In fact, there was nothing but a long list of dismissive comments, which varied widely in context, from questioning the effectiveness of the two-tone replica Rolex Sea-Dweller as a real diving watch to whether Rolex had completely lost its mind. 
Keyboard warriors and vocal detractors aside though, and more than six months on from the notorious reveal, has the fake Rolex Sea-Dweller been an unmitigated failure, devoid of appreciation or desirability?
And putting aside all the nonsense about “it’s not a real diver’s watch!”, it’s pretty easy to understand why it has quickly garnered a popular following.
For a start, the Sea-Dweller’s hefty 43mm case size, for some, makes it a much more compelling proposition compared to the daintier proportions of its smaller sibling, the Submariner.
Previously, if you wanted a two-tone steel gold watch from a traditional watchmaker, your only choice was the Submarine and its 40mm case.
So, for the thick of wrist, or enthusiasts who just enjoy a bigger-sized watch, and also want a bit of razzle-dazzle, the TTSD provides a viable option.
Besides, the Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold Sea-Dweller, like its all-Oystersteel brethren, ref. 126600, houses Rolex’s latest Calibre 3235 movement, which features the Swiss marque’s patented Chronergy escapement, Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring with better-performance Paraflex shock absorbers and offers customers an impressive 70 hours of power reserve. 
Compare these features and specs to the Calibre 3135 movement found in the Submariner, and it doesn’t take long to realize that the performance on offer in the new TTSD is — and there’s no other way to say this — superior.
Rolex’s latest Submersible is a misstatement in the history of diving 1:1 replica watches, plus it’s another addition to the company’s popular line of professional watches.
