The Rolex Deepsea reference 136668LB-0001 is a highly specialized professional dive watch crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. Introduced in 2024, it features a 44mm Oyster case with a thickness of 17.7mm and is notable for its incredible water resistance rating of 3,900 meters. The watch utilizes Rolex’s Ringlock System, which includes a blue Cerachrom compression ring, a 5.5mm thick domed sapphire crystal, and an RLX titanium caseback to withstand extreme pressure. The vibrant blue lacquer dial is complemented by a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a blue ceramic Cerachrom insert, featuring numerals and graduations coated in gold via PVD. Legibility is prioritized through a Chromalight display that emits a long-lasting blue glow on the large hour markers and hands.
The timepiece is powered by the in-house Calibre 3235 automatic movement, a Superlative Chronometer offering a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Complications include center hours, minutes, and seconds, along with an instantaneous date displayed at 3 o’clock and stop-seconds for precise time setting. For professional utility, it is equipped with a helium escape valve made of RLX titanium, allowing the watch to decompress safely during saturation diving. It is fitted with an 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet featuring a folding Oysterlock safety clasp and the Glidelock extension system, which allows for fine adjustments without the need for tools.
General reviews of the 136668LB often highlight the “glorious absurdity” of rendering a hardcore saturation diving tool in precious metal. While technically as capable as its steel counterparts, critics and enthusiasts primarily view it as a high-end statement piece or “flex” due to its significant weight, which exceeds 320 grams. Reviewers frequently note its massive wrist presence and the striking aesthetic contrast between the royal blue dial and the radiant yellow gold. While its sheer size and heft may be a drawback for those with smaller wrists, it is widely praised for its exceptional build quality and the surprising comfort provided by the well-balanced bracelet and Glidelock system.