Each marker on the ring is one counted review, coloured by its verdict.

Rolex

Deepsea

136668LB-000144mmautomatic$52,100 list priceAnnounced April 2024

A solid 18k yellow gold version of Rolex's 44mm Deepsea, rated to 3,900m, with a blue dial, blue Cerachrom bezel insert, RLX titanium caseback and a matching gold Oyster bracelet. It uses the Ringlock case system and the calibre 3235 automatic movement, and at around 320g it is one of the heaviest watches in Rolex's catalogue.

Rolex product page

Creator Consensus

Positive

5 reviews: 3 positive, 1 mixed, 1 negative. 2 of 5 recommend it.

Most reviewers are taken with how the blue dial and bezel stand out against the yellow gold, and most find it surprisingly comfortable for such a heavy watch. A couple credit the bracelet with spreading the weight. Criticism centres on the case, which a couple find excessively wide and thick, and a couple question whether the extreme depth rating matters to wearers.

Where they differ. Most like the design, but a couple see it as a loud status piece at odds with Rolex restraint and struggle to find occasions to wear it. Similarly, while most say it wears comfortably, a couple find it brick-like and very heavy.

Most praised

Blue dial and bezel pop against the gold3 of 5
- Rob the American Finds the bright blue dial and blue ceramic bezel striking.really vibrant bright blue dial and a ceramic Blue BezelWatch from 5:49
- aBlogtoWatch Enjoys how the blue dial pops against the yellow-gold case.pops off the contrasting yellow-gold case in a way that makes it almost electricRead it in context
- The Random Watch Dude Calls the dial and bezel stunning.the dial and the B on this watch are stunningWatch from 4:41
- The Random Watch Dude Finds the blue deep and mesmerizing, pairing perfectly with the gold.it's so deep and mesmerizing it absolutely fits perfectly uh with the goldWatch from 5:11
- The Random Watch Dude Feels the gold and blue colour combination works surprisingly well.actually combined really really well very impressed with thatWatch from 5:40
Wears comfortably despite the considerable weight3 of 5
- Monochrome On the wrist it feels balanced in both size and weight.But on the wrist, it becomes quite balanced, both in size and weight.Read it in context
- Monochrome Not top-heavy or uncomfortable despite the weight.not overly top-heavy, nor is it uncomfortableRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Acknowledges it is comfortable despite the weight.It is comfortable in a way perhaps only Rolex could make itRead it in context
- The Random Watch Dude Despite its weight, it did not feel overly heavy on the wrist.it didn't feel like I was wearing a brick on my wristWatch from 5:40
- The Random Watch Dude Found it hugged the wrist nicely.it hugged my wrist really really nicelyWatch from 4:11
Bracelet spreads the weight evenly around the wrist2 of 5
- Monochrome Surprised by how evenly the bracelet distributes the heavy weight.which the bracelet helps to distribute quite evenly, much to my surpriseRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Appreciates that the bracelet balances the weight around the wrist, avoiding top-heaviness.the bracelet provides a sense of balance all the way around the wristRead it in context
Typical Rolex fit and finish1 of 5
- Monochrome Considers fit and finish typical Rolex, meaning extremely good.are typical Rolex. Or in other words; extremely good!Read it in context
- Monochrome Calls it a very good watch overall, as expected from Rolex.a very good watch overall, as you would expectRead it in context
A gold Deepsea is a genuine first for Rolex1 of 5
- SwissWatchExpo Describes it as something Rolex has never offered before.something that we have never seen from RolexWatch from 0:10
- SwissWatchExpo Recounts being stunned and amazed when Rolex released a gold Deepsea.I think we all were stunned and shocked. But not just stunned and shocked—amazedWatch from 0:43
Gold content supports long-term value1 of 5
- SwissWatchExpo Argues rising gold prices make its gold content a large share of its value.You probably have 70 to 80% of just gold value in this watch aloneWatch from 1:16
- SwissWatchExpo Presents it as a piece to enjoy and also invest in or pass down.a piece you can enjoy but invest in as wellWatch from 1:16

Show 4 more

Suits casual and formal settings alike1 of 5
- SwissWatchExpo Believes it works with a t-shirt and jeans as well as with a tuxedo.you could put it on with an amazing tuxedo and wear it on a red carpetWatch from 1:47
- SwissWatchExpo Suggests it can be worn with a suit one day and diving the next.tomorrow we can go right back to our underwater explorationsWatch from 2:57
Glidelock clasp is precise and satisfying1 of 5
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock precise, easy and satisfying to use.so precise and easy to use, and it looks much more mechanicalRead it in context
Movement is beyond reproach1 of 5
- aBlogtoWatch Deems the movement beyond reproach, unlike the rest of the watch.the Rolex Calibre 3235 that powers is beyond reproachRead it in context
Excellent legibility with a decluttered layout1 of 5
- aBlogtoWatch Rates legibility as excellent, with gold text adding warmth.the legibility is excellentRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Likes the colour-matched ceramic Ringlock flange and decluttered dial text.It creates a far more cohesive look to the entire watchRead it in context

