The Rolex James Cameron, officially known as the Deepsea with D-Blue dial, stands as one of the most distinctive and technically impressive dive watches in Rolex’s current lineup. Named in honor of filmmaker and explorer James Cameron’s historic 2012 solo dive to the deepest point on Earth, this watch features a striking gradient dial that transitions from deep blue to black, mimicking the way light fades in the ocean’s depths. Available across three generations of the Rolex Deepsea (references 116660, 126660, and 136660), the James Cameron variant combines extreme capability with eye-catching aesthetics, making it a favorite among collectors who want both performance and presence on their wrist.
- Iconic Dial: The gradient D-Blue dial transitions from ocean blue to deep black, with signature bright green “DEEPSEA” text that sets it apart from the standard black dial version.
- Extreme Capability: All James Cameron references feature 3,900m (12,800 ft) water resistance, powered by Rolex’s proprietary Ring Lock System and a 5.5mm-thick sapphire crystal.
- Three Generations: The James Cameron is available in the original 116660 (2014–2018), the upgraded 126660 (2018–2022), and the current 136660 (2022–Present), each offering different movement and case refinements.
- Movement Evolution: The newer 126660 and 136660 feature the superior Caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve, while the 116660 uses the earlier Caliber 3135 with 48 hours of reserve.
- Clasp Changes: The 136660 removes the flip-lock extension present on both the 116660 and 126660, a polarizing update that streamlines the clasp but eliminates a practical dive feature.
To assist you in selecting the perfect reference for your collection, we’re going to take a look at the full evolutionary history of the Deepsea, including common and unique characteristics of the 116660, 126660 and 136660. We’ll also compare the Deepsea against its sibling Sea-Dweller, to help you decide which dive watch is truly the king of your wrist.
The Full Evolution: James Cameron 116660 vs 126660 vs 136660
For those who want some greater context on the history of the Rolex Sea-Dweller, as well as to fully understand the lineage between the Deepsea 126660 and 136660, I figured it’d be a good idea to break it down. The Deepsea, in the form of the 116660 reference, was first introduced back in 2008. At the time, this was Rolex’s first commercially available dive watch to ever reach a rating of 3,900 meters of water resistance and it remains their most robust dive watch to date. The 116660 has since seen improvements in both style and function through its evolutionary updates.
Side-by-Side Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Ref. 116660 (2008–2018) | Ref. 126660 (2018–2022) | Ref. 136660 (2022–Present) |
| Movement | Caliber 3135 | Caliber 3235 | Caliber 3235 |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Case Diameter | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm |
| Bracelet Width (Taper) | 21mm to 17mm | 22mm to 20mm | 22mm to 20mm |
| Flip-Lock Extension | Present | Present | Removed |
| Bezel Profile | Standard | Standard | Slimmer |
| Date Aperture | Standard | Standard | Larger |
| Caseback Material | Titanium | Titanium | RLX Titanium |
| Crown at 6 o’clock | Absent | Present | Present |
Rolex Deepsea 126660 vs 136660: An In-Depth Look at the Upgrades
While both references share many core features, the differences between the 126660 and 136660 reveal Rolex’s attention to detail and willingness to refine even their most extreme watches. These changes may seem minor on paper, but they impact the wearing experience and visual appeal of this 44mm dive watch.
Engine Upgrade: Caliber 3235
Both the ref. 126660 and ref. 136660 use the newer Caliber 3235, an upgrade over the inaugural Deepsea ref. 116660, which used the Caliber 3135. With the newer movement, the power reserve has been upgraedd from 48 hours to 70.
The Wearability Factor: Case & Clasp Refinements
- Clasp Evolution: While the 126660 features the full Oysterlock safety clasp with the Glidelock system and the dedicated flip-lock extension, the 136660 simplifies the design by removing the flip-lock extension. This change is polarizing, but results in a slightly shorter, more streamlined clasp.
- Case Profile: The 136660 has a slimmer bezel design, which gives more exposure to the robust 5.5mm-thick sapphire crystal and reduces the ‘lip’ around the glass.
