Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000

The model presented today is undoubtedly not as recognizable a Rolex as a Submariner, but it is certainly one of the models of the cult brand that has helped it continue to hold a leading position in the watchmaking industry. All this makes it one of the most sought-after and desired Rolex models ever – confirmed by the fact that after the replacement of the previous edition of the model by its planned successor, the DSSD, there was great dissatisfaction among the brand's admirers. Initially, Rolex managers did not pay much attention to these criticisms and tried to convince the public that the DSSD was a worthy successor to the Sea-Dweller dynasty, but only 6 years later they yielded to the pressure and revived the Sea-Dweller series (of course updated, of course modern, but just as desired and sought-after) – thus the Sea-Dweller became one of the few Rolex models that not only ceased production but was revived after a significant hiatus. The watch presented today is truly one of the rarest models of the brand ever (here I am not referring to any gold versions or short series for some Arab sheikh) – a brief internet search shows that of the steel Rolex models, this one has the fewest offers. Even such desired models as the Kermit, Pepsi, Hulk, and Batman cannot compare with it. Perhaps the main reason for this is the fact that the model was produced for only 3 years – between 2014 and 2017. I am sure that most of those reading these lines are aware that Rolex calls its water-resistant cases Oyster. I.e., if this name is present in the watch's title, it means you can boldly explore the ocean depths – and of course, the Sea-Dweller meets this qualification 100% – developed as an improved version of the Submariner, it offers a water resistance of 1220m. The watch's dial is very clean and easily legible, and the luminescence of the hands and indices facilitates its use at night – it is in a pleasant-to-the-eye bluish color and glows sufficiently bright and long. Undoubtedly, the Sea-Dweller cannot be compared in popularity with the Submariner, but this is precisely one of the reasons why it is so well-liked and sought-after. Possessing all the positive qualities and improved characteristics, it provides its owner with another very important feature – it is different! Yes, this is what is liked by people who prefer the Sea-Dweller over the Submariner – because the differences are noticeable to the naked eye – the absence of the "cyclops", the helium escape valve, the thicker case distinguish this watch from the Submariner. Regardless of the fact that the Sea-Dweller is a professional instrument, as was the manufacturer's intention from its very launch, it is clear to everyone that for a long time it has become a luxury attribute – and for a long time this function of it has prevailed over the original reason for its creation. Perhaps for this very reason, Rolex does many things in this model so that the appearance and the overall impression the watch creates prevail over its functionality. The first thing that makes an impression is the sapphire crystal – Rolex are notorious for the fact that they do not apply anti-reflective coating to the crystals of their watches – there are several versions for the reasons, but I most like the one that Rolex does it so that the appearance of their watches does not change for a long time and generations of its owners can enjoy this consistency. For the case back of the watch, Rolex uses a simple solid case back (as, by the way, in all its models) – in the case of the Sea-Dweller, it has the inscriptions "Rolex Oyster" and "Original gas escape valve" along its edge. As we all know, for its watches Rolex uses noble 904L steel – the difference with the usual 316L for other brands is in the greater resistance (especially against salt water). It is a widely known fact that Rolex can be called fanatics when it comes to the steel they use – a large part of the metallurgical processes are done in-house to guarantee a consistent quality of the raw material – many watches have passed through my hands, but I can say with absolute certainty that no other brand devotes so much attention and effort to the quality of the final product in terms of the finish of the cases – and as a result, a unique quality and presence cannot fail to be achieved. The overall impression is complemented by the watch's diver's bezel – its purpose is clear, to time while you are underwater – trivial, isn't it. In previous Sub models, the bezel insert was made of aluminum with minute markers printed on it, but with this model, the ceramic bezel is introduced. Here again, the material is a special creation and is different from the commonly used materials, which is why Rolex calls it – "Cerachrom." The traditional "pip" at 12 o'clock, and there you have the final product – unlike the aluminum one, the ceramic one is glossier, stronger, and more scratch-resistant. Similar to the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller is offered with a three-piece steel bracelet with a profile that tapers towards the clasp – which makes it very comfortable. Where is the difference with previous generations? It is mainly in the clasp – the new Submariner is equipped with a clasp with a micro-adjustment system – called Glidelock. The idea is that you can adjust the size of the bracelet within a few millimeters on the fly. We all know that our wrists change size depending on the weather, humidity, temperature, etc. – well, the folks at Rolex offer an ideal solution for such cases. It is important to know that this Glidelock system is only available with the Submariner and the Deepsea – another big plus for this model. Indeed, in 1978 Rolex created a great product and spent the following 30 years improving and perfecting it. Regardless of the decision to discontinue it in 2008, the management understood that a mistake had been made and that the opinion of the fans must be taken into account – and in this, perhaps, lies part of Rolex's success, they are truly a customer-oriented brand. The discontinuation itself only increased the model's price, as it made many fans desire it for their collections as a faithful companion and a long-term partner to its owner, who not only will not abandon you, but will also not lose much of its value. Surely one of the reasons for this is the fact that this watch looks equally good on your wrist whether you are in a formal suit or dressed in worn-out jeans and a white t-shirt – in both cases, the Sea-Dweller will help to attract appreciative glances to your appearance.