purposeful design – a true professional diver's watch elevated to a level of unparalleled luxury.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm Review: A Detailed Examination
Case and Bracelet: The 43mm Oyster case, crafted from 904L stainless steel, boasts impressive water resistance, rated to an incredible 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). This surpasses the capabilities of its predecessors. The unidirectional rotating bezel, with its ceramic insert, is incredibly smooth and precise, crucial for accurate dive time tracking. The Oyster bracelet, with its solid links and comfortable clasp, offers exceptional durability and wearability. The Glidelock extension system allows for easy adjustment of the bracelet length, a vital feature for divers wearing wetsuits.
Dial and Hands: The dial is a masterpiece of legibility. The large, luminous hour markers and hands ensure clear visibility even in low-light conditions. The subtle changes to the font and the inclusion of the "Sea-Dweller" text above the date window add a touch of elegance without compromising functionality.
Movement: The heart of the 126600 is the caliber 3235, an in-house Rolex movement renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and power reserve. This movement incorporates several advancements, including Chronergy escapement and optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, contributing to superior performance and shock resistance.
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