Matt Dial
16660 Sea-Dweller

By Clayton Liotta · DRSD.com

Overview

Matt Dial 16660 Sea-Dweller

After the run of plastic crystal 1665s, Rolex took the Sea-Dweller to another level with the 16660. Beginning from about 5.9 million and running through about 8.5 million — more or less.

Collector’s Note This is the commonly accepted range for the Matt Dial 666. There are some people who swear that they have original Matt Dial watches with later serial numbers — this may in fact be true — but based on the findings here, anything Matt Dial with a serial number later than 8.5 million is usually considered by most collectors as a bit suspect. These numbers are only a guide.

Reference 16660

Dial Type Matt (matte finish)

Serial Range ~5.9 million – ~8.5 million

Movement Cal. 3035 (faster beat)

Depth Rating 4000 ft / 1220 metres

Crystal Flat sapphire

Bracelet 93160 with solid end pieces #592

Ref 16660 Serial 5.9M – 8.5M Cal. 3035 Depth 4000ft / 1220m

Changes from the 1665

The changes to the 16660 were many and represent a significant evolution over the plastic-crystal 1665:

Flat sapphire crystal replaced the plastic acrylic crystal of the 1665.
Movement upgraded to the faster-beat Cal. 3035.

Cal. 3035 Movement
Depth rating increased to 4000 ft / 1220 metres.

Depth Rating — Dial Detail
Thicker case with a larger and improved helium escape valve.
Date wheel changed from silver to an off-white colour with a slightly smaller font, but still retaining the “open” sixes.
Quick-Set date feature — very handy indeed.

Quick-Set Date Feature
Unidirectional bezel replaced the bidirectional bezel of the 1665.
Pearl on the bezel insert is slightly larger and housed in a small metal cup.

Bezel Pearl — Metal Cup Mount

Collector Note Because of the way they were mounted, these pearls have a tendency to “amber” beautifully over time — a prized patina among collectors.
Caseback also changed. On the very early versions the caseback had only one crown.
Bracelet designated 93160 with solid end pieces #592.