Ideal for professional divers
The Rolex Deepsea (Ref. 116660) was presented in 2008 as the biggest steel-sports-watch by Rolex. It is equipped with a series of ingenious technical features that highlight the first-class quality of the robust wristwatch. The helium escape valve was patented by Rolex as early as 1967, and ensures a safe decompression phase for all divers. Following deep saturation dives, divers must proceed to a decompression chamber where they breathe a gas mixture of oxygen, hydrogen, and helium. During this process, tiny molecules of helium can penetrate the wristwatch. When the helium cannot escape the waterproof case quickly enough, a difference in pressure is created. The ingenious helium escape valve by Rolex ensures that the sapphire crystal does not burst. When the pressure ratio between the inside of the watch and its environment amounts to more than three bars, the valve opens automatically and helium can escape while ensuring that the waterproof function of the watch is not affected.