A Week On The Wrist: The Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 126600

[@andrewsmactips]

I well remember cringing when my arrogant Swiss boss said to a new Sea Dweller owner, "This watch is wasted on you. It's for people who use diving bells to go deep and weld the feet of oil platforms." The customer replied, "Well, that's what I do." "Oh... OK then." The customer couldn't be bothered with the beautiful box and anchor and so on; just needed the watch. How cool is that?

[@scottsatren9796]

Wow Andrew, thats a wild story, was your boss at least humble enough to apologize & learn a lesson. It just goes to show, you never really know who you may meet on the path through life.

[@andrewsmactips]

No. He never let up - but he was always jovial at the same time, so he got away with it. Another time a customer complained that his 18K Presidential bracelet was wearing badly. Turned out he'd been jogging five miles a day with it jangling on his wrist. That chap deserved a dressing down. :)

[@damachine3]

Box & anchor? I received a box and papers with mine...no anchor.

[@mikekilby9785]

Andrew Burke @seamus odork most of the welder divers I work with wear sea dwellers as I do. It is over 20 years old & has been on my wrist whatever I am doing

[@SG-he4cy]

The Customer could have replied, i have the money to buy them therefore none of your business what i do with the watch.

[@axelfoley683]

Good to see you again, Ben!

[@Jordan-fz2oc]

Where was the "week on the wrist" component of this video?

[@hodinkee]

Hi Jordan, All of our videos accompany a detailed written review on our website. Have a read here for the full story: www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-sea-dweller-reference-126600

[@jjv99]

Thanks for the external link to your website (which I have read). However, it doesn't address Jordan's comment -- despite its title, this video does not talk about what it's like to wear the watch for a week. That's kind of disappointing.

[@Seriously140]

@@jjv99 I agree. I was expecting to hear personal thought about comfort, comments from strangers, insights.

[@aviadzz100]

@@Seriously140 Very lazy review. Nothing I couldn't tell learn from their website..

[@ZXZVX]

What a joke.

[@hodinkee]

Hi All, We'd encourage you all to read Ben's FULL REVIEW over on the website. This video is just one part of a much larger story. Thanks! www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-sea-dweller-reference-126600

[@jjv99]

Thanks for the external link to your website (which I have read). However, despite its title, this video does not talk about what it's like to wear the watch for a week. That's kind of disappointing.

[@nturbay]

Been wearing my new 126600 and I love it, it’s exactly what the Sea Dweller was always meant to be.

[@75619630]

Did he say in stores right now! lol....

[@mattpeters6224]

george, for 14k usd

[@damachine3]

Yeah, in reseller stores at a huge markup...not in authorized dealers. ;) The minute an authorized dealer gets one it is sold to a VIP. I know, because I was called by my AD on the brand new Deepsea and Root Beer...and it will be no different on this baby.

[@sprocketdog6303]

damachine3 you just called yourself a “VIP”. Hahahahaha

[@SP-pn7xx]

I like this so much... The cyclops is an upgrade, you'll get no complains from me. Buy a No Date Submariner if it's so important to you.

[@MrEli204]

Was at my AD today and they said they can't keep these in stock. Clearly the Cyclops isn't bothering anyone.

[@Paul37Ontario]

would like to see more "on the wrist and opinions of wearing it for at least a week". How does it feel. And next to a dress shirt. etc.

[@shmoopytheduck]

I agree. This was an excellent video, but it felt more like a In-Depth Lite.

[@ianburton5139]

FrenchToastAction

[@coronetmag]

None of Hodinkee's "Week on the Wrist" episodes talk about what it's like to wear the watch for a week, sadly.

[@hodinkee]

Hi Guys, this video was just one part of a 3,000 word review of the model and this reference. You can read the full story (with more about what it's like to wear the watch) here: www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-sea-dweller-reference-126600

[@jjv99]

Thanks for the external link to your website (which I have read). However, it doesn't address Danny's comment -- despite it's title, this video does not talk about what it's like to wear the watch for a week. That's kind of disappointing.

[@AkuNoHana]

"A week on the wrist" proceeds to list everything you find yourself on Rolex website

[@JCW80]

The “in stores now” comment hasn’t aged well, lol. Cool review. Can’t believe it’s been 4 years since this reference came out.

