Rolex Deep Sea Special prototype 3

About this reference

The Rolex Deep Sea Special prototype 3 was produced in 1953 as part of a developmental series of approximately seven to ten watches designed for extreme depth testing. This specific stainless steel reference is valued for its historical role in the 1953 test dive of the Trieste bathyscaphe, where it reached 3,150 meters. Technical specifications include a caliber 1000 movement and a massive, hemispherical plexiglass crystal designed to withstand immense pressure. The case construction is significantly thicker than standard production models, featuring a reinforced caseback and elongated lugs. Due to its status as a developmental prototype, these watches rarely appear on the public market. When they do, prices typically reach the high-six-figure to low-seven-figure range. A notable auction result occurred in 2021 when a similar Deep Sea Special prototype sold for approximately 1.9 million CHF, reflecting its rarity and provenance.