When Rolex unveiled the Deepsea 136668LB at Watches & Wonders this past April, it immediately grabbed attention for all the right reasons. The Deepsea line has long been known as Rolex’s most imposing dive watch, with water resistance reaching depths of 3,900 meters. While the Deepsea has always been a rugged tool, this new version is unlike any other – it’s crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold, making it not only an engineering marvel but also an unexpected luxury statement. Weighing in at a staggering 320 grams, the watch is as heavy as it is striking, prompting both admiration and skepticism. After spending some time with this massive watch, it’s clear why it’s so polarizing.

Some watches are instantly understandable: their design is logical, their function clear. Then there are replica watches like the Rolex Deepsea 136668LB, which provoke mixed reactions and divide opinions at first glance. Some collectors love the idea of an ultra-heavy, gold dive watch; others find it unnecessary, even absurd. Initially, I had the same reaction. At 44mm wide and 17.7mm thick, the Deepsea was already large. Add in the yellow gold construction, and it tips the scales at an eye-watering 320 grams – more than double the weight of a standard Rolex Submariner in stainless steel. On paper, this watch seemed almost unwearable. But, after reflecting on it further, I began to appreciate the bizarre logic behind it.

It’s true that diving to 3,900 meters requires a watch with exceptional durability. At such depths, the pressure is immense – nearly 380 times the pressure at sea level. Only specialized equipment, like the Deepsea Challenger, can withstand those kinds of forces. For most people, however, this level of water resistance is overkill. In fact, most dive watches are never submerged beyond a pool or the occasional snorkeling trip. Still, replica Rolex insists that a watch capable of withstanding such extreme conditions must be built to these specifications.

But here’s the paradox: the very same watch that’s engineered for extreme conditions is also made of 18k yellow gold – a material more associated with luxury than utility. On one hand, it’s a technical marvel, a watch designed to endure the harshest environments. On the other hand, it’s a luxury product, meant to shine in the spotlight rather than the depths. To many, this blend of function and opulence seems contradictory. And yet, there’s something alluring about the weight of gold. For some collectors, the heft of a watch contributes to the feeling of luxury. I personally tend to prefer clone watches with more substantial weight – something that feels solid and important on the wrist. However, I’ve never been particularly drawn to the added weight of gold; steel does the job just fine.

Despite these reservations, I found that the replica Rolex Deepsea 136668LB grew on me. When I first handled it at Watches & Wonders, I was struck by how impractical it seemed. But after spending more time with the watch, I began to understand its appeal. Yes, it’s heavy. Yes, it’s large. But on the wrist, the weight is surprisingly manageable. The bracelet helps distribute the mass evenly, preventing it from feeling top-heavy or unwieldy. I have wrists on the larger side (19cm in circumference), and while it’s not a watch I would wear daily, it didn’t feel as uncomfortable as I expected. The quality of the finish – especially the gold case, titanium caseback, and Glidelock extension system – is unmistakably Rolex. It’s a finely crafted watch that offers a satisfying experience, despite its size.

The Rolex Deepsea 136668LB is a watch that doesn’t fully make sense – but that’s part of its charm. It’s undeniably a well-made piece, but its size, weight, and purpose make it a statement watch more than a practical tool. While it’s unlikely to be used by any serious diver as part of their kit, and the 3,900-meter water resistance is mostly a bragging right, it still manages to impress. For those who want to make a bold statement on their wrist, the Deepsea 136668LB is certainly a conversation starter – a massive, golden flex that demands attention wherever you go.