Rolex Deepsea Buying Guide: Ref. 136660 (Black & D-Blue) vs. The Gold 136668

The Rolex Deepsea is not a watch for the faint of heart—or the faint of wrist. It is Rolex engineering taken to its absolute extreme: a 44mm, 3,900-meter rated beast designed not just to survive the abyss, but to conquer it.

For years, the choice was simple: black dial or the gradient “D-Blue.” But recent updates and a shocking 2024 release in precious metal have complicated the landscape.

Looking at the Deepsea lineup today—specifically the current 136660 Black Dial, its colorful sibling the 136660 “Cameron,” and the monolithic 18k yellow gold 136668LB—you aren’t just looking at three watches. You are looking at three distinct philosophies of collects ing.

If you are ready to handle the weight, here is your guide to choosing the right Deepsea titan.

The Purist’s Choice: Ref. 136660 (Steel, Black Dial)

The Vibe: The definitive, streamlined modern tool watch.

This is the current standard-bearer for Rolex’s ultra-deep divers. Released in 2022, the reference 136660 took the robust platform of its predecessor and refined it with a series of deeply thoughtful updates that solidify the Deepsea as its own distinct model line.

The Key collects or Details:

Improved Legibility: The date window has been enlarged by approximately 8%, making it noticeably easier to read at a glance.

Refined Clasp: Rolex removed the folding “Fliplock” diver’s extension. Acknowledging that few owners strap this watch over a thick drysuit, this change results in a clasp that is slightly thinner, sleeker, and more comfortable for daily wear.

Technical Naming: The titanium caseback is now explicitly stamped with “RLX Titanium,” highlighting the specific high-performance alloy used.

Why buy it: You want the most capable, modern, and streamlined version of the legendary deep diver. You value a clean dial and practical refinements over vintage lineage.

The Storyteller: Ref. 136660 (Steel, D-Blue “Cameron”)

The Vibe: Adventurous romance and cinematic history.

The “D-Blue” dial, fading from brilliant blue to abyssal black, commemorates James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the Mariana Trench. It is perhaps the most emotive dial Rolex produces outside of the Day-Date “presidents.”

The current reference 136660, released in 2022, looks similar to its predecessor but features subtle, significant updates that refine the ownership experience.

The “Hidden” Updates:

Larger Date: Rolex enlarged the date window by roughly 8%, improving visibility significantly.

Slimmer Clasp: Rolex removed the folding “Fliplock” diver’s extension from the bracelet. By acknowledging that few owners were actually strapping this over a thick drysuit, they created a clasp that sits slightly flatter and more comfortably on the wrist.

RLX Titanium: The caseback is now explicitly stamped “RLX Titanium,” highlighting the specific Grade 5 alloy used for the compression ring.

Why buy it: You want the most technically refined steel version, and you love the lore surrounding deep-ocean exploration.

The Heavyweight Champion: Ref. 136668LB (18k Yellow Gold)

The Vibe: Unapologetic luxury and overwhelming wrist presence.

This watch shouldn’t exist. A 3,900-meter saturation dive tool rendered in 18k yellow gold is an exercise in glorious absurdity. It is the ultimate “flex.”

The 136668LB is visually distinct not just for its gold, but for its dial. Unlike the gradient “Cameron” dial, the gold model features a flat, glossy royal blue lacquer dial and a matching blue ceramic bezel. The contrast against the yellow gold is stunning.

The Reality of Ownership: You must be prepared for the physics of this watch. While a steel Deepsea is already heavy at over 215g, the solid gold monster tips the scales at an eye-watering ~320 grams. You don’t just wear this watch; you participate in a physical relationship with it.

Why buy it: Budget is not a concern, and you want the undisputed king of Rolex dive watches. It is a stat.mes nt piece that few can acquire and even fewer can physically pull off.

The Verdict: Which Deepsea is For You?

Choosing between these three titans comes down to what you value most in a t.mes piece:

Choose the 136660 (Black) if you are a traditionalist who values the “Sea-Dweller” lineage and wants the ultimate subtle tool watch.

Choose the 136660 (Cameron) if you want the current-generation specs, the improved clasp comfort, and the romantic backstory of deep-sea exploration.

Choose the 136668LB (Gold) if you want to dominate every room you walk into and have the wrist fortitude to carry the heaviest Rolex currently made.

Ready to feel the weight of true deep-sea engineering? Reading about the Deepsea is one thing, but experiencing 3,900 meters of water resistance on your wrist is another. Whether you are hunting for the classic steel 136660, the modern “Cameron,” or the heavy-hitting solid gold 136668, we can help you find the perfect fit.

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