BASELWORLD 2019 : Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller

Rolex is introducing an Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Ref. M126603 in a yellow Rolesor version for the first time, combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold. On its black dial, the name ‘Sea-Dweller’ is inscribed in a yellow hue, echoing the colour of the 18 ct yellow gold. When the Sea-Dweller was updated in 2017, this lettering was in red, in reference to the original model. The Oyster case features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in black ceramic. 

Oyster Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Ref. M126603Perpetual Sea-Dweller

Oyster case and helium escape valve

The Oyster case of the new Sea-Dweller is 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 waterproof Oyster case provides protection for the Sea-Dweller’s high-precision movement.

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, a marriage of gold and Oystersteel

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 yellow Rolesor version of the Sea-Dweller, 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.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Ref. 126603

High-technology ceramic

Rolex has specialized in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and monobloc bezel inserts. Not only are these new materials extremely corrosion-resistant and virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and unaffected by ultraviolet rays. On the new version of the Sea-Dweller, 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 gradua- tions and numerals are coated with yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Ref. 126603

Perpetual calibre 3235

Calibre 3235 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 movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.

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.

Oyster braceletand Oysterlock safety clasp

This version of the Sea-Dweller is fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a metal bracelet with three-piece links that was first introduced in the late 1930s. The Oyster bracelet on this new version is equipped with a Rolex-designed and -patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It 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. 

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Ref. 126603

Like all Rolex watches, the new Sea-Dweller version carries the ‘Superlative Chronometer’ certification, a special quality standard that Rolex offers. 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. 

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