Most criticised

Unframed date window looks cheap2 of 5
- Rob the American Thinks the date window looks cheap without a gold frame.it looks cheap without without some kind of framing around itWatch from 7:18
- aBlogtoWatch Dislikes the unframed date window without cyclops, wanting gold trim around it.the unframed, cyclopsless date window, which I still cannot acceptRead it in context
Case is excessively wide and thick2 of 5
- Monochrome Considers the thickness on top of 44mm width gargantuan.Add to that a height of 17.7mm and it starts to become gargantuan.Read it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Questions the taste of such a wide, thick gold case.what sensibility or taste is there to a 44m-wide, 17.7mm-thick gold watch?Read it in context
Feels brick-like and very heavy2 of 5
- Monochrome Feels very heavy in hand with unavoidable size.In hand, it does indeed feel very heavyRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Likens wearing it to strapping a shiny cinderblock to the wrist.Wearing this is like tying a shiny cinderblock to your wrist.Read it in context
Loud status piece at odds with Rolex restraint2 of 5
- Monochrome Concludes its main purpose is to show off.A very big and very heavy yellow-gold flexRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Calls the watch big and dumb, a departure from Rolex's usual sense of taste.The new Rolex Deepsea 136668LB is big and dumbRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Feels the gold, blue and weight together make the watch dominate attention.all you can think of or pay attention to when this is on is the watch itselfRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Views it as an overcorrecting nonsense status watch filling the Yacht-Master II's role.Rolex needed another absolute nonsense watchRead it in context
Extreme depth rating is irrelevant to wearers2 of 5
- Monochrome Believes no serious diver would use it as a backup to a dive computer.No serious diver will take this down on a diveRead it in context
- Monochrome Expects no buyer will ever need the 3,900m water resistance.I expect no one who buys this to need that 3,900m water resistanceRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Argues the extreme depth rating is meaningless for wearers; purpose is status.this watch is about status, pure and simpleRead it in context
Hard to find an appropriate occasion to wear it2 of 5
- Monochrome Considers it a bit too much for most people, the reviewer included.a tad too much for most people, myself includedRead it in context
- The Random Watch Dude Struggles to think of any setting where wearing it would feel appropriate.I just don't know in what set of circumstances that watch would ever be appropriateWatch from 7:07
- The Random Watch Dude Would only wear it at home, admiring it privately.the only time I would wear that watch if I owned it would be in my own homeWatch from 7:35

Show 4 more

Yellow gold sits awkwardly on a tool diver1 of 5
- Monochrome Sees no need for the extra weight of gold over steel.I feel no need for the added weight of goldRead it in context
- Monochrome Sees a contradiction between a proper tool watch and luxurious yellow gold.the contradiction of a proper tool watch like the DeepseaRead it in context
No spare bracelet links supplied1 of 5
- The Random Watch Dude Notes no spare links come with it, so larger wrists would need to order extras.there are no spare solid gold links with this watchWatch from 4:11
- The Random Watch Dude Finds the lack of extra links stingy for a NZ$96,000 watch.they're going a bit stingy on the on the gold as wellWatch from 4:11
Hands look undersized for the case1 of 5
- Rob the American Feels the Mercedes hands are too small for the oversized watch.because of the the size of this oversize of this watch those hands look punyWatch from 7:18
No lighter Oysterflex option offered1 of 5
- aBlogtoWatch Regrets the lack of an Oysterflex option; the gold bracelet adds a lot of heft.adds dramatic heft to the watchRead it in context

Open a point to see who said it and jump to that moment in their review.

By aspect

PositiveMixedNegative

How reviewers judged each aspect; one square per reviewer who discussed it
Design		Divided
Case & proportions		Criticised
Wearability		Mostly liked
Bracelet & strap		Mixed
Dial		Mostly liked
Versatility		Divided
Functionality		Criticised
Movement		Few mentions
Finishing & build		Few mentions
Originality		Few mentions
Value		Few mentions

Was this consensus useful?

The reviews

5 counted, 1 more for context

Remontoir summarises; the reviewers did the work. Watch and read the originals for the full picture.

SwissWatchExpo

The 320g Rolex: Deepsea Yellow Gold Ref 136668 | SwissWatchExpo

Video, 3 minHands-on reviewJan 2026

Very positiveRecommends

An enthusiastic retailer presentation that loves the solid-gold Deepsea as a bold, unexpected Rolex. It pitches the watch's heft and gold content as an investment and argues it moves easily from casual wear to a tuxedo.

