The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller was originally launched back in 1967 and has since become one of the brand’s most iconic models, as well as one of the world’s most popular diver’s watches. Derived from the Submariner, the original Sea-Dweller‘s most notable feature was a patented helium escape valve, which regulated air pressure inside the case, making it an extremely valuable tool for deep-sea divers.
At Baselworld 2017, the manufacturer marked the Sea-Dweller’s 50th anniversary with the release of a brand new model. Here, we take a look at what that new model has to offer to divers and casual wearers half a century later.
New Sea-Dweller 43mm Case Size – bigger & bolder
Perhaps the most noticeable aesthetic feature of the 2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 126600 is its significantly larger case size, with the diameter increasing from 40mm to 43mm. Meanwhile, in a clear nod to the original 1967 model, the new timepiece’s dial features the word ‘Sea-Dweller’ in red writing, underneath the hands.
The other major visual change is the presence, for the first time on a Sea-Dweller model, of a ‘Cyclops’ lens over the date display window at the 3 o’clock position, enhancing the legibility of the display. As with its predecessors, the model has a 60-minute graduated rotatable bezel, allowing dive and decompression times to be measured.
Its bezel insert is constructed from ceramic and is both scratch and UV-resistant, ensuring its black color is unaffected by the sun. Moreover, the Chromalight hour markers are filled with luminescent material, which produces a blue glow, helping to keep the time visible in even the darkest of conditions.
Sea-Dweller Movement & Power Reserve
Of course, the improvements to the 50th anniversary model are not all visual and the watch is the first of the brand’s Professional-grade timepieces to make use of the new Rolex Calibre 3235 self-winding movement, which has 14 patents on its design and is Superlative Chronometer certified, guaranteeing precision to -2/+2 seconds per day.
In terms of improvements over predecessors, the new model is able to boast a power reserve of around 70 hours. Additionally, like previous models, the Sea-Dweller’s Oyster case offers excellent water resistance and is guaranteed waterproof up to 1,220 metres, or 4,000 feet, below the surface.
The retail price of the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Ref. 126600 is currently set at $11,350 at Rolex stores. At Jaztime you will get it for a lower price.
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