- Material Naming: The updated caseback on the 136660 is now formally stamped as RLX Titanium, Rolex’s trademarked grade 5 titanium alloy.
- Bracelet Geometry: The 126660 marked the critical change to a wider bracelet (22mm at the lugs) and a larger Glidelock clasp, which significantly improved the on-wrist balance of the 44mm case compared to the 116660.
Dial & Aesthetics: Date Window and Crown Changes
The 136660 features a slightly larger date window (up 8% from ref. 126660), resulting in better legibility at a quick glance. The font itself is a bit bolder and more legible, but it is such a subtle change that most collectors will need to compare both references side by side to discern. A similarly small but significant change that started with the 126660 and carries on with the 136660 is the presence of the Rolex crown logo at 6 o’clock between the “Swiss Made” legends. This improves the dial balance and keeps the Deepsea in step with other modern Rolex sport watches.
Rolex Deepsea 136660 Review: Pros and Cons of the Current Deepsea
The latest incarnation of the Deepsea, the Rolex 136660, is the brand’s most current vision of how its most extreme dive watch should look and work. Knowing the pluses and minuses can help you decide if this robust Rolex is right for your wrist.
On-Wrist Experience and Key Owner Feedback
Pros:
- Refined Aesthetics: Slimmer bezel profile gives a cleaner, slightly more elegant look.
- Latest Movement: Benefits from the most modern iteration of the Caliber 3235.
- RLX Titanium: Slight weight saving and latest proprietary material designation.
Cons:
- Missing Flip-Lock: The removal of the wetsuit extension link is a major point of contention for some enthusiasts.
- Price: Highest retail price of the three generations.
Rolex Deepsea 126660 Review: Why the Discontinued Model Still Appeals
The Rolex 126660 has been discontinued. It is an important step in the Deepsea’s history as the reference that found the right balance between classic design and current technical requirements. The watch is therefore being hunted by some collectors for various reasons.
Collector’s Perspective and Pre-Owned Value
Pros:
- Complete Clasp: Features the full Oysterlock, Glidelock, and the dedicated flip-lock extension.
- Movement Upgrade: First reference in the series to use the superior Caliber 3235 (70-hour power reserve).
- Value: Often represents a better value proposition on the pre-owned market than the 136660.
Cons:
- Older Design: Lacks the very subtle case/bezel refinements of the 136660.
- Discontinued: Only available pre-owned, requiring careful sourcing.
Rolex Deepsea 116660 Review: The Original James Cameron
The 116660 represents the foundation of the Deepsea line and holds historical significance as the reference that introduced the James Cameron D-Blue dial variant in 2014. While it may be the oldest generation, this reference still delivers exceptional performance and offers a compelling entry point for collectors seeking the iconic gradient dial at a more accessible price point.
The First Generation: Strengths and Limitations
Pros:
- Historical Significance: First reference to feature the James Cameron D-Blue dial, making it the most historically significant version for collectors.
- Proven Reliability: Over a decade of real-world use has demonstrated the durability and dependability of this generation.
- Value Proposition: Typically the most affordable way to acquire a James Cameron on the pre-owned market.
- Complete Package: Features the full clasp system including Oysterlock, Glidelock, and the flip-lock extension for wetsuit wear.
Cons:
- Older Movement: The Caliber 3135 offers only 48 hours of power reserve compared to the 70 hours in newer references.
- Narrower Bracelet: The 20mm bracelet tapers to 15.5mm, which can make the 44mm case feel less balanced on the wrist.
- Age Consideration: Most examples are 7-11 years old, requiring careful inspection and potentially service costs.
On-Wrist Experience and Collector Perspective
The Rolex 116660 James Cameron wears noticeably different from its successors due to the narrower bracelet and clasp configuration. The 20mm bracelet width, while still substantial, creates a visual imbalance that some wearers find less appealing on the already large 44mm case. The weight distribution feels more top-heavy compared to the improved geometry of later references. That said, the watch still delivers the dramatic visual impact that makes the James Cameron so desirable, with the gradient dial catching light beautifully and the bright green text providing instant recognition.