[@hostilegrey9011]

Love to see Ben in the videos. Brings me back to the good old days...

[@kbb_bbk]

Hostile Grey The good old days before a fucking $12,000 hourglass, that isn't an hourglass but a 10min glass.

[@hostilegrey9011]

Ka Bh lol exactly! Over 1K a minute. What a deal!

[@WatchGeek]

I wish they didn't put the cyclops, and made it smaller. The red text really is striking and works wonderfully with the dial.

[@jps3b]

Couldn't believe it when I walked into my AD in Century City and they had one. I love everything about it! The size, the cyclops, and the lugs. It is my favorite watch at the moment and I can't seem to take it off. The Lume is gorgeous and the PVD platinum markers are a nice touch. For those of you who have your reservations, please see one in real life before you pass judgment. Rolex hit it out of the park with this reference.

[@Romio666]

Would it be discontinued soon, since it’s the 50th anniversary ?

[@SENGVIN]

Yep

[@toddpower4674]

Nope.....lol​@@SENGVIN

[@dmlchannel3262]

The Sea-Dweller was originally designed to possess a date magnifier. Rolex tested the Sea-Dweller, and the cyclops dislodged at depth... so one could argue that the Sea-Dweller has finally received the date magnifier it was always originally designed to have.

[@DrHumorous]

DML Channel interesting point

[@beri232]

Just got mine... identical piece..... love it!

[@RootBeerGMT]

Buddy just bought one I found for him at a local grey. It was brand new. Some “farmer” was offered this and the TT version. He only wanted the TT version. All box and papers. 13.7k. It’s a beautiful watch

[@markosmarkou5203]

that´s the perfect watch in every way!

[@bastawisy3000]

Excellent video... Welcome back Ben... Hope to see you more in videos.

[@mao7]

The comments were right. Doesn't stay true to the title. How's it on the wrist? Top heavy? Well balanced? Comfortable? Is that power reserve increase doing anything noticeable? Ever needed to use the glidelock? Legibility? Etc..

[@dopagony9946]

in stores right now, right now?

[@ChrisLee-UK]

+TGE TV is this the one you have Tom?

[@speeddog1955]

was this a paid/sponsored review? Where does Hodinkee disclose this info?

[@ripperx444]

“It’s not a daily wearer for most” “it’s designed as a true tool watch”.... seriously common man! It’s a mid tier luxury brand with the best marketing that sells watches to a majority of people that know nothing about watches! It’s not a tool watch! It’s a nice Rolex watch that sells the idea of being a tool watch! It also happens to look the same as every other Rolex but a little bigger. Not a bad thing but it’s the truth! Same goes for the bracelet! It’s the same bracelet as a sub just proportioned a little better for this case! That’s it

[@rodbartd]

Always love the Hodinkee videos! You should qualify your statement saying the cyclops makes it easier to read the date, as it depends on the angle. When looking straight down at the watch that may be true, but when glancing at the watch at an angle, the cyclops actually obscures the date.

[@Airbag1010674]

I don't know why you think it's a "big" watch at 43mm. You all must have tiny wrists. I have an 8" and it fits slightly small.

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

We’re not all fatties 😅

[@toddpower4674]

I'm not fat, and it fits me perfectly. But I'm not a puny little whimp either.

[@joesaave]

The average size male wrist is 6 3/4”. I believe this is why most guys say it’s too large. I think 7.5 and above can definitely wear it perfectly. Either way it’s a gorgeous watch!

[@Skfkf1393a]

Hey 2000s called and it wants your Ed Hardy shirts.

[@dpaglio]

@@toddpower4674🆒

[@ashinjoseph9366]

sir which is the best watch for around 100 dollars

[@ginyamaguchi1421]

go ask tgv.. he's the expert on shitters

[@ashinjoseph9366]

Matt Hatter what you mean shitters

[@markosullivan4573]

So childish...

