Rolex is unveiling the new Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea Ref. M126660. It features a 44 mm case with redesigned lugs and sides and a broader ‘Oyster’ bracelet, as well as an adapted ‘Oysterlock’ folding safety clasp. This professional divers’ watch is equipped with calibre 3235, which is typical for Rolex watchmaking.
The new Rolex Deepsea is made of ‘Oystersteel’ and has a D-blue’ dial with a deep-blue to pitch-black gradient. This dial was launched in 2014 on a commemorative version of the watch in tribute to the ‘Deep Sea Challenge’ expedition. On this journey film-maker and explorer James Cameron descended 10,908 metres (35,787 feet) to the ocean’s deepest point, located in the Mariana Trench.
Oyster Case and Ringlock System
A divers’ watch designed for the deep, the RolexDeepsea is waterproof to 3,900 metres (12,800 feet). Its ‘Oyster’ case was developed to ensure resistance to pressure. The resulting ringlock system, a case architecture, allows the Rolex Deepsea to withstand the pressure exerted at extreme depths. The ringlock system is composed of three elements: a domed 5.5 mm-thick sapphire crystal, a high-performance nitrogen-alloyed stainless steel ring, positioned inside the middle case of the watch, and a case back in ‘Oystersteel’ and grade 5 titanium. The triplock winding crown, equipped with three seals, screws down securely against the case, completing the waterproofness. The case of the Rolex Deepsea is also equipped with a helium escape valve, which works to protect divers’ watches created for the deep. It allows excess pressure built up in the watch case to escape during a diver’s decompression phase in a hyperbaric chamber. In deep-sea diving, absolute reliability and security are of the essence. Each Rolex Deepsea must therefore undergo the necessary waterproofness tests required for divers’ watches. To this end, a special hyperbaric test tank was developed in conjunction with COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises). Every single Rolex Deepsea is tested to ensure its waterproofness to a depth of 3,900 metres.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Ref. M126660
High-Technology Ceramic
The unidirectional rotatable bezel of the Rolex Deepsea is fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in black ceramic that allows divers to monitor their underwater and decompression time for their safety. This insert, made of an extremely hard and corrosion-resistant ceramic, is virtually scratchproof, and its colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. The numerals and the graduations are moulded in the ceramic and coloured with platinum using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. The bezel’s knurled edge offers a good grip when manipulating the bezel to set dive time.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Ref. M126660
Perpetual Calibre
The new Rolex Deepsea is equipped with calibre 3235. This self-winding mechanical movement offers new standards in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetism, convenience and reliability. It incorporates the chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The oscillator, the heart of the watch, has a blue parachrom hairspring. Manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy, the parachrom hairspring is up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It is also fitted with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea M126660
Calibre 3235 is equipped with a self-winding module via a perpetual rotor. The power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours.
Secure Bracelet with Extension Systems
The Rolex Deepsea’s ‘Oyster’ bracelet is equipped with an ‘Oysterlock’ safety clasp that prevents accidental opening and a double extension system that allows the watch to be worn comfortably over a diving suit up to 7 mm thick. Using a toothed panel located under the clasp cover, the Rolex ‘Glidelock’ system allows adjustment of the bracelet length in approximately 2 mm increments up to around 20 mm, while the ‘Fliplock’ extension link extends the Rolex Deepsea bracelet by 26 mm. Both extension systems and the clasp have been adjusted to fit the watch’s broader bracelet.
Chronometer Certification
The Rolex Deepsea is covered by a ‘Superlative Chronometer’ certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that each watch has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. The certification applies to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of the Chronometer is of the order of −2 /+2 seconds per day. 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.
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands Instantaneous date in apertures unrestricted rapid-setting Stop-seconds for precise time setting Water resistance: 3’900 meters
At this years SIHH watch-fair Vacheron Constantin introduced a new model of their popular Overseas collection and now also offers a rather practical watch for traveller’s that can be worn everyday. Up until now Vacheron Constantin fans who wanted to have a second time zone had to refer to the Overseas Worldtime, which is due…
OMEGA is introducing a new OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Numbered Edition, this time in platinum-gold. The new watch is this year's follow-up from the James Bond 007 Limited Edition Omega Seamaster 2019 edition, introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The new edition celebrates the Swiss…
This year at Dubai's LMVH watch fair, Zenith brought back the spirit of the 1960s with a brand new El Primero edition. The El Primero A384 Revival was first introduced last year, as the brand celebrated 50 years since becoming the first watchmaker in the world to unveil an automatic integrated chronograph watch. As in…
OMEGA is introducing another model as part of its collaboration with Orbis – a non-profit organisation that treats eye diseases in developing countries. The OMEGA Trésor Orbis-Edition is available with two different bezels and features the Orbis teddy bear, which every child treated by Orbis receives. ORBIS is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to treating…
Manufacture A. Lange & Söhne is introducing the TRIPLE SPLIT split-seconds chronograph in a brand new edition, featuring a red-gold case and blue dial. The TRIPLE SPLIT was introduced in 2018 and remains the only rattrapante chronograph that can measure additive and comparative times up to a duration of twelve hours. Like its predecessor, the…
TAG Heuer and Porsche have unveiled a new watch that pays homage to their shared motorsport history. The Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche Rallye is inspired by the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, where the Porsche 911 made its competitive debut. This limited-edition timepiece comes in two versions: one in steel, limited to 911 pieces, and one…
Gérald Genta has unveiled a new watch in its Gentissima Oursin collection. The Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal features a case adorned with fire opals and an orange carnelian dial. This watch is a tribute to Gérald Genta and his creative vision, inspired by the sea urchins he sketched on holiday in Corsica. Let’s take a…
In a retrograde date display, the hand does not make a complete revolution of the dial, but passes through the measuring segment to then jump back to the starting point and begin again. Retrograde displays first appeared at Vacheron Constantin in the 1920s in pocket watches. It was not until 1940 that the manufacture produced…
When people think of "Panerai", they most certainly associate it with Italian flair and the Submersible - the characteristic diver's watch with the crown protection bridge. But Panerai does Grande complications too. We present some highlights from the tinkerers in Neuchâtel. Perpetual Calendar PAM0715 With the Luminor Perpetual Calendar, Officine Panerai offers a perpetual calendar…
TAG Heuer and Porsche unveil the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana. Limited to 255 pieces, this watch honours Porsche’s 1954 victories in the Carrera Panamericana. It also celebrates the enduring partnership between TAG Heuer and Porsche, inspired by the legendary race. The watch features a tourbillon movement and a design reminiscent of…
Tudor expands the Black Bay Chrono collection with a new model featuring a "Flamingo Blue" dial. This Chrono combines the brand's dive watch heritage with motorsport elements, showcasing a 41mm stainless steel case, a reliable chronograph movement, and the iconic "Snowflake" hands. The watch comes with a five-link bracelet and a tachymetric bezel, emphasizing its…
Since 2017, future car owners of selected Porsche models have had the option of having their own Porsche Design chronographs, made to match their sports car. The latest version: the 911 GT3 RS Chronograph. Porsche Design is launching the new 911 GT3 RS Chronograph exclusively for buyers of its high-performance sports car. The watchmakers at…
With barely 40 years under its belt, Hublot is a fairly young watch brand. Despite this, it is by no means lacking in self-confidence in an industry where many of the biggest horology houses have a history that stretches back a good 150 years or more. Hublot’s self-assurance is at least partly due to the…