WATCH REVIEW

Into the Blue: Reviewing the Rolex Deepsea D-Blue


When writer, director, and adventurer James Cameron reached the beginning of the “deep sea” at a depth of 1,000 meters on March 26, 2012, safely inside his submersible craft Deepsea Challenger, all the remaining light disappeared. But at that point, he hadn’t yet completed one-tenth of his journey. At 10,908 meters, he landed softly on the floor of the Challenger Deep, the deepest point in the ocean, at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Before the hydraulic arm on the submersible malfunctioned, he was able to collect a sample from the bottom of the sea. The Rolex Deepsea Challenge, a prototype watch that could withstand water pressure to a depth of 15,000 meters, was strapped on the mechanical arm as well as on Cameron’s wrist.

Only two other people had preceded Cameron in this endeavor – in 1960, Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh reached this point with their underwater craft, Trieste. Then, too, an experimental dive watch from Rolex, the Deep Sea Special, was attached to the outside of the pressurized chamber, and it withstood the dive in 1960 as unscathed as the Deepsea Challenge did in 2012.

Rolex Deepsea D-Blue

Neither watch was ever commercially produced. The Deep Sea Special was virtually unwearable because of its enormous 35-mm thickness and domed, semi-spherical crystal above the dial. The second version was considerably smaller. It was based on the innovative case structure introduced in 2008 for the mass-produced Deepsea model, which has pressure resistance to a depth of 3,900 meters.

In 2008, the Deepsea was the most pressure-resistant mechanical commercial watch available. Since then, manufacturers such as Vintage VDB and CX Swiss Military Watch have been making watches that can withstand even greater depths (and Omega’s Seamaster Ultra Deep has since exceeded the Deepsea’s depth record by several precious meters), but they tower over the wearable 18-mm-thick Rolex Deepsea by at least 6 mm and appear clunky.

In 2014, Rolex introduced a special version of this extreme dive watch with a “D-Blue” dial as a tribute to Cameron’s deep dive. Instead of the completely black dial, this watch has a dial that gradually changes color from dark blue to black, the way the ocean gets darker as it becomes deeper. The Deepsea lettering on the dial is the same green color as the paint on Cameron’s submersible. While the standard Deepsea model was not overly popular, demand for the D-Blue has greatly exceeded supply, in spite of its higher price.

Into the Depths

In 2018, Rolex modified both versions of the Deepsea and we tested the D-Blue model. While the most obvious difference is the wider bracelet with its larger folding clasp, overall, the proportions have a more harmonious feel. The bracelet end pieces no longer protrude above the lugs. Another new feature is a tiny Rolex crown placed at the edge of the dial at 6 o’clock between the words “Swiss” and “made.”

The bracelet of the new Deepsea (right) no longer protrudes above the lugs compared to its predecessor.

Rolex also tinkered with some of the smaller details. the distance between the case and the bezel has been reduced, which limits the amount of dirt that can penetrate into the watch. The round luminous marker on the bezel is also not as tall and is, therefore, less susceptible to damage. The bracelet has been redesigned to be more supple and comfortable.

High Pressure

Producing an extremely pressure-resistant watch is actually not extremely difficult. The thickness of the case walls and the external dimensions can be increased to the point where a watch can be made with very high water resistance. But Rolex did not approach the problem this way. From the beginning, the Deepsea engineers’ goal was to create a wearable watch. They found success using a diameter of 44 mm and a thickness of 18 mm, which is also very comfortable to wear.

This required a completely new redesign of the case structure – resulting in the Rolex-developed and patented “Ringlock System.” The system consists of three elements that absorb pressure: the 5.5-mm-thick sapphire crystal, the 3.28-mm-thick caseback made of Grade 5 titanium and the inner ring of Biodur 108 steel. The system is surrounded by a 904L steel Rolex case. The titanium caseback is not screwed down but is pressed onto the inner ring by a threaded ring made of the same steel as the case.

The bracelet of the updated Rolex Deepsea D-Blue (left) is wider and has a more harmonious look.

The materials are carefully selected for their extreme sturdiness and resilience so that they do not become distorted or break under pressure. Biodur 108 is approximately three times more tension proof than the steel used for the case, and Grade 5 titanium – a titanium alloy with vanadium and aluminum – is four times as strong. This complicated construction allows a case to be made that is more than 10 percent thinner than a conventional one. The Deepsea is actually designed for a water depth of 4,900 meters, and every watch is tested underwater at this 25-percent higher pressure. Rolex consulted with the French diving equipment company Comex for the design of its water pressure testing instruments.

