What sets these models apart?
The Rolex Deepsea D-Blue, famously known as the James Cameron edition, is a tribute to the filmmaker’s historic dive into the Mariana Trench. Over the years, Rolex has introduced three key models of the Deepsea D-Blue: the 116660, 126660, and the 136660. Each iteration brought subtle yet significant upgrades, ensuring the watch remains at the pinnacle of deep-sea diving technology. In this blog we’re going to explore the differences between these three models and also which of the three is the one to add to your collection.
The Rolex Deepsea D-Blue James Cameron is one of our most sold watches. The large size and subtle blue gradient in the dial truly makes this watch stand out from the other Rolex sports models.
Rolex Deepsea D-Blue 116660 (2014-2018)
The 116660 was the first James Cameron edition, launched in 2014 to commemorate Cameron’s dive. It came with a number of unique features:
- Movement: Powered by the Rolex Calibre 3135, which is known for its reliability and precision.
- Dial: The iconic D-Blue dial, transitioning from deep blue at the top to pitch black at the bottom, representing Cameron’s descent into the depths of the ocean.
- Case: 44mm Oystersteel case with a thickness of 17.7mm, designed to withstand water pressures at depths of up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet).
- Bracelet: Oystersteel bracelet with Rolex’s Glidelock extension system for easy adjustment, especially when worn over a diving suit.
Rolex Deepsea D-Blue 126660 (2018-2022)
The 126660 was introduced in 2018 and came with several key improvements over its predecessor:
- Movement Upgrade: The 126660 introduced the Calibre 3235 movement, a major update offering improved accuracy and a longer power reserve of 70 hours (up from the 48 hours in the 116660). This movement also features Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement, enhancing its energy efficiency.
- Improved Lugs and Bracelet: The 126660 has slimmer lugs and a slightly wider bracelet, making it more comfortable on the wrist despite its large case size.
- Aesthetics and Legibility: Rolex improved the legibility of the date window and made subtle updates to the text on the dial, ensuring the overall aesthetic was sharper and cleaner.
Rolex Deepsea D-Blue 136660 (2022-Present)
The most recent iteration, the 136660, launched in 2022, continues to build on the advancements of the 126660:
- Movement: It retains the Calibre 3235, maintaining the excellent precision and 70-hour power reserve of the previous model.
- Case and Proportions: Rolex made slight refinements to the case proportions, making the 136660 feel more balanced on the wrist despite its massive size. The lug-to-lug length is slightly reduced, improving overall wearability.
- Crystal and Bezel: The bezel and sapphire crystal are slightly updated, with the crystal now having a more gradual curve, enhancing the watch’s overall robustness and aesthetics.
- Enhanced Dial and Chromalight: The D-Blue dial remains the same, but Rolex has made the luminescent Chromalight on the hands and indices even brighter, improving underwater legibility.
Now we have explored the difference between the three models we’ll touch on which model is the one to own above the other references.
1, Rolex Deepsea D-Blue 116660 (2014-2018)
This was the first version of the Deepsea D Blue. We think this is the one to avoid. There were very high production numbers which makes this version more common than the other two. Also advances in the movement and the bracelet in the subsequent watches just makes for a better watch overall.
2, Rolex Deepsea D-Blue 126660 (2018-2022)
This was the second iteration of the Rolex Deepsea James Cameron and in our opinion this is the one to own.
The improvements to the bracelet and lugs makes this watch a lot more wearable than the previous model and the Calibre 3235 Movement was a notable upgrade that was so reliable Rolex chose to keep it for the 136660 model. We believe it’s the short run in between models are the ones to own. This is down to the limited quantities produced and it being just as reliable as the 136660. Also Rolex only had this watch on the new style warranty card for two years making their numbers a lot lower than those sold with the older style warranty cards. For the time being the 126660 is cheaper than the 136660. I think this is down to the watch buying public not assessing this model line in great enough detail and I strongly believe this is the one to own for the future.
3. Rolex Deepsea D-Blue 136660 (2022-Present)
This model takes what was great from the 126 reference and enhances it further, With very slight refinements to the case, sapphire crystal and the dial. Whilst on paper this has the best spec of the three we actually do not think this is model to choose. Reason being: the differences are so minute between the 126660 and 136660 the wearer would never tell the difference between the two. Furthermore this model is a current production model meaning there will still be thousands of these watches produced for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion.
Whilst we think the 126660 is the pick of the bunch all of them are great watches which I have no doubt will serve you well for many years to come. When we asses models based future market performance we look at the production numbers, availability and desirability. This is why we think the 126660 D blue on the new style warranty card (2020+) is the goldilocks Deepsea James Cameron.
Click HERE to explore the Rolex Deepsea James Camerons we have in stock