Rolex Introduces A Full Yellow Gold Version Of The Deepsea — Diving In Style Taken To A Different Dimension
A fun fact is that the Sea-Dweller and the Deepsea are two different lines of watches on the Rolex website. But both Deepsea models prominently feature the Sea-Dweller name on the dial. With the introduction of the new yellow gold Rolex Deepsea ref. 136668LB, the Sea-Dweller moniker has been dropped. From now on, you will only find the Deepsea name on the dial. The watch that proudly introduces us to the renewed Deepsea line is a full-gold version of the brand’s professional dive watch. This impressive gold beast of the deep takes the term “diving in style” to different dimensions.
I have long been a fan of the Rolex Sea-Dweller. As some of you know, my favorite Rolex model is the Sea-Dweller ref. 16600. But over time, we have seen the Sea-Dweller line change. With the introduction of the Deepsea ref. 116660 in 2008, Rolex took the Sea-Dweller name to different extremes. This bigger and better member of the Sea-Dweller family introduced a water resistance rating of 12,800 feet / 3,990 meters. The case size also increased to 44mm, and the Deepsea ushered in a new era in modern Rolex dive watches. This story has a new dimension with the introduction of the first full-gold Deepsea. Are you ready for a serious chunk of Deepsea gold?
The story of the current Rolex Deepsea
The latest-generation Deepsea ref. 136660 debuted in 2022. It featured several incremental updates compared to the previous generation. It perfectly showed that Rolex is all about the details regarding its dive watches. As Robert-Jan explained last year, compared to the previous ref. 126660 Rolex slimmed down the bezel, enlarged the date window, optimized the Chromalight display, and removed the Fliplock dive extension.
They were all small updates to perfect the Genevan brand’s ultimate diver. We all know that later that same year, Rolex introduced the completely bonkers Deepsea Challenge that took professional dive watches to another level.
However, what Rolex introduces this year is also on another level. The full-yellow-gold version of the Deepsea ref. 136668LB marks the first time the brand has created a precious-metal version of its 44mm professional dive watch. This 18K yellow gold model has a blue dial and a blue Cerachrom bezel. It’s a color configuration that we know from the Submariner. The result is a precious-metal version that will have you sinking to the bottom of the sea faster than any gold Rolex diver before.
The new Rolex Deepsea ref. 136669LB
The new Rolex Deepsea ref. 136668LB comes with a 44mm case that is 17.7mm thick, 51.8mm lug-to-lug, and 22mm between the lugs. As mentioned, the case is water resistant to 12,800 feet / 3,990 meters and features a 5.5mm-thick crystal and an automatic helium escape valve on the left side. Additionally, the watch has an RLX Titanium screw-in case back that contrasts quite drastically with the yellow gold case.
The watch combines a royal-blue dial with applied yellow gold indices filled with the familiar Chromalight lume. In addition, the loud “Ring Lock System” and “Original Gas Escape Valve” text are executed in gold. The text on the dial combines gold and white. As mentioned, the 0lower half of the dial loses the Sea-Dweller name. The royal-blue Cerachrom bezel insert features yellow gold numerals and markings to complete the stylish face of the watch.
A Rolex 3235 caliber and full-gold Oyster bracelet
Inside the case, hidden behind the RLX Titanium case back, you will find the in-house Rolex caliber 3235. Rolex also uses this movement for its Submariner, Yacht-Master, and Datejust models. The chronometer-rated automatic movement features a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and a 70-hour power reserve.
The watch comes fitted with an 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet with the Glidelock clasp. It makes this new Rolex Deepsea a serious chunk of yellow gold for the people who can pull off a watch this size in precious metal.
With this new Deepsea ref. 136668LB, Rolex pushes its extremes once again. The new Deepsea in 18K yellow gold is available for €54,200. While it seems like a watch for the happy few who can pull it off and afford it, I would love to try this out on my wrist to find out how this new Deepsea in yellow gold wears. If ever you want to make a statement, this is the new Rolex to get.
For more info, visit the official Rolex site. Let us know your thoughts on the new yellow gold Rolex Deepsea in the comments section.