Extended Use

The steel alloy used for the Deepsea is very well suited for deep sea diving. Both the bracelet and the case of the Deepsea are made of 904L steel, which Rolex calls “Oystersteel.” It is more difficult to process but is less susceptible to saltwater corrosion than the 316L steel that is usually used for watches. In addition to the 1.8-cm fold-out extension of the Fliplock bracelet, the Glidelock clasp also has a 1.8-cm extension piece. This is convenient since the bracelet can be lengthened quickly when the temperature rises. This mechanism can even be used while wearing the watch on the wrist.

Platinum and Ceramic

Rolex has given the entire top of the case and bracelet a brushed finish. The sides are highly polished, and the scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic track ring on the unidirectional rotating dive bezel shines, too. The numerals and indexes are milled and are coated with platinum. The color of the bezel varies between black and anthracite, depending on how the light hits it.

The new wider bracelet has a long, fine-adjustment extension and makes the Deepsea feel less top heavy.

The now-complete minutes track is appealing to divers and others alike. Rolex has also set the benchmark for bezels – with smooth and solid ratchets in half-minute increments that sound firm and precise when turning.

The crystal of the Deepsea does not extend as far above the bezel as on other Rolex models, which helps prevent damage. Unfortunately, the crystal reflects light under some conditions. But the color change on the dial does not affect its legibility.

The hands are slightly curved and, therefore, don’t appear black, as some at hands do. The hands and markers are made of gold, as is always the case with Rolex. The design – with the “Mercedes” hand for the hours, the round hour markers, the bar markers at 6 and 9 o’clock and the triangle at 12 o’clock – basically comes from the first Submariner. Rolex has maintained continuity for over 60 years. What could possibly be improved in terms of functional or aesthetic design?

The caseback is made of titanium.

The luminous material on the hands, markers and zero marker on the bezel have a blue glow. The advantage for divers is that water absorbs long-wave light better than short-wave light, so blue light is the easiest to see underwater. The Deepsea has a timeless look, despite its historical dial design. This is due to its contemporary size, domed crystal, high-tech bezel and visible inner ring of the Ringlock System. The iconic Rolex text on the dial remains a matter of taste. The Deepsea D-Blue dial is wordier than ever. There are five lines of text just on the lower half of the dial, plus the information on the inner ring. But this doesn’t impact the successful evolution of this design.

New Caliber

As with the design, little improvement needed to be made to the movement, but Rolex did a basic reworking of the caliber that was already known for its sturdiness and accuracy, Caliber 3135. Caliber 3235 replaces the 3135. In 2015, Rolex began introducing the new generation of calibers in its updated models. Among its steel watches, it has been placed in the new Sea-Dweller and in the new GMT-Master II with the blue-red bezel, in addition to the Datejust. With Caliber 3235, only 10 percent of the components of the 3135 remained unchanged. Overall, Rolex has received a total of 14 patents for this caliber.

How does this benefit the wearer? Resistance to impacts and reliability are increased. The winding mechanism is more efficient and builds up its power reserve more quickly, primarily due to the new ball-bearing oscillator. Most of all, the maximum power reserve has increased from the standard 48 hours to 70 hours. Rolex has achieved this through the use of a thinner barrel wall, which permits the use of a longer mainspring, as well as with its innovative Chronergy escapement, which increases the efficiency of the Swiss lever escapement by 15 percent. This is made possible by modified geometry and a skeletonized shape that reduces its weight. The light-weight escapement is also notable for its much quieter ticking sound.

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Rolex Caliber 3235

The nickel-phosphorus alloy escape wheel is produced using the LIGA process (the German acronym for lithography, electroplating, and molding) and has no reaction to magnetic fields. The new balance staff also improves magnetic field protection. The blue Parachrom hairspring made from a niobium-zirconium alloy is already familiar from other models, as is the Paraflex shock absorber. The end shake of the balance can be adjusted with one screw instead of two. And the overcoil ensures concentric breathing of the hairspring, as does the free-sprung oscillator with Microstella screws.

Although the new caliber works beneath a solid steel caseback, like all Oyster models, it is decorated – with a sunburst finish on the partially skeletonized oscillator, and on the automatic bridge, matte line finishes on steel components, along with some beveled edges and polished screw heads.

