This year, Rolex is introducing an Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller in a yellow Rolesor version, combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold.
Unveiled at Basel-world 2019, this new model (reference 126603-0001) brings 18 ct yellow gold to the Sea-Dweller range for the first time.
On the black dial of the latest model, the name “Sea-Dweller” is inscribed in a yellow hue, echoing the colour of the 18 ct yellow gold. When this deep diver’s watch collection was updated in 2017 by launching the Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 126600, this lettering was in red, in reference to the original model.
The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the profile of the Sea-Dweller’s 43mm diameter Oyster case, which features a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in black ceramic. Equipped with the self-winding calibre 3235, the new Sea-Dweller yellow Rolesor version carries the Superlative Chronometer certification.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller watch was designed in collaboration with the pioneers of professional deep-sea diving, who spent extended periods underwater. This ultra-resistant tool watch accompanied the first experimental underwater habitat programmes. It played a vital role in conquering the ocean depths thanks to its Oyster case and the helium escape valve, fitted into the side of the watch case.
The Oyster case of the Sea-Dweller is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.
The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case and is protected by an integral crown guard. The scratchproof sapphire crystal is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date.
The helium escape valve, patented by Rolex in 1967, acts as a safety valve. It allows excess pressure built up in the watch case during a dive to escape during a diver’s decompression phase in a hyperbaric chamber, while preserving the waterproofness of the watch.
Rolesor, the combination of gold and steel on a Rolex watch, has been a signature feature of the brand since 1933 when the name was registered. On the new Sea-Dweller yellow Rolesor version (reference 126603-0001), the bezel, winding crown and centre links of the bracelet are in 18 ct yellow gold, while the case and outer links of the bracelet are in Oystersteel.
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. The bezel’s knurled edge offers excellent grip, to comfortably set dive time even when wearing gloves.
The new version of the Sea-Dweller is powered by Calibre 3235, a new-generation self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It incorporates innovations like Chronergy escapement and blue Parachrom hairspring with a Rolex overcoil. These components enhance shock and magnetic resistances, precision and autonomy of the watch.
The Rolex Calibre 3235 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours.
The new Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller watch is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. 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.
This version of the Sea-Dweller is fitted with an Oyster bracelet featuring centre links in 18 ct yellow gold and satin-finished outer links in Oystersteel. It is equipped with a Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening.
The bracelet also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed and patented by the brand. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 20 mm in increments of approximately 2 mm, without the use of tools. The watch can therefore be worn over a diving suit up to 3 mm thick. A concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.
Technical details
Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller, Yellow Rolesor Version (reference 126603-0001)
Case reference: 126603
Bracelet reference: 97223
Category: Oyster Perpetual Professional
Superlative Chronometer certification
International five-year guarantee
Case
Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)
Integral crown guard
Helium escape valve
Diameter: 43 mm
Material: Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold (yellow Rolesor)
Middle case: Oystersteel, satin finish with polished sides
Bezel: 18 ct yellow gold, unidirectional rotatable; 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in black ceramic; moulded, recessed numerals and graduations coated with yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition); capsule in 18 ct yellow gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Case back: Solid, screw-down with fine fluting
Winding crown: Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire; Cyclops lens over the date with double anti-reflective coating
Waterproofness: 1,220 metres (4,000 feet)
Movement
Calibre 3235, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Precision: −2/+2 sec/day, after casing
Jewelling: 31 rubies
Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
OSCILLATOR
• Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
• Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
• Rolex overcoil
• Large balance wheel with variable inertia
• High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts
• Traversing balance bridge
• High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
ESCAPEMENT
• Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency
• Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel
Functions
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands
Instantaneous date at 3 o’clock with secure rapid-setting
Stop-seconds for exact time setting
Dial
Black, gloss, fine satin finish
Hour markers in 18 ct yellow gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Hands in 18 ct yellow gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Bracelet
Oyster, three-piece solid links
Polished centre links in 18 ct yellow gold, satin-finished outer links in Oystersteel with polished edges (yellow Rolesor)
Oysterlock folding safety clasp
Rolex Glidelock extension system (approx. 20 mm in increments of approx. 2 mm)
