The Rolex Deepsea sits at the technical extreme of the brand’s dive watch range. Rated to 3,900 metres and built around a 44mm Ringlock case, it combines deep-sea instrument credentials with a wrist-wearable profile that few watches at any price can match. Flexible finance options are available, subject to status.
The Rolex Deepsea was already established as Rolex’s flagship professional dive watch before James Cameron’s historic 2012 solo descent to the Mariana Trench. To commemorate the expedition and Rolex’s involvement, the brand later introduced the Deepsea D-Blue dial, featuring a gradient blue-to-black dial inspired by the journey from the ocean surface to its deepest point.
Built around a 44mm Oystersteel case with Rolex’s Ringlock System and a sapphire crystal approximately 5.5mm thick, the Deepsea is one of the most capable serial-production dive watches ever produced. The D-Blue variant remains one of the most recognisable and sought-after configurations on the pre-owned market.
Pre-owned Rolex Deepsea prices vary depending on the reference, generation and dial configuration. On the secondary market in the UK, Rolex Deepsea prices typically start from around £10,350 for an older first-generation ref. 116660 and rise to £14,500 or more for a current-generation example.
The Deepsea Challenge is a different watch entirely, and its price reflects that. Titanium construction, a 50mm case and an 11,000 metre depth rating set it well apart from the rest of the collection.
| Model | Pre-Owned Price Range |
|---|---|
| Deepsea (ref. 116660) | From around £10,350 to £13,000 |
| Deepsea (ref. 126660, 136660) | From around £10,500 to £14,500 |
| Deepsea Challenge (ref. 126067) | From around £27,000 |
The ref. 116660 was the first production Deepsea, introduced in 2008 and produced until 2018. Pre-owned examples start at around £10,350, with the James Cameron D-Blue dial variant typically priced above standard black-dial examples at any given condition level. Earlier production years with unpolished cases and original condition tend to attract more attention from collectors.
The ref. 126660 (available with a black dial or James Cameron D-Blue dial), launched in 2018, updated the Deepsea with the Calibre 3235 movement and a redesigned bracelet clasp. The current ref. 136660, introduced in 2022, further refined the specification. Pre-owned examples across both references start from around £10,500, with D-Blue dial versions and more recent production dates sitting toward the upper end of the range.
The Deepsea Challenge ref. 126067 occupies a category of its own. Constructed from RLX titanium with a 50mm case and a depth rating of 11,000 metres, it is Rolex’s most extreme production watch. Pre-owned examples start from around £27,000, reflecting the titanium construction, technical specification and relatively limited availability on the secondary market compared to the standard Deepsea range.
Dial configuration is one of the most significant price drivers within the Deepsea collection. The D-Blue James Cameron dial consistently commands a premium over the standard black dial within the same reference and generation, driven by demand rather than any difference in specification.
How recent a watch is also plays a role, with current-generation 136660 examples typically priced higher than older 116660 pieces. Condition matters particularly on this watch, given its tool-watch credentials; well-preserved dials attract more interest. The original box and papers will increase the price of any Deepsea regardless of reference.
Chronofinder offers flexible finance options on pre-owned Rolex Deepsea watches, subject to status. You can spread the cost over 12 months at 0% APR, or choose a longer term from 24 to 60 months at 11.9% APR Representative. Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, part of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Chronofinder acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
For full details on finance eligibility and terms, visit our Finance FAQs page.
To explore the wider Sea-Dweller family, including the standard Sea-Dweller 43mm and older references, visit our Sea-Dweller collection.
