Rolex Yacht Master

By: Rod Low

Rolex recently revealed a new sequel to their remarkable and superb diver at Basel 2008: The Rolex Sea-Dweller, naming the novel invention the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA. The DEEPSEA has certainly more than a few modifications from the earlier Sea-Dweller:

Similar to the new Yacht-Master 2, its brand is more heavily focused upon. The original Sea-Dweller was prominent for its restriction such as the one that inserts the "ROLEX" repeatedly surrounding the chapter ring, as well as extra blurbs on top of the "ringlock", with the addition of the model name "DEEPSEA" above the center. At any rate, there are still no cyclops (date magnifier) incorporated, and fortunately, Rolex did not include polished center links like the new GMT Master 2.

Similar also to the Anniversary Submariner and new GMT Master 2, the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA incorporates the "maxi-dial" in its system, for the intention of making the hour markers larger, and both the minute and hour hands wider to some extent.

However, the depth rating turns from being impractical to ridiculous: 1,220m (4,000ft) on the original to 3,900m (12,800ft) on the DEEPSEA.

Some other interesting points to note would be that the crystals on the watch goes from flat thick sapphire to domed thick sapphire. Following the footsteps of the GMT Master 2, durable and solid ceramic bezel with platinum-filled numbers were also used as a design. Also, Rolex also improved the ratcheting clasp, increasing it in 1.8mm increments. Furthermore, the caseback is changed from flat stainless steel to a titanium/steel alloy, and the new-fangled "Ringlock System", comprising of a stainless steel ring under the crystal has the ability to absorb pressure. The Sea-Dweller also makes use of a newly designed blue-colored lume on the dial and bezel dot, giving it a very sleek and stylish touch. It also comes in a larger case with a slightly updated style.

Akin to its predecessor, it has a helium escape valve, which will only be practical to one if one does saturation diving often. The movement is the identical 3135, but with the enhancement and addition of the newly invented antimagnetic Parachrom Blue hairspring.

Its price is not revealed yet, but buyers can expect it to be very expensive. The Sea-Dweller has always been one of Rolex's more luxurious models, and such new enhancements and modifications described above certainly will not make it any cheaper.

Knowing Rolex well, one would definitely be surprised to see this update. Rolex is usually sluggish and unhurried to alter and adjust new models, and they have completed several projects in the past year or two, for example, The Rolex Milgauss, The Anniversary Submariner, The new Yacht-Master 2, the Cellini, the new GMT Master 2, and now the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA. Though new designs may not always appeal to one's taste, many would be delighted to see Rolex working hard to increasing the pace of the industry by constantly updating their classic styles.