[@soubido]

Seiko 5

[@ginyamaguchi1421]

+Ashin Joseph it means a watch which you buy for 100 dollars

[@djdc81]

On the waitlist for this badboy

[@tailoredwatchstraps4782]

But can it go on a NATO, Regards, TGV

[@gamebred26]

Tailored Watch Straps lmfao

[@yukosaturno]

top kek

[@marctkocz1104]

why does he always put nice watches in a shitte NATO strap makes the watch look cheap

[@tailoredwatchstraps4782]

I have a thin wrist and a leather nato always looks better than a bracelet for me personally

[@marctkocz1104]

Really so a cheap NATO strip looks better then my AP Royal Oak bracelet and navitimer seven link bracelet I don't think so

[@bendahlgren9571]

Wish they kept the smaller size and no cyclops lense but i guess i am a bit of a purist

[@alexander18verde]

with my budget (8K) ,wich watch has got the best movement for you guys ?

[@devilhog100]

Get the Explorer 2 with black dial. 8,100.00 new. I own it. I love it!

[@willfrank961]

Was it on your wrist? For a week? -.-

[@genkifd]

good luck getting one of these at your local AD in Australia or even see one at an AD.

[@splootan]

One ☝️ major correction! It’s not! In stores right now! Lol oh better still It won’t be in stores!

[@jorellearroyo7280]

In stores right now... Good luck trying to get it!

[@Swedeslung]

Had no problem.

[@polarroller4848]

I was extremely lucky this last September and got this watch from my Rolex AD at MSRP. I love this new Sea Dweller. however, I still like my Deep Sea Cameron more. Tho not a proportioned with lug width and bracelet as the new Sea Dweller, the DSSD's 5 mm (really thick) domed sapphire lens and the every changing gradient blue dial on the DSSD makes this my favorite Rolex. Regarding the cyclops on the new Sea Dweller, it's no biggie to me, makes no difference. I love my two Rolex divers.

[@AJ-bi6ns]

As someone with an 8” wrist I’m really stuck between this and a Sub. Shame the video didn’t really show anything about actually wearing the watch

[@edwardpickett574]

Excellent report.much appreciated.............

[@greekatso]

How much does this weigh?

[@Romio666]

greekatso not so heavy really

[@kermez9]

I was under strange impression this watch is advertised as diving one, and yet this experience fails to show and grade its main function - is it any good for diving??? For desk diving no need to give depth rating. This was waste of time watching week experience of allegedly diving watch without even cup of water next to it.

[@martinblanklikeswatches]

I just don't get the cyclops...at that size, couldn't they just make the date big enough to read w/o it..

[@willsmith1170]

martin blank casual consumers of Rolex like cyclops, because it makes us look like a rolex

[@AM2PMReviews]

i think it is perfect but still probably a few mm too big for my wrist.

[@benha3250]

IMO, it will be perfect without a cyclops.

[@HarryJoiner]

You literally have a video with three seconds on the wrist. That’s not “a week on the wrist.”

[@dunnbrandon]

i like how he's trying to refrain himself from saying he hates it. Ben is an antique guy that appreciate historic time pieces. I am into modern pieces that draws from historic references, but even all I can see with this SD is just a bigger Sub (which I own and love). Guess is perfectly fine for Rolex to rip their own designs, since they own both. Pass on this SD.

[@MartinPittBradley]

Just my luck, by the time Rolexes grew big enough, their prices were so crazy I won't be buying one. This should be ~$5K, which is what Rolex was charging about 10 years ago. The price increase isn't because of new patents, those costs are spread over the 800,000 watches they make every year. It's all margin! Thankfully, Tudor is being reasonable.

[@Val_Cosmos]

Nope. It's all fiat current devaluation my friend.

[@jamblman]

I have a Tudor pelagos and love it. But just got my sea dweller 126600. i was debating with myself whether to go back to Rolex I got my gold/steel submariner stolen few years back, well couldn't resist. I succumbed to thisbm watch's charm. Price ofn 11300? I paid bit more and all, but that the heck..They're not so easy to get, and you only live once.. it's quite nice..

[@RodClark]

Great to see the return of Ben (yay!), but you forgot to mention anything about the week on the wrist. So hmmm.

