Okay, so I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a classic Sea-Dweller for a while now, and the 16600 kept popping up as the one to get. You know, the last of the “classic” Sea-Dwellers before they got all bulky and ceramic.
First, I scoured the usual online marketplaces. I spent hours, seriously, hours, looking at listings, comparing photos, and reading descriptions. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. There are so many out there, and condition varies wildly.
The Hunt
I narrowed my search down to a few that looked promising, based on the photos and the seller’s reputation. I wanted one with box and papers, if possible, but I was also realistic about the price. A full set in mint condition? Yeah, that’s gonna cost a pretty penny.
- Checked the serial number ranges to make sure I was getting the right year (I was aiming for a later production model).
- Examined the photos closely for any signs of over-polishing or damage. The lugs should be sharp, the bezel insert should be clean, and the dial should be free of any blemishes.
- Asked the sellers a ton of questions. “When was it last serviced?” “Is the bracelet original?” “Any scratches on the crystal?” You name it, I asked it.
After a few weeks of this, I found one that seemed perfect. The photos looked great, the seller was responsive and had good feedback, and the price was within my budget. It didn’t have the original box and papers, but it did come with a recent service receipt, which was a big plus.
I pulled the trigger and bought it. The waiting was the hardest part! When it finally arrived, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I inspected everything carefully, and it was even better in person than in the photos. The case was in fantastic shape, the dial was perfect, and the movement was running smoothly.
I wore it for a few days, just to make sure everything was working as it should. I even took it to my local watchmaker to have him give it a quick once-over. He confirmed that it was all original and in excellent condition.
Seriously, I’m so stoked about this watch. It’s exactly what I was looking for. It’s a classic, tough-as-nails dive watch with a ton of history. And it’s something I can wear every day without worrying about it.