The Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 is the 50th Anniversary model and the first Sea-Dweller with a cyclops. Rolex introduced the date magnifier on the Sea-Dweller for the first time in this generation, which was controversial among purists who liked the clean crystal of the previous models. The single red "SEA-DWELLER" text is a reference to the vintage 1967 Sea-Dweller that also had red dial text. The 43mm case is larger and thicker than the Submariner. VSF Watch Factory got the case proportions, the red text, and the movement right.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Factory | VSF Watch Factory |
| Reference | 126600 (Sea-Dweller 43mm, Single Red, 50th Anniversary) |
| Movement | Dandong 3235 automatic, 1:1 clone, 72-hour power reserve |
| Case dimensions | 43mm diameter |
| Material | 904L stainless steel |
| Bezel | Unidirectional black Cerachrom ceramic with full 60-minute graduations and platinum-coated numerals |
| Dial | Glossy black with Chromalight Maxi markers, red "SEA-DWELLER" text |
| Bracelet | 904L steel Oyster, fully brushed, Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock extension |
The red text. The "SEA-DWELLER" on the dial is printed in red. That single word identifies this as the 126600 and references the 1967 original, the first Sea-Dweller Rolex ever made, which also had red dial text. On a black dial with white markers, the red text is the only color and it draws the eye first. The applied Chromalight indices and Mercedes hands are the same Maxi layout as the Submariner. The lume glows blue. The date at 3 sits under the cyclops lens, which is the first time Rolex put a cyclops on a Sea-Dweller. Purists complained. Rolex kept it anyway. VSF matched the red correctly and the dial print is clean.
The bezel. Black Cerachrom ceramic with full 60-minute graduations around the entire bezel. The Submariner only marks the first 15 minutes with individual minute indicators. The Sea-Dweller marks every minute. It is a more technical look and functionally more useful for tracking decompression stops. The numerals are platinum PVD-coated and will stay silver without fading. The bezel action is firm with crisp clicks and the luminous pip is centered at 12.
The case. 43mm in 904L steel. Larger and thicker than the Submariner's 41mm case. The Sea-Dweller is rated to 1,220 meters versus the Submariner's 300. The extra depth rating means a thicker case, a thicker crystal, and a helium escape valve on the case flank at 9 o'clock. On wrist the Sea-Dweller wears heavier and taller than a Submariner. It has more wrist presence and it lets you know it is there. The case finishing is brushed with polished bevels along the lugs. The Triplock crown has crown guards and screws down. VSF's case geometry and the HEV integration are correct.
The movement. Dandong 3235 automatic with a 72-hour power reserve. Same movement as VSF's Submariner and Yacht-Master models. Three days off the wrist without stopping. The date flips instantaneously at midnight. Blue hairspring and correct shock absorber layout. Winding is smooth and reliable.
The bracelet. Fully brushed 904L steel Oyster with an Oysterlock clasp and the Glidelock extension system. The Glidelock gives roughly 20mm of tool-free adjustment. The fully brushed finish hides daily wear better than polished links. The bracelet is wider at the lugs than the Submariner to match the 43mm case. It is comfortable and the articulation is smooth. The Sea-Dweller also ships with an additional dive extension that folds out of the clasp for use over a wetsuit.