[@hodinkee]

That's because the actual review is on the website :) www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-sea-dweller-reference-126600

[@jjv99]

Thanks for the external link to your website (which I have read). However, it doesn't address Rod Clark's comment -- despite its title, this video does not talk about what it's like to wear the watch for a week. That's kind of disappointing.

[@champeight6737]

I gave in and bought this 126600 in the secondary market. paid 25% more than retail. ouch but no regrets. loving it.

[@powerplay.556]

I'm in a similar position, but it's now 50% more. $18,250 AUD retail vs $27,500 AUD on grey market. I know people who can get it retail so hopefully that works out. I'm impulsive enough to cough up the premium though.

[@damachine3]

Own it. Love it. You can see my Rolex collection on my channel. This one is on my wrist now. Unlike you, I do see it as a daily wearer. My Submariner Hulk is a bit small for my taste, but it is fine. My 2018 James Cameron Deepsea Sea-Dweller is a bit big for everyday use. This one is like the baby bear... everything is just right. I mix other watches into my rotation, but this one gets the most wrist time. 3:22 "In stores right now". Uhhh, no. Fortunately, I'm at the top of the list at my dealer when the hard to get watches come in...but we all know that Rolex stainless steel sports are extremely hard to come by for the general public.

[@vladansretenovic1952]

watch is amazing in terms of execution and quality, but its too big all these improvements in 40 mm package would suit it much much better.

[@SENGVIN]

Well that's like your opinion, if you as big as average Asian prostitute then perhaps it is too big for you, but for average man with 7.5in + wrist this is perfection. Fuck the 40mm girly watches

[@orlando124431]

I always get the two mixed up...

[@jimorr3252]

The new one is smaller at 43mm older ones are 44mm.

[@voiceofexperience]

This is just the sort of watch that is destined to be űber-hot for a year or so & then become passé just as quickly. See if I'm wrong...

[@ripperx444]

Jeffrey KRUPA you are right. I loved it when it was first announced and now couldn't care less to buy it. I was debating trading my deepsea for it but that's never going to happen. This seriously looks like a large sub. It's abosuoty identicle. Sure the movement is nice but the regulated 3135 keeps time as Rolex says +2/-2 and is proven so nothing makes me want this new movement too much.

[@ssoffshore5111]

I'm not so sure. I like the fact that it's bigger than the classic sub (which to me feels dainty after wearing my AP and Panerai divers), yet its smaller than the deepsea. I like my DS, but the case is pretty thick and the bracelet is noticeably too narrow. It's top heavy as well. Not all that comfortable to wear for extended periods IMO. This new model seems to have addressed all of these things. I'm considering ordering one. I also think this model could be collectable in the future, much like I think the JC DSSD might be as well. We'll see.

[@ripperx444]

SS OFFSHORE so this is all easy to see and justify in the market with supply and demand at the moment. When the new Daytona was announced in 2016 people knew they would either pay a high premium or have t wait years until Rolex started getting them in more regularly. The new Seadweller has hype but it’s available to buy fairly easily st a lot of Rolex AD’s. There was one that sat for over 1 mont until my friend picked it up. It’s a Niche rolex. Most people looking for a Rolex are looking for 40mm subs

[@ssoffshore5111]

You might be right. I just feel the traditional sub/GMT is a little small for my personal taste, yet feel my DSSD is a little large and/or poorly proportioned. I think the 43mm SD might be the best all around rolex diver for my personal taste. You're correct, it's likely a niche piece and probably wont be in production forever, but I suspect this will likely add to its value in the years to come. Being the 50th anniversary model with some unique features only supports that. Either, I guess the most important thing is to buy the product we like...

[@akamano5]

..I have a Submariner... had it for years now..like it a lot... as a SCUBA diver use it as a back up timer..but I dont get down to 400fett..!!!190-220 is my max..!!!..

[@malthus101]

$11,000 "tool watch" ? Yeah right. If you want a diving tool watch just buy an Oris, or Tudor, or Doxa or Edox or even a bloody Seiko!

[@infofun8700]

Only DateJust 41.

