Dive · 2 Models · Switzerland

Rolex Sea-Dweller Price Guide

$12,000 – $18,000 · Avg Score: 83/100 · From $107/yr
43mm
Automatic
1220m WR

About the Rolex Sea-Dweller

Professional diving watch, 1,220m depth rating

Originally designed for professional underwater use, modern dive watches are equally at home on a desk as they are at depth. The rotating bezel tracks elapsed time underwater, while the high water resistance and luminous markers ensure readability in low-light conditions.

What to Look For

Key specifications for a dive watch include water resistance (minimum 200m for ISO 6425 certification), unidirectional rotating bezel, luminous hands and indices, screw-down crown, and robust bracelet with dive extension. Higher-end models feature helium escape valves for saturation diving.

Wearing Context

Dive watches are the most versatile luxury watch category. They pair equally well with a suit, casual wear, or technical gear. The sport-luxury aesthetic makes them appropriate for virtually any situation, which is why models like the Submariner and Seamaster are among the best-selling luxury watches globally.

Buying a Rolex Sea-Dweller

Rolex watches are notoriously difficult to purchase at retail from authorized dealers. Most popular steel sport models (Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master) have waiting lists ranging from months to years. The secondary market offers immediate availability but typically at a premium above MSRP.

Which Sea-Dweller Should You Buy?

With 2 models in the collection, choosing the right Sea-Dweller depends on your priorities. For the best long-term value, the 136660 (Deepsea 44mm Steel/Black) leads with a Value Score of 83/100, reflecting superior value retention and market demand.

For the lowest cost of ownership, the 126600 (43mm Steel/Black) costs just $107/year to own — factoring in depreciation, servicing, and insurance. This makes it the most efficient choice for daily wearing pleasure.

The table below ranks every current model. Click any reference number for full analysis including price history, Value Score breakdown, and our personalized "Should I Buy?" calculator.

2
Models
83
Avg Value Score
83
Best Score
$107
Lowest Own/Yr

All Sea-Dweller Models Compared

RefVariantMarket PriceRetailOwn/YrScore
136660Deepsea 44mm Steel/Black$14,000–$18,000$14,350$112/yr83
12660043mm Steel/Black$12,000–$15,000$12,550$107/yr82

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Rolex Sea-Dweller cost?
The Rolex Sea-Dweller ranges from $12,000 to $18,000 on the secondary market depending on the reference, condition, and completeness. There are 2 current models in the collection, with the entry point being the 126600 (43mm Steel/Black).
Which Sea-Dweller model has the best value?
The 136660 (Deepsea 44mm Steel/Black) achieves the highest Value Score of 83/100 in the collection. This accounts for value retention, brand strength, specifications, liquidity, and price-to-spec ratio.
What does it cost per year to own a Sea-Dweller?
Annual ownership costs range from $107/year (126600) to $112/year, averaging $110/year across all models. This includes depreciation, amortized servicing, and insurance.
Is the Sea-Dweller suitable for swimming?
With 1220m water resistance, the Rolex Sea-Dweller is fully suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. It exceeds the ISO 6425 minimum of 200m for dive watches.

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