Solid Rate Results

In 2015, Rolex introduced stricter regulations for all its models. In addition to chronometer certification from the independent Swiss testing agency COSC, which tests the movement, Rolex watchmakers regulate the cased movement to even more precise values: the rate may deviate no more than between -2 and +2 seconds per day. A specially designed system that simulates actual wearing conditions is used.

Our test watch easily achieved these values on the timing machine. The average deviation measured at only -0.7 seconds per day, and the greatest deviation was only 4 seconds. When worn on the wrist, the watch showed only slight gains or losses, so on average, this resulted in virtually no deviation.

Thanks to its high degree of wearing comfort, the Deepsea D-Blue works as an excellent watch for daily wear, which is rather unexpected for such an extreme model. And the price? It’s $12,550 – pretty high for a steel sports watch. In contrast to the Rolex Submariner Date – with a water resistance rating of 300 meters and the older movement at a cost of $8,550 – this is a hefty difference. Compared with the newly revised Sea-Dweller, which is water resistant to 1,220 meters with the new movement and a price of $11,350, the additional cost is less noticeable. Overall, the price of the Deepsea is fair.

Whether you’re willing to spend $300 more for the D-Blue that we tested over the Deepsea with a black dial is simply a matter of individual taste. In our opinion, the blue version has greater character that sets it apart from the other Rolex dive watches. Revision was a great advantage for this watch. More consistent proportions and the higher power reserve may inspire you to dive into greater adventures.

SPECS:
Manufacturer: Rolex S.A., Rue François Dussaud 3-7, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Reference number: 126660
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Movement: In-house Caliber 3235, automatic, chronometer, 28,800 vph, 31 jewels, hack mechanism, quick date adjustment, Paraflex shock absorber, Glucydur balance with Microstella regulating screws, blue Parachrom hairspring with overcoil, COSC certification, 70-hour power reserve
Case: Stainless steel 904L, domed sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnifier, no anti-reflective coating, helium valve, screw-down Triplock crown, fully threaded caseback, pressure system with Biodur 108 inner ring and Grade 5 titanium base, water resistant to 3,900 m
Bracelet and clasp: Bracelet made of 904L stainless steel with safety folding clasp and 10-step extension piece, additional fold-out extension piece
Rate results (deviation in seconds per 24 hours):
Dial up: 0
Dial down: -1
Crown up: -1
Crown down: 0
Crown left: +1
Crown right: -3
Greatest deviation: 4
Average deviation: -0.7
Average amplitude:
Flat positions: 281°
Hanging positions: 264°
Dimensions: Diameter = 44 mm, height = 18 mm, weight = 228 g
Price: $12,550

To learn more, visit Rolex, here

No Responses to “Into the Blue: Reviewing the Rolex Deepsea D-Blue”

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  1. David Burton

    Thank you for such an in depth and informative article on the Deepsea D-Blue. I was on the point of purchasing this model but in the end decided on the new Sea Dweller, mainly due to the more compact design and regular wearability. I must say the blue face does make it a striking time piece.
    Overall two excellent watches to be proud of.

    Reply
  2. Gary Tyra

    I own a two-tone sub mariner & a Tag Hauer stainless & I much prefer the sub mariner for its classic style, durability & accuracy. The Rolex seems to hold its value much longer than the Tag

    Reply
  3. Michael Stabach

    This is an amazing watch that I’m extremely happy to have added to my collection. It seemed a little heavy and bulkier than my GMT Batman but that feeling disappeared after wearing it for a day or two.

    Reply
  4. Unless your a big guy, this 228 gram ultimate dive watch is going to be uncomfortable on alot of wrists!

    Reply
  5. emex Okezie

    A lot of micro engineering work and a carefully thought out process has been vested into this high end tool watch and I rightly think the price is justified considering the reputation and provenance of the said timepiece. However, I believe so AR treatment and a matted dial version of the same watch would be a very welcome addition, albeit a functional one.

    Reply
  6. Ian Campbell

    Nice review. Rolex really did a great job refining the look of the watch with the 126660 versus the older 116660 and I think it’s only in-person that you can really appreciate the difference. With the weight, I do tend to wear it snug on the wrist, but the expansion bracelet allows for minor adjustments throughout the day to keep it comfortable. The blue to black face is unique and it has become my day-to-day watch, although I will take it off my wrist if I’m working at my desk for any length of time.

    Reply
  7. It is said at the end of the article that there is a cyclops magnifying glass on Rolex’s DeepSea D-Blue ref:126660. It’s not true, she doesn’t have the cyclops magnifying glass

    Reply
  8. Charles Sinacole

    By the way, the Deep Sea anniversary model now has a cyclops over the date. When will the Deep blue model have it ? Unfortunately that crystal is what makes a Rolex a Rolex.

