Rolex Sea-Dweller
Reference 126603
126603
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller showed its new face at Baselworld 2017, when the model grew from its established 40 mm diameter to a distinctly bolder 43mm wide. At the time, it received the latest generation Rolex Manufacture Caliber 3235 with extended power reserve and other technical developments. In 2019, this highly important member of the Rolex Professional line of timepieces sees the introduction of a “two-tone,” i.e. Rolesor version, crafted from a combination of 18ct yellow gold and Oystersteel. Here is our first look at the Rolex Sea-Dweller Rolesor.
Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller was designed and has ever since been tirelessly refined and improved in collaboration with pioneers of professional deep-sea diving. This is done in an effort to create the definitive ultra-resistant tool watch, one that performs to design and that serves as yet another testament to the engineering prowess of Rolex.
The latest and greatest Sea-Dweller relies on a host of singular Rolex innovations to attain its marked status as a paragon of robustness and reliability. Initially waterproof to a depth of 610 meters (2,000 feet), the Sea-Dweller has been rated to a depth to 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) since 1978, owing to the ingenious helium release valve system that Rolex invented and patented.
In the decompression phase of their ascents, early saturation divers had to rely on breathing mixes composed largely of helium to prevent suffering the so-called caisson disease or decompression sickness.
The problem they faced affected their watches: helium molecules are so tiny that they can slowly penetrate even the most robust and precisely crafted watch case and its gaskets, therefore equalizing the pressure inside the watch with the pressure inside the habitat.
However, during a diver’s decompression process, the gas is unable to escape from the waterproof case sufficiently quickly and the resulting pressure difference inside and outside the watch often resulted in the crystal of the watch popping off — a lot like a champagne cork.
To counter these effects, Rolex invented and patented its helium release valve design, fitted flush into the 9 o’clock side of the case, directly across from the crown. This one-way valve allows the helium particles trapped inside the gas to escape safely all the while maintaining the tight waterproofness of the Oyster case. The helium escape valve is one of the defining features of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller and is, naturally, present on this Baselworld 2019 novelty.
Despite the noticeable, 3mm expansion in its diameter, the latest generation Rolex Sea-Dweller Rolesor has maintained the outstanding thinness — and consequently outstanding wearability — of its 40mm predecessor.
Nevertheless, the wider footprint renders the new Sea-Dweller as the perfect alternative to those customers who for long have been wishing for a wider alternative to the Submariner.
In 2017, such an alternative was launched in all-Oystersteel and now, in 2019, this new version brings Rolesor into the mix. Rolesor stands for the two-tone combination of Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold, with the bezel, crown, bracelet centerlinks, as well as the hands and indices being crafted from this precious material.
A timepiece of distinct tool watch heritage makes for an unusual impression when presented in Rolesor — but the luster of gold and the straightforward color scheme of the entire design, with steel, gold, black and white making up its color palette, make for a focused and purposeful aesthetic.
As such, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Rolesor is a highly noteworthy alternative to the Submariner Rolesor, a timepiece that has been an essential variation among two-tone Rolex timepieces.
Powered by the latest generation Rolex Manufacture Caliber 3235, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Rolesor is at the forefront of modern watchmaking. With 14 patents, extended 70-hour power reserve, remarkable durability and exceptional timekeeping precision, the Sea-Dweller is a Rolex-certified Superlative Chronometer and tested by COSC.
We would be delighted to present you the new-for-2019 Rolex Sea-Dweller Rolesor in our Authorized Rolex Petite Geneve Petrovic boutiques in Budapest, Belgrade and Porto Montenegro.
