A fake Rolex Deepsea 4000 copies one of two Rolex references. The Sea-Dweller 4000 ref. 116600 has a 40 mm case and a 1,220 m (4,000 ft) depth rating. Rolex sold it from 2014 to 2017. The Deepsea ref. 116660 has a 44 mm case and a 3,900 m (12,800 ft) rating. Listings that read "Deepsea 4000" merge both names. Replica prices run from $280 to $650. The depth number on a replica dial is decoration, not a test result.

Case and Crystal

The genuine Deepsea measures 44 mm across and 17.7 mm thick. Replica cases land between 17.5 mm and 18.2 mm. The Deepsea crystal is 5.5 mm thick and domed. The Sea-Dweller 4000 crystal is thinner and flat. Both use sapphire. Bezel inserts are black ceramic with a 60-minute scale and a lume pip at 12 o'clock. The helium escape valve sits at 9 o'clock on both references. On replicas the valve is a cap with no gas path.

Movements

Three movements show up inside replica Deepsea cases. The Asian 2836-2 runs at 28,800 vph and holds 38 to 42 hours of power. The ETA 2824 clone runs at the same beat rate and holds about 40 hours. The SA3135 and VR3135 copy the Rolex 3135 layout, including the free-sprung balance and the instant date flip. Power reserve on a 3135 clone is 40 to 48 hours. Service cost differs. A watchmaker charges less for a 2836-2 swap than for a 3135 rebuild.

Steel and Weight

Lower tiers use 316L stainless steel. Higher tiers claim 904L. A scale settles the claim. A genuine Deepsea 116660 on a full bracelet weighs about 210 g. A 316L replica with hollow mid-links reads 160 g to 175 g. A solid-link replica in 904L reads 195 g to 210 g. Bracelet screws, end links, and caseback threads add grams. Weight is the fastest check at a counter.

Water Resistance

Rolex reaches 3,900 m with the Ringlock system: a nitrogen-alloyed steel ring, a 5.5 mm crystal, and a thick caseback. Replicas copy the outer shape. Most replica Deepsea cases pass 30 m to 50 m on a pressure test with fresh gaskets. Some leak at 10 m. Crown tube threads, caseback O-rings, and the helium valve cap are the weak points. Do not dive or swim with a replica.

Clasp and Bracelet

Both references use an Oyster bracelet. The clasp is a Glidelock with 20 mm of tool-free extension in 2 mm steps. The Deepsea adds a Fliplock extension link. Replica clasps copy the shape and the stamp. Check the folding action and the link screws. Loose screws fall out in weeks. Ask the seller to confirm screw type before shipping.

Price Tiers

$280 to $380 buys a 316L case, a 2836-2 movement, and a printed dial. $400 to $550 adds a claimed 904L case, a VR3135, and a better date font. $600 to $750 adds tight end links, an anti-reflective cyclops, and a rehaut engraving that lines up with the markers. Above $800 the return is small.

Checks Before You Buy

  • Weigh the watch. Under 175 g points to 316L steel and hollow links.
  • Check the rehaut. "ROLEX ROLEX" should sit under each hour marker.
  • Look at the cyclops. Weak coating shows a white glare over the date.
  • Turn the bezel. Stop at each minute mark and check the pip.
  • Ask for a pressure test number in bar or meters from a watchmaker.
  • Confirm the movement model. It sets the service cost.