I was fortunate enough to find what I "just" thought was a nice 16660 from 1980 some years ago. As I have seen more and more of these stunning Sea-Dwellers I realized the version I have (let´s just call it 16660 Mark I) is very different from the later version which was released already one year after, 1981...(let´s call that Mark II).

The caseback is what differs the most, some call it 1665 caseback, but that is not so. The Mark I 16660 caseback is different from 1665. Pls. compare your 1665s with my pictures.

Not until last wek did I hear of anybody with a Mark I 16660, but an Italian gentleman sold his within one day for a whooping $9000 and a friend of mine has found one in Las Vegas for approx $11.000.

What surprised me mostly was the prices. We are talking same level as double red 1665. But coming to think of it...why not? The 16660 Mark I was made for one year only (1980) or maybe even less making it VERY "thin on the ground". Mine has a serial number making it one of the first Rolex watches released spring 1980 (within early 6 million). I have recently bought a Mark II with a 7 mill. serial.

Are there any other Mark I 16660 owners here and if so, PLEASE share your pictures. Also note that the middle case, bezel and crown shoulders differ on the Mark I from the Mark II. The Mark II shares more details with the 16600 than the 16660 Mark I. I have yet to make comparing pictures of the dial layout, but will do so once I receive my Mark II.

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