    Reply
  9. Charles Sinacole

    The Deep Blue is the biggest and the best watch Rolex makes. If it’s good enough for Tiger Woods than it must be good !

    Reply
  10. Scott Gaffney

    AD called me December of 2020 when mine came in ! Xmas gift to myself lol ! Amazing watch ! Have it over a year now n still excited when I put it on my wrist ! Such a unique beautiful watch ! One of a kind ! I almost want to get another one and put it in my safe ! Never be another watch like it , ever !

    Reply
  11. Loh Chun Khong

    The problem is cannot buy in Malaysia due to too much middleman doing internal trade for extra charge. Thanks. Regards Loh

    Reply
  12. Carl Bugg

    Hello mate I’ve got one of these watches but I’ve got no paperwork and no box to go with it it but I do think it is a genuine one I just need the back off to have a look really I’ve had it values in a proper shop and it was over the 11 grand I wonder if someone gets in touch with me so I can find it a little bit more about it it’s a deep-sea Rolex thank mate …carl

    Reply
  13. Kevin Shields

    Stunning watch , 44mm is not too big I’ve been wearing this watch for nearly 2 months and it’s extremely comfortable, the blue black dial is stunning . All in all this is for me the best sports watch in its clas . Highly recommend it

    Reply
  14. This review by Jens Koch of the superb 126660 Rolex Deepsea D-Blue is probably the best I’ve read to date. Thank you, sir.

    Reply
  15. The description above indicates “domed sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnifier”. The 126660 I purchased from an authorized dealer last year does NOT have the Cyclops. What gives?

    Reply
  16. Giovanni Tomasi

    I bought the Deepsea D-Blue for Christmas from Lux Bond & Green in Glastonbury, CT. The watch is beautiful, with the blue to black transition adding character to an already stunning design. I was concerned that the size may be somewhat uncomfortable, typically preferring leather bands, but it is very comfortable with the fine adjustment extension allowing for perfect adaptation of the band as the wrist swells and contracts. Although it is highly unlikely that I will need to use its maximum depth rating (!!), wearing a timepiece of such advanced technological design and outstanding craftmanship is well worth the price premium.

    Reply
  17. Rodolphe pierre

    Thank you very much for this very complete revue !
    On the new model is not hands a little bit longer ?

    Reply
  18. Carlos Olguin

    Extraordinary piece of tecnology, whit all the modifications. It worth what it cost!

    Reply
  19. George Joannou

    Great article I love reading about watches rated to extreme depths. I have owned an older Sea Dweller pre ceramic bezel days and at a depth rating of 1200 metres it was simply overkill for my water sports endeavours. Having said that it was comforting to know that it was an engineering marvel and that no matter what I put it through it would not be phased. These days my divers watch of choice is the Submariner. Like the Sea Dweller before it it can handle anything I am likely to subject it to. Recreational diving , jet skiing, surfing, water skiing no sweat. When you hit that water hard it will be water tight and solid as a vault.

    Reply
  20. Stuart Wright

    After dreaming of owning a Deep Sea Blue for several years I was lucky to pick one up yesterday – so pleased – what a stunning piece – I was going to trade in my Deep Sea black but can’t bring myself to sell it!! – Love them both – thanks for the in depth review

    Reply
    • I bought the black for my 50 Bday.
      I’m being tempted to get the blue Cameron but there is no way you can find it at the price as suggested here and I’m talking gray market.

      Reply
  21. Bill D Thomas

    I own one and wont part with it. I also have a 126603 but highly prefer the 126660 for everyday use. Ive had many fine timepieces but nothing compares to my DeepSea D-Blue.

    Reply
  22. Peter Currer

    Effects on the brain’s conductivity when breathing high pressure gases (helium, argon, oxygen, with trace nitrogen doping) means that 1000 metres is about the human diving max, even 200 metres is beyond recreational diving limits, so ever greater depth ratings are really for bragging rights.

    Reply
  23. Seolearnbd

    Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

    Reply
  24. Nicholas J Corbi

    I was lucky enough to purchase a Deep Blue and I get many compliments. This watch is also measurable more accurate than my submariner. Yes, it is a large watch at 44mm, however it wares very well and is as comfortable as my sub.

    Reply
  25. Buy an omega instead and kiss half your money goodbye. Omega tanks faster than JC sub sank t9 the bottom of the Marianna trench. Love my Rolex watches and I love the fact that I can sell them today, used, for more than I paid. I, however, wont sell. So suck it.

