IMAGE: ROLEX

Rolex has a great selection of professional watches (Explorer, GMT-Master II, Milgauss, Yacht-Master and the like), but comparisons were always made most between the Submariner and Sea-Dweller. The most noticeable difference prior to 2017 used to be the lack of a cyclops date magnifier on the Sea-Dweller, as well as the fact that it only came in Oystersteel and did not have options in gold (the Submariner came in versions like a full white gold and yellow gold, for example).

Well, that changed in 2017, when the Sea-Dweller was given a cyclops date magnifier, along with several other changes that will be explained soon. 2019 also sees the introduction of an all-new yellow Rolesor version (a combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold) seen above, which is a first for the Sea-Dweller range since its introduction 52 years ago. Not only does this cosmetic update give the Sea-Dweller added appeal and desire, there are also technical specifications unique to the timepiece, making it a great addition to any watch collector.

01 – Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller was designed for extreme depths, finished with a 60-minute graduated unidirectional rotatable bezel to enable divers to monitor their dive and decompression times. It was a truly innovative piece that was designed as an underwater exploration tool done in collaboration with pioneers of deep-sea diving, who wore the ultra-resistant tool while doing their experiments underwater.

02 – The last major update happened in 2017, indicated by the case reference change from 116600 to 126600 (this is important if you’re getting a Sea-Dweller from the secondary market and you need to verify the authenticity and year of production), along with important changes in the Rolex Calibre movement from 3135 to 3235, as well as a case diameter increase from 40 mm to 43 mm. #Baselworld2019, on the other hand, saw a brand new introduction of a premium model which comes in a gorgeous combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold.

03 – It’s a professional divers watch, being able to remain waterproof to a depth of 1220 metres, thanks to a patented gas escape valve that safely allows the helium trapped in the watch to be released at a steady pressure during decompression, while preserving the waterproofness of the Oyster case.

04 – A power reserve of approximately 70 hours puts it way ahead of the Submariner (approximately 48 hours), one that can be worn as a daily watch on weekdays and works perfectly fine even if you decide to switch to another timepiece just for the weekends.

05 – The Sea-Dweller 43 mm in Oystersteel is priced at SGD15,250, while the #Baselworld2019 version in Oystersteel and yellow gold is priced slightly higher at SGD21,600. And while that may be the price given to authorised Rolex retailers, they are always sold out whenever new pieces arrive in boutiques, with little or no discounts offered. Its premium resale price in the secondary market is also an indication of its popularity, which is why it’s best to put yourself on the wait list. And pray for the day the call actually comes.

IMAGE: ROLEX