The New Rolex Sea-Dweller
Rolex Watch Company is not alone in looking to BaselWorld as a venue to premier a new or updated model. This year they showed off the new version of the venerable Sea-Dweller. The Rolex Sea Dweller is already the epitome of the professional diver’s timepiece. This model has “DEEPSEA” added to the face just over the center and they are not overstating the obvious. On top of the new depth rating their are some differences.
The old Sea-Dweller as with many Rolex models is very traditional and understated in its design. The newer model is more out front with the Rolex logo. It is branded on the bezel and other places. One of the pleasing remainders is the lack of a magnifier for the date. Rolex all in all did a respectful job with the overall look.
The new Sea-Dweller like the Green Submariner and new Master II has the large dial features. Both the large and small hands are bigger as is the hour marks. I like these for a professional dive watch meant to be both used and viewed underwater. Once again well done.
Even the idea that someone might dive deeper than the old rating of 4,000 feet is silly. To work to update that to 12,800 feet is ridiculous. However this is the way many watch companies are going in their desire to set themselves apart, so I applaud Rolex for going the full distance.
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They have updated the flat sapphire crystal for one that is domed. And a very hard ceramic bezel that have digits which are filled with platinum.
An improved band closure that has smaller links.
There is a titanium alloy used in the caseback instead of the old stainless. Larger case with slightly updating styling.
Added blue on the face and bezel dot — looks great.
The watch has been outfitted, as before, with a helium escape valve. This is not needed often but is essential for professional divers. The movement uses the new anti-magnetic spring as the Milgauss.
The new price was not yet available but I am sure it will remain a very expensive watch. It is always sold out and the new features will only increase it’s demand.
After so many years and decades of updating slowly it has been great to see Rolex revisit so many of their standards models recently. As much as I appreciate all the changes and added features I do hope that at some point Rolex takes a break to enjoy all their efforts. They could even find time to introduce a truly new Rolex model and design.
