Rolex Deepsea D-Blue Dial “James Cameron” 126660

The Rolex Deepsea D‑Blue “James Cameron” Ref. 126660 is more than a dive watch; it’s a tribute to one of the most ambitious human expeditions ever attempted. In 2012, filmmaker and explorer James Cameron descended solo into the Mariana Trench, reaching a depth of nearly 11,000 meters—a feat only a handful of humans have ever accomplished. Attached to his Deepsea Challenger submersible was a specially developed Rolex experimental watch, engineered to survive the crushing pressures of the abyss.

Two years later, Rolex released a commemorative timepiece to mark that achievement—not just technically formidable, but visually symbolic. Enter the Deepsea D-Blue. Its dial fades from brilliant blue at the top to absolute black at the bottom, mirroring Cameron’s journey from sunlit shallows to oceanic darkness. The word “DEEPSEA” is printed in bright green, echoing the color of Cameron’s submersible, tying the watch’s aesthetics directly to the expedition that inspired it.

In 2018, Rolex updated the model with the Ref. 126660, refining its proportions and engineering. It introduced the Calibre 3235 movement—boasting a 70-hour power reserve, a Chronergy escapement for greater efficiency, and a Parachrom hairspring for magnetic resistance. The lugs were reshaped, the bracelet widened for better balance, and the Glidelock and Fliplock extension systems remained intact—ensuring it could still be worn over a wetsuit or pressure suit. And all this is encased in a hulking 44 mm Oystersteel case rated to a staggering 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) of water resistance.

But what makes the 126660 D-Blue so compelling is its blend of symbolism and substance. It’s not just a watch for divers—it’s a celebration of exploration, a story of mechanical resilience aligned with human courage. We curate it not because of hype, but because of what it represents: Rolex at its most uncompromising, wrapped around a dial that tells a story as deep as the trench it honors. A tool for the extreme, yes—but also a monument to the human drive to go further.

 

Model – DeepSea
Reference – 126660
Year – 2021
Size – 44mm
Dial –
Case Material – Steel
Bracelet Material – Steel
Movement – Automatic
Power Reserve – 70hrs
Water resistance – 3900m
Condition – 9/10
Accs – Full Set
Remarks –

9/10
Full Set