The Updated Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660

In 2016, Rolex updated one its most iconic watches, the Explorer 1 39mm, by improving some small details that collectors’ complained about. Surprising indeed, but Rolex now does really listen to them and make sure that youthful errors are corrected. This year, for Baselworld 2018, the same happens with the giant Deepsea and the crown has done a few updates to keep the model on par with expectations. Meet the 2018 updated Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660.

The Rolex Deepsea has always been slightly unique into the Rolex collection. As proper beast with utilitarian roots, it is kind of a hate or love, which clearly makes a statement on the wrist – remember that not only it has a 44mm diameter case but it mainly is an extremely thick watch (around 18mm) and a heavy piece on the wrist. Why? Simply because it is a watch that can withstand a depth of close to 4 kilometers…

For 2018, the update concerns both the case, the movement and a few minor details on the dial (really minor ones). The idea was clearly not to change the watch and to keep it as close as it was when launched. Yet, the new Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660 brings a few interesting corrections to make it better on the wrist and up-to-date mechanically.

The first thing to notice is about the case/dial combination. To make the watch visually more balanced and more comfortable on the wrist, the lugs are thinner and the bracelet 1mm larger. The lug width is now 22mm instead of 21mm. This extends up to the clasp, also larger, which in the end allows the Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660 to be more pleasant on the wrist that its predecessor. The thinner lugs don’t give the watch an elegant feel, but at least the proportions are better than they were before.

In terms of specifications, the Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660 is still water resistant to 3,900 meters and still has the Oyster bracelet with Glidelock adjustment and Fliplock dive extension link. No changes either for the available dials: black bezel with black dial or black bezel with gradient D-blue dial (the same as the Cameron-inspired version launched a few years ago). One small detail to note for the dial are the second and minute hand, which are a tiny bit longer to perfectly meet the tracks around the dial.

The main update is invisible but clearly interesting. Following the previous introductions of the brand – new Day-Date, new Datejust, new Sea-Dweller – Rolex gives its maxi-dive watch the new generation of movement, Calibre 3235, with 70h power reserve, improved escapement, gear-train and barrel, as well as antimagnetic properties. Also, the watch is both COSC-certified and internally certified, as a superlative chronometer – with -2 to +2 seconds a day.

The new Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660 will retail for EUR 11,200 its black dial and EUR 11,450 with D-blue dial. Rolex.com.