Suits: Buyers wanting a heavy, bold gold statement piece that can also be dressed up

Disclosure: Retailer stock

What they said, point by point

Originalitypositive: Describes it as something Rolex has never offered before. 0:10
Recounts being stunned and amazed when Rolex released a gold Deepsea. 0:43
Wearabilitypositive: Frames the weight positively, calling it the heaviest Rolex the presenter has seen. 0:43
Valuepositive: Argues rising gold prices make its gold content a large share of its value. 1:16
Presents it as a piece to enjoy and also invest in or pass down. 1:16
Versatilitypositive: Believes it works with a t-shirt and jeans as well as with a tuxedo. 1:47
Suggests it can be worn with a suit one day and diving the next. 2:57
Designpositive: Praises the balance of a strong, bold, masculine look with an elegant touch. 2:22

Watch on YouTube

Monochrome

Making Sense Of The Yellow-Gold Rolex Deepsea 136668LB, A Diving Weight For The Wrist

ArticleHands-on reviewAug 2024Robin Nooy

Mixed

The reviewer finds the solid-gold Deepsea a very well-made watch that wears surprisingly balanced, but thinks it makes little sense as a gold tool watch. It is too much for most people, and ultimately just a heavy statement piece to flex.

Suits: Buyers wanting a big, heavy gold statement piece to flex

Disclosure: Hands-on at launch event

What the review says, point by point

Case & proportionsnegative: Considers the thickness on top of 44mm width gargantuan.
Acknowledges a large case is needed to withstand extreme depths.
Wearabilitymixed: Feels very heavy in hand with unavoidable size.
On the wrist it feels balanced in both size and weight.
Not top-heavy or uncomfortable despite the weight.
Sees no need for the extra weight of gold over steel.
Bracelet & strappositive: Surprised by how evenly the bracelet distributes the heavy weight.
Finishing & buildpositive: Considers fit and finish typical Rolex, meaning extremely good.
Calls it a very good watch overall, as expected from Rolex.
Designnegative: Sees a contradiction between a proper tool watch and luxurious yellow gold.
Initially thought it made no sense, yet it works in a weird way.
Functionalitynegative: Believes no serious diver would use it as a backup to a dive computer.
Expects no buyer will ever need the 3,900m water resistance.
Versatilitynegative: Considers it a bit too much for most people, the reviewer included.
Concludes its main purpose is to show off.
Compared with: Rolex Submariner (Oystersteel): Deepsea weighs about double the steel Submariner's roughly 160 grams.

Read on monochrome-watches.com

The Random Watch Dude

ROLEX GOLD DEEPSEA - HANDS ON!!

Video, 12 minHands-on reviewJun 2024

Positive

After trying it at a boutique, the reviewer calls the gold Deepsea stunning, praising the matte blue dial and bezel, the gold-blue pairing and the comfortable fit. However, the reviewer struggles to see any occasion to wear such an ostentatious piece.

Disclosure: Retailer stock

What they said, point by point

Dialpositive: Calls the dial and bezel stunning. 4:41
Likes the deep, matte rather than glossy blue shade. 4:41
Finds the blue deep and mesmerizing, pairing perfectly with the gold. 5:11
Designpositive: Feels the gold and blue colour combination works surprisingly well. 5:40
Case & proportionsmixed: Stresses that the watch is big and heavy compared with smaller watches the reviewer owns. 3:14
Wearabilitypositive: Fit the reviewer's 7.2-inch wrist perfectly. 3:43
Found it hugged the wrist nicely. 4:11
Despite its weight, it did not feel overly heavy on the wrist. 5:40
Bracelet & strapnegative: Notes no spare links come with it, so larger wrists would need to order extras. 4:11
Finds the lack of extra links stingy for a NZ$96,000 watch. 4:11
Versatilitynegative: Struggles to think of any setting where wearing it would feel appropriate. 7:07
Would only wear it at home, admiring it privately. 7:35
Compared with: Rolex Day-Date 40 (yellow gold): The gold Day-Date felt heavier despite the Deepsea being bigger.
Rolex Datejust 36: Deepsea is far larger than the reviewer's 36mm Datejust.

Watch on YouTube

Rob the American

The Ridiculously AWESOME 18ct Gold Rolex Deepsea! Hands-on with this brand-new Super-Chunk!

Video, 8 minHands-on reviewMay 2024

Very positiveRecommends, with caveats

After initially dismissing it as a chunky gold brick, the reviewer loves the watch in person, praising the blue dial, bezel and gold bracelet. The reviewer faults the unframed date window and the undersized Mercedes hands.