[@j.taveras8447]

Title says a "week on the wrist", then shows watch on wrist for 6 seconds and never mentions what it's even like to wear for a week. Complete utter failure. I don't understand why watch reviews always spend time showing macro shots of the watch. Would be great to see wrists shots of what it looks like in perspective, like a few feet at the distance others see the watch on your wrist. No one looks at their watch twelve inches from their nose. Macro is good for the detail, then lets see the watch in a normal setting, like sitting across a table, this way we can get an idea of it's size and whether it looks big, floppy, etc

[@alexandergoldman]

so how was it after a week on the wrist? anticlimactic..

[@valebliz]

"A week on the wrist" Don't even mention how actually wearing the watch is. Ok, right. This was basically a commercial.

[@phototristan]

Sea-Dweller is not supposed to have cyclops. Oh well.

[@eco8gator]

PHISTED! Nice review Ben, curious though which model do you think is the better one to go with 116600 or 126600. I prefer the 116600 due to it being a true 40mm Seadweller and it's limited run The new SD is just an an old person friendly version of the real 40mm SDs... Though the 126600 is nice it's no SD.

[@scottsatren9796]

eco8gator, The 116600 is going to be the real collectable one to own, mark my words, find one as soon as you can!

[@afhyoutube]

Honestly, thought he was going to say closer to 15k.

[@ryanmanak4129]

11600 will be so collectable

[@ams914]

Red text and new movement was the only improvement, hate to say it.

[@ritadeltiradero]

You can buy it here fas.st/L80GvX

[@mikeday62]

I thought this was Mike Wallace and Andy Rooney. (?)

[@jeffyoung4078]

Wonderful video

[@superfast30]

The hype dropped off faster than it built up. A few poor souls paid close to 18k on the grey market the first few days they became available. 2 days later, prices kept dropping to right around retail. Now, its talked about no more than a regular GMT. Rolex basically took a page out of Breitling's book on this one. They made it larger with no technical improvements or benefits. The dial is the same size as the previos SD, depth rating is the same etc. They made it larger for the sake of making it larger. At least when Rolex increased the size of EXP2, they increased the dial size making it more legible. At arms length, it looks like a bloated sub. The SD's DNA has been lost with this version. The only thing its got going for it, is the new movement. The DSSD is far more special than the current SD! End of the day, it seems their goal is to attract more people to the brad that arent familiar or dont care to know much about the brands history. Type of buyers that want that "big face Rollie" lol I'll stick with my SD4000;)!

[@bobcortez4427]

Let's be honest, the brand's history in itself is nothing special. They've been around since 1904, not long for Swiss horology. They started as a British company by few guys that imported watches to be branded by local retailers, that's a cool story, I will admit. The most egregious though is that they bought the company that made their movements in 2004, up until then, their movements were outsourced. So, to sum it up, Rolex makes great watches but the allure is pure marketing. There are plenty of other brands doing incredible things with longer histories and more interesting product lines. Omega anyone? (Full disclosure, I own Rolex, Omega, among others, I am just being honest here).

[@mattpeters6224]

super, can't find one for less that $14k usd. not sure what you are talking about.

[@beermansf9791]

Good luck getting one , it took me 5 months to get mine and the AD only gave me 1 day to show up .

[@rlsjunior797]

I’m pretty sure a new movement qualifies as a technical improvement. Are you bitter because a new model came out? If you are just say that.

[@beermansf9791]

superfast30 , you are just pissed I get it your watch is outdated but don’t hate on the 43 it’s freaking awesome . Take to consideration your watch is a collectible since it’s no longer in production. The SD 43 will always be superior

[@BobMuir100]

What was that? A week on the wrist produces ........................?? Really? Impressive observations!! Kindest Bob England

[@JAY-JAY74]

Rolex Submariner should have chromalite on the numerals on the bezel, otherwise it can't be used under water.

[@Disinf3ctant]

Jay Harris ze pearl is illuminate

[@williekamin8482]

You spent almost 4 minutes talking about this one . Big effort though.

[@logwind]

Just when watches made for humans are in fashion again, Rolex goes 43mm. *rolls eyes*

[@YippeeKiYayMrFalcon]

You smaller framed individuals roll your eyes.. us larger framed individuals just smile and nod.. 😎 perfect watch for those of us with Viking heritage. My SD43 fits and looks 👌🏻 on my 6'02", 220 lb frame and 7 1/4" wrist. There's no "perfect" size for watches. Size is relative to the size of its wearer. 🙄

[@josehenriqueserpa4473]

beautiful

[@RaymondLo84]

It's like the underdog that no one wanna buy?

