We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
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Very Good Condition
This vintage Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 exemplifies horological excellence with its robust 40mm stainless steel case and precise automatic movement. In very good condition, this beautifully preserved timepiece features the iconic reference 16600 design from 1996, complete with its original box, papers, and extra links, maintaining its distinguished appeal with only light signs of wear. Whether you're diving deep beneath the waves, attending important business meetings, or seeking a reliable everyday companion, this distinctive Sea-Dweller brings authentic Rolex sophistication to any occasion whilst embodying the brand's legendary durability and precision.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref 16600 (1996)? A: It’s a professional 40mm stainless-steel dive watch rated to 4,000 feet/1,220 metres, featuring an automatic movement, unidirectional timing bezel, screw‑down crown, helium escape valve, and a date display without the Cyclops magnifier. Designed for saturation diving yet refined enough for daily wear.
Q: Which movement does this reference use? A: Most Sea‑Dweller 16600 models house the Rolex Calibre 3135 automatic movement with quickset date and hacking seconds. If you’d like us to confirm the exact calibre in this specific watch, please contact us.
Q: Is it water‑resistant, and can I swim or dive with a vintage 16600? A: The model was originally rated to 1,220m; however, water resistance on vintage watches cannot be guaranteed without recent servicing and pressure testing. We recommend avoiding swimming or showering unless the gaskets have been replaced and the watch has been professionally tested. Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down before any exposure to moisture.
Q: How does the helium escape valve work—do I need to operate it? A: The valve is automatic and designed for saturation diving. It releases built‑up helium during decompression without user input. There’s nothing to operate—simply ensure the crown remains properly screwed down. Do not attempt to tamper with the valve.
Q: Does this model have a sapphire crystal and Cyclops? A: The 16600 typically features a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal. Sea‑Dwellers of this era do not have a Cyclops magnifier; the date is displayed without magnification. We can confirm the crystal on this exact piece if you wish.
Q: How do I set the time and date on a Calibre 3135 Sea‑Dweller? A: Unscrew the crown anti‑clockwise. Position 1: manual wind (about 20–30 turns if stopped). Position 2: quickset the date. Position 3: set the time. Avoid changing the date between roughly 8pm and 2am to protect the mechanism. When finished, push the crown in and screw it down firmly.
Q: Will it fit my wrist, and can the bracelet be adjusted? A: This bracelet is set to approximately 18cm and comes with 3 extra links (see Accessories). We can size the bracelet for you before dispatch. The watch uses a 20mm lug width, so suitable straps can be fitted if preferred. Additional links may be sourced subject to availability.
Q: How does the 16600 compare to a Submariner Date? A: The Sea‑Dweller 16600 offers much deeper water resistance (1,220m vs 300m), a thicker case and caseback, an automatic helium escape valve, and no Cyclops over the date. It wears slightly more tool‑focused while retaining classic Rolex versatility.
Q: What accuracy and service interval should I expect? A: A well‑maintained Calibre 3135 typically runs close to COSC standards (around −4/+6 seconds per day for its era), though performance can vary with age and service history. A routine service every 5–10 years is generally advised, or sooner if you notice issues such as running fast/slow or any condensation.
Q: What is included and how do you guarantee authenticity? A: Please refer to the listing’s Accessories section for what is included. For this watch, it states Box, Outer Box, Anchor, Booklets, Hang tags, and 3 Extra Links. A Retro Tale specialises in authentic luxury vintage items, professionally authenticates every piece, and provides a 12‑month mechanical guarantee with secure, insured delivery.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
- Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref 16600
- Automatic movement
- Stainless steel case
- 40mm case
- Bracelet Size Aprox 18cm excl 3 extra links
Condition
Dimensions
Product Information
PRODUCT FAQ
Delivery & Returns
Authentication
Contact an expert
10 139 £
9 125 £
Verified authenticity by our experts
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All watches comes with a 12-month mechanical guarantee
All prices includes customs & VAT
Free shipping & duty to the UK
Delivered with
Box, Outer Box, Anchor, Booklets, Hang tags, 3 Extra Links
Made in
Switzerland
Serial number:
T596697 (1996)
Reference Number:
16600
Product number:
AP097860
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
