The model presented today is undoubtedly one of Rolex's modern interpretations of some of its iconic models, which have helped it continue to hold a leading position in the watchmaking industry. On one hand, it continues the tradition of the famous Sea-Dweller, specifically the original one with a dial nicknamed the “Single Red”. On the other hand, it now has the iconic “Cyclops” on the date – a distinctive feature of Rolex in general. Last but not least, this is the brand's first model to receive a completely new case size – 43 mm, and a wider bracelet. The end result is a new representative in the brand's line of steel-and-gold models, for which demand significantly exceeds supply.
The model was first introduced at Baselworld 2019 and from the very beginning attracted the attention of the brand's admirers due to the combination of all these new elements. This is the first two-tone Sea-Dweller in Rolex's history, and this fact alone is enough to turn the model into a future classic.
We are sure that most watch enthusiasts are aware that Rolex calls its water-resistant cases Oyster. That is, as long as this name is present in the watch's title, you can safely explore the ocean depths. And of course, the Sea-Dweller meets this qualification 100% – developed as an improved version of the Submariner, it offers water resistance of 1220 m.
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 to the Submariner, but this is precisely one of the reasons it is so liked and sought-after. Possessing all the positive qualities and improved characteristics, it provides its owner with another very important feature – it is different. This is precisely what appeals to people who prefer the Sea-Dweller over the Submariner, because the differences are noticeable to the naked eye – the case size, the helium escape valve, the thicker case, and the wider bracelet distinguish this watch from the Submariner.
Regardless of the fact that the Sea-Dweller is a professional tool, as was the manufacturer's intention from its very launch, it is clear to everyone that it has long since become a luxury attribute as well. Perhaps for this very reason, Rolex does many things in this model in such a way that the appearance and the overall impression the watch creates prevail over pure functionality. The first thing that makes an impression is the sapphire – Rolex is notorious for the fact that they do not apply anti-reflective coating to the crystals of their watches. The second, of course, are the gold elements, which give the model an additional dose of aristocracy.
For the case back of the watch, Rolex uses a simple solid case back, as with all its models – in the case of the Sea-Dweller, it bears 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 its greater resistance, especially against salt water. In this particular model, “everything yellow is gold” – the bezel, crown, central links of the bracelet, hands, and indices are made of 18-karat yellow gold and, in combination with the black color of the dial and bezel, give a great finish to the final result.
It is a widely known fact that Rolex can be called fanatics regarding the materials they use – a large part of the metallurgical processes are carried out in-house to guarantee a consistent quality of the raw material. Many watches have passed through our hands, but we 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 case finishing – and as a result, it is impossible not to achieve unique quality and presence. As for the gold elements, Rolex also has its own foundry and produces cases and parts not only for its own watches.
The overall impression is complemented by the watch's diver's bezel – its purpose is clear: to time your duration while underwater. As with the other contemporary Sea-Dweller models, the bezel insert is ceramic. Here again, the material is a special creation and is different from those commonly used, which is why Rolex calls it “Cerachrom”. The traditional “pip” at 12 o'clock is present, and the end result is more than impressive.
Similar to the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller is also offered with a three-piece bracelet with a profile that tapers towards the clasp, but here the central link is made of solid yellow gold, which makes it even more attractive. The main difference from previous generations is the size – the new Sea-Dweller is equipped with a wider bracelet, which is much more balanced for this case size with its 22 mm. Furthermore, the clasp is equipped with a micro-adjustment system called Glidelock. The idea is that you can adjust the bracelet's size within a few millimeters on the fly. We all know that our wrists change size depending on the weather, humidity, temperature, etc. – well, Rolex offers a perfect solution for such cases.
The other difference is the movement – the new Sea-Dweller has the honor of carrying the caliber 3235, which has an increased power reserve of 70 hours, a seriously improved automatic winding system where the rotor is now on a ball bearing, and its efficiency is increased by 15%. As for lubrication, the reversing wheels, as one of the problematic areas in terms of friction, have a Teflon coating. The new 3235 has 14 integrated patents and more than 90% new components, and it is also twice as accurate as the official COSC chronometer.
This particular example is from the first series of the model, which makes it even more interesting for collectors and connoisseurs of the brand.
