HOW ROLEX CONQUERED THE DEEP
THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
The ultra-resistant divers’ models engineered by Rolex for the conquest of the deep: waterproof to a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) for the Rolex Sea-Dweller and 12,800 feet (3,900 meters) for the Rolex Deepsea, they are the result of decades of collaboration with diving professionals.
Sea-Dweller
Oyster, 43 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold
Sea-Dweller
Oyster, 43 mm, Oystersteel
Rolex Deepsea
Oyster, 44 mm, Oystersteel
Rolex Deepsea
Oyster, 44 mm, Oystersteel
A MARRIAGE OF GOLD AND OYSTERSTEEL
THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
Rolex is introducing an Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller in a yellow Rolesor version, combining Oystersteel and 18 kt yellow gold. This new watch brings 18 kt yellow gold to the Sea-Dweller range for the first time. On its black dial, the name “Sea-Dweller” is inscribed in a yellow hue, echoing the color of the 18 kt yellow gold. When the Sea-Dweller was updated in 2017, this lettering was in red, in reference to the original model.
FEATURES OF THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
HIGH-TECHNOLOGY CERAMIC
Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and monobloc bezel inserts. Not only are these new materials extremely corrosion-resistant and virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and unaffected by ultraviolet rays.
On the new version of the Sea-Dweller, the unidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated cerachrom insert in black ceramic that allows divers to safely monitor their dive and decompression times. The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with yellow gold via PVD (physical vapour deposition). the bezel’s knurled edge offers excellent grip, to comfortably set dive time even when wearing gloves.
FEATURES OF THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
THE HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE
Before they return to the open air, professional divers heading for the surface after a deep saturation dive must spend time in a decompression chamber, where they breathe a gas mixture containing helium. The tiny molecules of helium, an extremely light gas, infiltrate into the watch. During decompression, the helium is unable to escape from the waterproof case quickly enough, creating a pressure differential that could force the crystal out of the watch case. Rolex engineers created a gas escape valve fitted with a spring: it opens when the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the watch reaches 3 to 5 bar, allowing the helium to escape, thereby protecting the watch.
FEATURES OF THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
THE ROLEX GLIDELOCK EXTENSION SYSTEM
The patented Rolex Glidelock extension system allows divers to adjust the length of the bracelet for a secure and comfortable fit over a diving suit, without using any tools. A robust toothed panel under the clasp cover provides an extension of up to 20 mm in 2 mm increments.
FEATURES OF THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
PERPETUAL CALIBRE 3235
The new version of the Sea-Dweller is equipped with caliber 3235, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, at the forefront of the art of watchmaking, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.
THE LAST FRONTIER
THE ROLEX DEEPSEA
The robust 44 mm case in Oystersteel, thick domed sapphire crystal and unidirectional rotatable bezel with a 60-minute graduated black Cerachrom insert exude the purposeful character of the Rolex Deepsea. It is the uncompromising divers’ watch, built for the most demanding underwater missions.
In 2014 Rolex announced the release of the Rolex Deepsea D-blue Dial, commemorating James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, some 11,000 meters deep. From twilight blue to bottomless black, its two-color gradient dial celebrates one man’s journey to the deepest place on Earth.
In 2014 Rolex announced the release of the Rolex Deepsea D-blue Dial, commemorating James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, some 11,000 meters deep. From twilight blue to bottomless black, its two-color gradient dial celebrates one man’s journey to the deepest place on Earth.
FEATURES OF THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
THE RINGLOCK SYSTEM
The Rolex Deepsea owes its exceptional strength, waterproofness and pressure resistance to the exclusive Ringlock system. This innovative case architecture patented by Rolex enables the watch to resist the massive pressure exerted by water at a depth of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet), equivalent to the weight of approximately 3 tons on the watch. Its construction is based on three elements: a nitrogen-alloyed steel central ring forms the backbone of the system, accompanied by a 5.5 mm‑thick, domed sapphire crystal and a case back in grade 5 titanium.
FEATURES OF THE ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
THE TITANIUM CASE BACK
The case architecture that enables the Rolex Deepsea to resist the colossal pressure exerted by water at great depths takes advantage of two surprising features. First of all, the strong titanium case back is almost imperceptibly flexible thanks to the natural qualities of the alloy, making it extremely resilient to such huge forces. Secondly, the water pressure itself forces the three core components of the Ringlock System, including the case back, tighter and tighter together as the depth increases, naturally reinforcing the hermetic seal of the case.
Keep Exploring
The Submariner Collection
The Oyster Perpetual Collection
The Day-Date Collection
The Sky-Dweller Collection
The Datejust Collection
The Pearlmaster Collection
The Air-King Collection
The Cosmograph Daytona Collection
The Sea-Dweller Collection
The GMT-Master II Collection
The Yacht-Master Collection
The Explorer Collection
The Milgauss Collection
The Cellini Collection
