Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 126600
The Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller was designed by Rolex in 1967.
50 years later Rolex is introducing the latest generation of its Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller.
Started back in 1967 with a waterproof of 610 meters ( 2,000 feet ) this technical divers' watch is waterproof today to a depth of 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). The Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller was originally designed for the pioneers of professional deep-sea diving. It is equipped with one of the inventions that contributed to its stature: the helium escape valve, patented by Rolex in 1967. While preserving the waterproofness of the watch, this safety valve regulates the pressure accumulated in the case during the decompression phases of deep-water saturation dives.
The dial bears the name Sea-Dweller in red, a reference to the first model.
The 60-minute graduated, unidirectional rotatable bezel of the new Sea-Dweller is equipped with a black Cerachrom bezel insert manufactured by Rolex in a virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. The graduation is coated via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) with a thin layer of platinum. The sleek black dial features large Chromalight hour markers and hands, filled with luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow for excellent legibility in dark conditions.
The Sea-Dweller's Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 feet), is a paragon of robustness. Its characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant 904L steel. Its fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.
The winding crown is protected by a crown guard that is an integral part of the middle case. Fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system, the crown screws down securely against the case, providing watertight security akin to a submarine's hatch. The crystal, with a Cyclops lens at 3 o'clock, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Sea-Dweller's high-precision movement.
The Sea-Dweller is equipped with calibre 3235, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This self-winding mechanical movement has 14 patents and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. It incorporates the new Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference.
An optimized blue Parachrom hairspring is fitted to the oscillator, the true heart of the watch. It is up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.
The Calibre 3235 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its new barrel architecture and the escapement's superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours.
The new Sea-Dweller's solid-link Oyster bracelet in 904L steel is fitted with an Oysterlock safety clasp.
A double extension system allows adjustments to be made without the use of tools, so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit up to 7 mm thick. The Fliplock extension link extends the bracelet by 26 mm, while the Rolex Glidelock system allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length in 2 mm increments for a total of approximately 20 mm.
Like all Rolex watches, the Sea-Dweller is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015.
The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer after casing is of the order of -2/+2 seconds per day, or more than twice that required of an official chronometer.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
The price for the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 is 10,800 CHF.
