Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2020
    Reference No: 126600
    Case No: RM'947'279
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3235, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max overall length 225mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp with diver’s extension
    Dimensions: 43mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex International Guarantee dated December 28, 2020, green leather fitted presentation box, numbered hang tag and Rolex hang tag, leather wallet, product literature and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller, Rolex introduced the new Sea-Dweller reference 126600 at Baselworld 2017. The Sea-Dweller is arguably the least commercial model in the lineup as it is a highly professional tool watch initially developed for specialist deep-sea divers. The first model launched was the reference 1665 in 1967 and it was Rolex’s most capable diver’s wristwatch with a depth rating of up to 610 meters, which was roughly triple the depth rating of a corresponding Submariner reference 5512.

    The Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 came as a surprise to many as there were newly updated features both aesthetically and technically. For the first time in decades, the new model featured the “SEA-DWELLER” designation in red writing, taking inspiration from early examples of the reference 1665 which appeared in the 1960s and 1970s with one line (Single Red) of red printing or two lines (Double Red). Furthermore, Rolex incorporated a magnifying lens on the surface of the crystal above the date aperture, initially witnessed in the Submariner reference 1680, and never-before-seen on a Sea-Dweller. Another interesting upgrade was its larger case dimension measuring 43mm in diameter, differing from all previous Sea-Dweller models with 40mm diameter cases. The new case provides water resistance capabilities of up to 1220 meters. The movement was upgraded to Rolex’s caliber 3235 providing enhanced efficiency and precision.

    Highly sought after and technically advanced, the present Sea-Dweller reference 126600 is like new condition and accompanied with all its original accompaniments.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 126600
A well-preserved and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with helium escape valve, date, bracelet, guarantee, hang tags and presentation box

Circa 2020
43mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$8,000 - 16,000 
CHF7,000-14,100
€7,500-15,000
HK$62,200-124,000

Sold for $13,970

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024