[@pukenanginang]

Available in stores now!?? Whats this pancakes?? Lol. This is a joke. The proper title of this video should be a review of rolex SD 50th anniversary.

[@marksman4004]

Nice Rolex, but I'd rather spend 11,000 on a muscle car. No offense. Dont get me wrong. I'm a watch collector myself. Got over 30 of them.

[@powerplay.556]

A personal item which you keep forever and increases in value vs a depreciating asset that you keep for 2-3 years tops? Hmm, let me think? Yeah, I like cars too. Drive an RSQ3 at the moment. Watches are so much better though.

[@Koderfacts]

This watch isn't designed as a tool, who is gonna really buy this and use it as a tool?, They're are more than aware most will buy this as a non tool watch

[@yearofthemetalboar5645]

Rolex Marketing Department wrote the text for the ad and Ben read it in an effort to promote the flop that is Ref. 126600

[@tim2468]

And the prices for Rolex continue their climb...

[@Bierkameel]

I hate the cyclops but it's a nice desk diver, who cares about the bracelet, no serious diver is going to dive with a 11.000$ watch, and if you would put it on a zulu strap so it's not going to the bottom of the ocean when a pushpin fails.

[@vuxnguyen]

i take 116600 sea dweller over this any day !!

[@CGV.69]

Perfect watch. Im in love

[@tomsmyth5138]

They should remove the date from the sea dweller

[@stevenuk]

Looks too big, is too big and why-oh-why did Rolex put a cyclops on a Sea-Dweller... and then you have the price (grey market supported by Rolex).. Is Rolex trying to lose customers.. The old 40mm is the one to get if you want a Sea-Dweller and even then, you'll have to pay too much. Rolex and Tudor seem a little desperate these days. I wonder if they will put a buy-button on their website 😂 like IWC (and Chinese Micro-Brands).. could this be the end of the high street retailer? I do like Rolex, I like their designs but when I've gone to buy (Sea-Dweller) I've walked out the shop thinking the price is just too high.

[@YBFMusic]

If i own this watch one day i think i will remove the cyclops.

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

I own an Omega Seamaster but I’m incredibly jealous of anybody who owns this Rolex because it is so clearly superior to my cheaper Omega.

[@Taurian1]

dial is too small, its all case

[@ast453000]

a pox on all watches with dates. a million other things tell us what the date is, and it ruins the aesthetic. and unless you are some kind of freak, watches are all about the aesthetic

[@TheLexiHuang]

43mm is nice and big

[@peleti027]

Thats not a Sd

[@bombazine2]

I couldn’t buy this watch knowing it’s been superseded previously by the Deepsea sea dweller.

[@dieselsubmariner1639]

I picked up a brand new 126600 yesterday and have been looking for one for 3 years (Was never going to pay inflated second hand prices) really thought I loved it, but after getting it home I hate to say it but I don't like it.......Im gutted. Will continue wearing my 16600 which is much nicer.

[@Laguna2013]

why don't you like it

[@sprocketdog6303]

More like 30 seconds on the wrist.

[@xs1xs1]

i rather buy 10 steinhart divers instead of 1 rolex

[@malthus101]

I don't think they could have made more poor decisions about this model if they tried - Rolex - try losing the date function, not making it worse with a cyclops. And ditch the red text, it's ugly and naff.

[@ssoffshore5111]

Yeah, terrible. I guess that's why there's a long waiting list at the AD's and grey market watches are selling for a significant premium. Way to screw up Rolex!

[@malthus101]

People who don't know about watches buy Rolex (as do those who do)

[@andersonrosa2022]

Is it that hard to give a little criticism?

[@mr.canada]

How many people really wear a diver suit ?

[@Patomelb]

I wear mine every second day

[@impexRQ]

Mine every single day

[@uzeyrhassan]

One day they'll call it the unloved Sea Dweller, just like today they call the 996 the unloved Porsche 911. This is a piece of shit!