Rolex Deepsea ref.126660-0002
CASE : Oystersteel, titanium back, domed 5.5mm transparent sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 3,900m, helium valve, ceramic unidirectional bezel
SIZE : 44mm
MOVEMENT : mechanical self-winding, Caliber 3235, 70h power reserve, chronometer-certified (COSC) and Superlative Chronometer officially certified
FUNCTIONS : hours, minutes, seconds, date
DIAL : D-Blue, white gold hands and hourmarkers enhanced with Chromalight
BRACELET : Oystersteel, Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock and Fliplock extension systems
As huge and extreme as ever, the Deepsea has just undergone two surgical interventions : one vital and internal ; and the other aesthetic and supremely subtle. In a highly rare occurrence for Rolex which designates its models with a six-figure reference number, the new Deepsea has been treated to an appendage : 0002. This means that the most extreme Rolex watch of them all has been slightly modified, eight years after its launch. All key essentials have however remained intact. This 44mm-diameter, 17.8mm-thick monster is still designed to withstand underwater pressure to a depth of 3,900m. Its dial features the subtly shaded D-Blue tone that is unique within the brand’s collections. So exactly what has Rolex modified without anything really changing ? First up, the movement : the 126660- 0002 model has adopted the latest-generation 3235 caliber with its optimized escapement and 70-hour power reserve. It is thereby keeping step with current watch industry developments. In addition, the bracelet has been widened where the lugs emerge – a much rarer phenomenon designed to create a more seamless integration with the case. And the lugs have also been retouched so that the case fits more neatly on the wrist. One must bear in mind that the need for resistance to extreme pressure has generated a watch distinguished by its extreme thickness and equally exceptional reinforcements. To the point where the caseback of the Deepsea is actually lower than the lugs, which proves detrimental to its stability on the wrist and is thus not ideal in this respect. Yet the Deepsea remains a resolutely hardcore diver’s model, a true leviathan.
