The 2008 Introduction of the Rolex Deepsea

In 2008, Rolex launched the Deepsea, a professional-grade diving watch engineered for extreme underwater exploration. Officially released as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Deepsea (Reference 116660), this model represented a significant leap in Rolex’s dive watch capabilities, both technically and structurally. It was specifically designed to withstand the immense pressures encountered in deep-sea environments, positioning itself well beyond the depth ratings of the Submariner and the standard Sea-Dweller. The Rolex Deepsea was rated for water resistance up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet), made possible by the innovative Ringlock System—a patented case architecture comprising three critical components. At its core, a nitrogen-alloyed stainless steel central ring supported the structural integrity of the watch under extreme pressure. This was complemented by a 5.5mm domed sapphire crystal and a titanium caseback designed to flex slightly under pressure, thus absorbing stress and maintaining water resistance. Powering the Deepsea was the Rolex Caliber 3135, a COSC-certified self-winding movement renowned for its precision and robustness. The watch also featured the Glidelock extension system, which allowed for fine adjustments of the bracelet length without tools—essential for divers wearing thick wetsuits or pressure suits. Additionally, the Fliplock extension link enabled an extended fit over diving gear. Visually, the Deepsea retained a utilitarian design with a black dial, large Chromalight luminescent hour markers, and a unidirectional Cerachrom bezel for precise dive time tracking. The absence of a date magnifier (Cyclops lens), consistent with Sea-Dweller tradition, emphasized its focus on professional utility rather than luxury aesthetics. The release of the Deepsea in 2008 demonstrated Rolex's technical mastery in extreme-condition watchmaking and reinforced its legacy in maritime and deep-diving innovation. It bridged the gap between traditional luxury timekeeping and modern professional instrumentation, making it a reference point in the evolution of deep-sea horology. #MoofLife #MoofLife_Moment #MomentsOfLife