For collectors on a budget or those who value owning the first iteration of this iconic design, the 116660 remains a solid choice. The Caliber 3135 movement, while lacking the extended power reserve of the 3235, is well-proven and serviceable at any authorized Rolex service center. When shopping for a 116660, pay close attention to the service history, condition of the case and bracelet, and whether all original box and papers are included, as these factors significantly impact value in the pre-owned market.
The ‘James Cameron’ D-Blue Dial: A Constant in Deepsea History
Arguably the most well-known variant of the Deepsea is the D-Blue dial variant of the watch. This special edition has been present in all three generations, and is a tribute to filmmaker and explorer James Cameron’s solo 2012 dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. The model has earned the unofficial nickname, the Rolex James Cameron watch.
The Significance of the D-Blue
The D-Blue dial was developed to commemorate Cameron’s accomplishment as well as Rolex’s support for the dives. It is a blue-to-black gradient dial meant to represent the loss of light as it gets deeper underwater. The signature lime green “DEEPSEA” is a bright and noticeable contrast to the gradient dial and matches the hue of the submersible Cameron was in during his 2012 dive. This dial is highly sought after as many collectors prefer the D-Blue over the more common black dial version.
Availability Across Generations
The D-Blue dial has also been an option on all three generations of the Deepsea, with the reference 116660, 126660 and 136660 available. This is great for collectors as it gives the option to own the Deepsea from any generation and still have the classic James Cameron dial. The original 116660 D-Blue, 126660 D-Blue (this version offered an upgraded movement) and the present-day 136660 D-Blue (this version benefits from upgraded case details) all offer the same gorgeous gradient dial that has made this variant so popular.
Beyond the James Cameron Deepsea: How It Compares to the Rolex Sea-Dweller and Other Contenders
Contextualizing the Deepsea with other Rolex dive watches helps make sense of where it fits in the brand’s lineup and if its super-extreme nature is appropriate for you. The most frequent comparison is the Rolex Sea-Dweller, which shares DNA with the Deepsea but with an alternate take on professional diving.
Deepsea vs. Sea-Dweller: Key Differences (44mm vs 43mm)
- Water Resistance: Deepsea has 3,900m (12,800 ft) rating; Sea-Dweller has 1,220m (4,000 ft).
- Case Size: Deepsea (44mm x 18mm height) is noticeably larger than the current Sea-Dweller (43mm x approximately 15mm height).
- Patented Technology: Deepsea features the exclusive Ring Lock System and a 5.5mm-thick domed crystal; the Sea-Dweller does not.
- Cyclops: The Sea-Dweller features a Cyclops lens over the date, while the Deepsea does not.
- Wearability: The Sea-Dweller is often considered more balanced and suitable for daily wear due to its slimmer profile and lighter weight.
Other Rolex Dive Watch Contenders
In addition to the Deepsea and Sea-Dweller, Rolex has a few other interesting divers. The “standard” 41mm Submariner (date and no-date) is the most proportional and, therefore, versatile for most wrists. At 300 meters, it is water-resistant beyond any recreational diver’s need. At the ultra-exclusive end of the spectrum, Rolex also makes the Deepsea in solid yellow gold via ref. 136668. The gold Deepsea has all the technical prowess of the steel version, but with considerably more heft and price in the six-figure range on the secondary market.
Choosing Your Perfect Deepsea: A Final Comparison and Wrap-Up
The decision is a matter of personal taste, as the differences between the two are slight, but meaningful. Since both references utilize the same durable 70-hour Caliber 3235 movement and more importantly the same wider bracelet that Rolex introduced in 2018, it’s a matter of the small case styling and clasp choice. The 126660 is the all-inclusive version with the functional flip-lock extension and in many cases is easier on the wallet in the pre-owned market.
But the 136660 is the latest generation, which sports a thinner and more discreet bezel profile and a newer grade of RLX titanium. It is the most evolved version for a fresh take. Whichever reference you choose, Deepsea is Rolex’s most hardcore diver and the biggest statement it can make towards the brand’s rich history with underwater timekeeping. Choose according to your wrist size, budget and the value you place on a flip-lock extension to the experience.