Disclosure: Retailer stock

What they said, point by point

Designpositive: Admits it is a chunky gold brick but loves it anyway. 3:00
Reverses an earlier dismissive reaction after seeing the watch in person. 2:31
Case & proportionspositive: Normally dislikes watches over 12mm thick but makes an exception here. 5:49
Calls the watch big, a beast. 3:54
Dialmixed: Finds the bright blue dial and blue ceramic bezel striking. 5:49
Thinks the date window looks cheap without a gold frame. 7:18
Feels the Mercedes hands are too small for the oversized watch. 7:18
Bracelet & strappositive: Praises the 18k gold Oyster bracelet's looks. 6:19

Watch on YouTube

aBlogtoWatch

Hands-On: The Very Big, Very Silly, Very Gold Rolex Deepsea 136668LB Watch

ArticleHands-on reviewApr 2024Mike Razak

NegativeDoes not recommend

Sees the solid-gold Deepsea as a big, heavy, absurd status piece lacking Rolex's usual restraint, yet praises the movement, the Glidelock clasp, dial legibility and the colour-matched ceramic flange.

Suits: Buyers wanting a conspicuous status piece rather than a practical dive watch

What the review says, point by point

Designnegative: Calls the watch big and dumb, a departure from Rolex's usual sense of taste.
Feels the gold, blue and weight together make the watch dominate attention.
Views it as an overcorrecting nonsense status watch filling the Yacht-Master II's role.
Case & proportionsnegative: Questions the taste of such a wide, thick gold case.
Notes the titanium caseback as the only hint the designers considered weight.
Wearabilitymixed: Likens wearing it to strapping a shiny cinderblock to the wrist.
Acknowledges it is comfortable despite the weight.
Bracelet & strapmixed: Regrets the lack of an Oysterflex option; the gold bracelet adds a lot of heft.
Appreciates that the bracelet balances the weight around the wrist, avoiding top-heaviness.
Finds the Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock precise, easy and satisfying to use.
Dialmixed: Enjoys how the blue dial pops against the yellow-gold case.
Rates legibility as excellent, with gold text adding warmth.
Likes the colour-matched ceramic Ringlock flange and decluttered dial text.
Dislikes the unframed date window without cyclops, wanting gold trim around it.
Movementpositive: Deems the movement beyond reproach, unlike the rest of the watch.
Functionalitynegative: Argues the extreme depth rating is meaningless for wearers; purpose is status.
Compared with: Rolex Yacht-Master II: Sees it as a replacement status 'nonsense watch' for the discontinued Yacht-Master II.

Read on ablogtowatch.com

Also covered by

WatchesThatRock

The NEW ROLEX DEEP SEA 18k - The Deep Sea goes full Gold!

Video, 5 minReactionMay 2024

Negative

Frames the gold Deepsea as a controversial, extravagant release that runs against Rolex's recent functional direction, calling it heavy, impractical and potentially outdated in taste, while praising a few details such as the gilt dial text and the gold Glidelock clasp.

Suits: Collectors drawn to flamboyant, extravagant gold watches

Not a review of the watch in hand (news, a guide or a reaction), so it isn't counted.

What they said, point by point

Designmixed: Suggests the solid gold look may seem dated given how collector tastes have evolved. 1:24
Notes the watch recalls styles popular around 2004 rather than current tastes. 1:24
Likes the contrast between the titanium caseback and the gold case. 2:52
Calls it extravagant, appealing to some for its flamboyance while others may see it as a monstrosity. 3:22
Dialpositive: Finds the gold gilt dial text contrasts nicely with the yellow gold case. 1:53
Wearabilitynegative: Says solid gold watches on gold bracelets are very heavy and impractical. 1:24
Bracelet & strappositive: Calls the solid gold Glidelock extension system possibly the best part of the watch. 2:23
Functionalitynegative: Questions whether anyone would want to own it, let alone dive with it. 1:53
Considers it not among the most practical watches in Rolex's lineup. 3:22
Valuemixed: Describes it as expensive, consistent with other 18k gold Rolex models. 3:51

Watch on YouTube

Specifications

Reference: 136668LB-0001
Case: 44mm, 18k yellow gold, RLX titanium caseback and helium escape valve
Thickness: 17.7mm
Movement: Rolex Calibre 3235 (Superlative Chronometer) (automatic)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Water resistance: 3900m
Crystal: 5.5mm-thick sapphire (Ringlock System)
Bracelet or strap: 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp and Glidelock extension
Announced: April 2024
List price (US): $52,100US launch price $52,100 (April 2024, per aBlogtoWatch

Creator Consensus is built only from what reviewers said. Prices, retailers and any commercial relationship never affect it. How consensus works