    Reply
    • menchman

      Virtually all watches, with the exception of steel Rolexes and Pateks, depreciate from the moment you buy them. If you’re in the hobby to make (or preserve) money then I guess that matters. But you yourself made the point that you’re not selling so what’s the difference? Personally, I own some of the more coveted steel Rolexes and Pateks but I also own and love IWC, Omega, JLC, Panerai etc and I enjoy them just as much. In other words, I buy a watch because I like and want to wear the watch. If I want to invest, that is what the stock market is for.

      Reply
  26. Carlos Tomato

    Thank You for the well written article. Having owned several Rolex models, DSSD 116660 DBlue, SD43, and now the newest DSSD 126660 DBlue (again) I can say I totally LOVEthis watch and brand. Like the saying goes good things come to those who wait! Once you establish a solid relationship with your AD getting your hands on these babies isn’t a problem (2-3 month wait for my timepieces). What I like the best about Rolex is it’s resell value. Other brands will not yield you more than what you originally paid for the watch as their demand isn’t as great. For me my Rolex is an investment and a heirloom that will one day be passed down to my son. Thanks for reading and Dive On Explorers!!!

    Reply
  27. David Finkelstein

    A very fair and I believe, correct review. I have the original DBlue and while I’ve tried in the new version which does lay better on my wrist, the difference is minimal. I’ll keep enjoying mine. It’s a great watch and highly recommended. With Rolex values being what they are now, I doubt anyone would lose much, if any of their investment if they decide to part with it one day.

    Reply
  28. Martin Carlin

    I have an idea for Rolex “designers” to make the dial more ugly. Get rid of the hour markers and substitute large font luminous letters that spell out R:O:L:E:X:D:E:E:P:S:E:A. What could be more “tacky”?

    Reply
  29. Martin Carlin

    This watch reminds me of how much I disliked one particular quality of 1950’s automobiles. They were covered with signs announcing each and every accessory: TurboHydromatic, V-8, Power Brakes, Coupe, etc, etc. I think that makes it appear very low class.. Nobody spends $12,500 without already knowing what standard features are included.

    Reply
  30. Nick Alex

    This is a great watch but not worth over $12,000.

    I used to want a Rolex and started buying and wearing Tudors over the past several years.

    I then discovered the brand which made me never want a Rolex again…Omega.

    Owning a Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean (43.5mm version) his has been the perfect watch for me. Great quality, resale value, warranty at less than half of the cost of this Rolex. Yes it may not have the same depth rating, but at 600m that will work for me! :)

    And Omegas are not pretentious and are very accessible to find new and preowned models just about everywhere. Oh and the open case back that shows a far superior antimagnetic movement is great too (8900 master coaxl movement)

    Anyway, skip this (and other Rolexes) and go for Omega instead!

    Reply
    • Richard

      Agree. The PO is a viable competitor to both of the Sea Dweller models, not least because they are available.

      Reply
  31. Baljeet Arya

    What’s amount of this watch….
    I want purchase…

    Reply
  32. Dacid

    Well, this is why I can’t stand Rolex and will never buy one.

    Original Gas Escape Valve
    Rolex
    Oyster Perpetual Date
    Deepsea
    Sea-Dweller
    12800ft – 3900m
    Superlative Chronometer
    Officially Certified
    Ring Lock System

    Can you squeeze more text on the watch dial? Probably not.
    So pretentious and snobbish.

    How beautiful would this watch be with only two words on the dial: Rolex and Deepsea.

    No thanks.

    Reply
    • Jouko

      Your so right, to the last point ! But if I got one for free..I’d take ma changes..

      Reply
  33. Please……write all you want about how well made are Rolex watches, but it doesn’t mean a thing. While their watches may be well made, their business strategy of not making them available for sale contradicts and destroys any benefit and continued shilling for them adds insult to injury. Really? Don’t produce a watch to increase demand and keep a consumer waiting well over 2 years with no end in sight. Yeah…good business model…..right. Again, really? No thanks!!!

    Reply
  34. Please……write all you want about how well made are Rolex watches, but it doesn’t mean a thing. While their watches may be well made, their business strategy of not making them available for sale contradicts and destroys any benefit and continued shilling for them adds insult to injury. Really? Don’t produce a watch to increase demand and keep a consumer waiting well over 2 years with no end in sight. Yeah…good business model…..right. Again, really? No thanks!!!

    Reply
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