Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 'SD4K'

The Sea-Dweller is the stuff of legend — the ultimate expression of Rolex’s ambitions to create the world’s best dive watch — and proof that Rolex is King of the Seas.

This journey began with the Submariner in 1953, but exploded in trajectory in 1967 with the launch of the first Sea-Dweller. The addition of the helium escape valve (HEV) and successively better technology has resulted in watches capable of withstanding thousands of meters of depth.

A big brother to the iconic Submariner, the Sea-Dweller is, thicker, meaner, and deeper in every way. It was also the first model to feature a Helium Escape Valve fitted to a commercially-available Rolex.

Sea-Dwellers did however, retain one shared dimension as the Submariner for decades: its diameter. These days, the current-generation Sea-Dweller Reference 126600 comes in at a noticeably larger 43mm in diameter, further distancing it from the current Submariner (41mm in diameter).

What we have here, a Reference 116600, was the last Sea-Dweller to feature the same 40mm diameter as the Submariner that was sold along side it, as well as a flat sapphire crystal.

Additionally, it features a stainless steel Oyster case with a helium escape valve, a signed screw-down crown, a matte black dial with applied luminous indices and a matching handset, a unidirectional rotating timing bezel with a black ceramic insert, and a robust solid steel Oyster bracelet with both Rolex's fantastic Glidelock adjustment system, as well as a folding (and removable) dive extension.

Released in 2014 and only produced for about two years, the 'SD4K' as its become known to enthusiasts — with its fully-graduated black ceramic bezel, classic case proportions, and matte black dial, has become a modern classic... And while we aren't ones to hyperbolize the significance of contemporary wristwatches, we have a pretty strong feeling that this model will be the one to own in the coming years...

Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”

From the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.

From the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world.

Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.)

Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.