The Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller from Rolex has undergone a restyling to introduce both aesthetic and technical enhancements, while still maintaining its reputation for ease of use and modern design. Rolex has unveiled three new variants of the Sky-Dweller, with each one boasting unique features.
One of the models is an 18 ct white gold version, which is paired with an Oysterflex bracelet. This is the first time that Rolex has combined this precious metal with the black elastomer bracelet in the Sky-Dweller range. The other two variants come with two new dial colors for the model.
The white Rolesor version, which combines Oystersteel and white gold, is fitted with a mint green dial, a color that was previously reserved only for the Datejust. Meanwhile, the 18 ct Everose gold variant comes with a blue-green dial. This subtle combination of two tones is only available on the reference presented and is complemented by an Oyster bracelet.
The Sky-Dweller is now equipped with calibre 9002, an evolution of calibre 9001. This new movement incorporates some of the major innovations that Rolex has introduced to its movements, such as the Chronergy escapement. The calibre 9002 enables the Sky-Dweller to display the date and month, an additional time zone in 24-hour format, and the hours, minutes, and seconds.
The Sky-Dweller is an elegant watch designed for frequent travelers, which displays the time in two time zones simultaneously and features an annual calendar. The reference time is displayed in 24-hour format through an off-center disc, while local time is indicated using conventional center hands. The annual calendar, named Saros, automatically distinguishes between 30- and 31-day months, and the instantaneous date change is linked to the local time.
The Sky-Dweller also includes the Ring Command system, which serves as an interface between the rotatable bezel, winding crown, and movement. This allows the wearer to easily, quickly, and securely select and set the timepiece’s functions one by one.
The signature feature of Rolesor, a combination of gold and Oystersteel on a Rolex watch, has been in existence since 1933. The white Rolesor version of the new Sky-Dweller combines a white gold bezel with Oystersteel in the winding crown, middle case, case back, and bracelet. The marriage of gold and steel reflects the elegance and performance that Rolex watches are known for.
The 42 mm Oyster case of the new-generation Sky-Dweller is a symbol of robustness and elegance, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. The middle case of the versions presented is made from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18 ct white or Everose gold. The case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool, while the Twinlock winding crown is fitted with a double waterproofness system. The virtually scratchproof sapphire crystal features a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, and the waterproof Oyster case offers optimal protection for the movement it houses.
The new-generation Sky-Dweller is equipped with calibre 9002, a self-winding mechanical movement that delivers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience, and reliability. A derivation of calibre 9001, the most complex movement designed by Rolex, calibre 9002 includes the patented Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus and resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, offering stability in the face of temperature variations and high resistance to shocks, and mounted on Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. The calibre also includes a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor, extending the power reserve to approximately 72 hours.
The new-generation Sky-Dweller watches are available in different versions, each with its own type of bracelet. The 18 ct white gold watch with a black dial is equipped with an Oysterflex bracelet, a patented innovation developed by Rolex. This bracelet consists of two flexible, curved metal blades that are overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer. The white Rolesor version with a mint green dial and the 18 ct Everose gold watch with a blue-green dial are both fitted with an Oyster bracelet, which has been a part of the Oyster Perpetual collection since the end of the 1930s and is known for its durability.
Both the Oysterflex and Oyster bracelets of the Sky-Dweller come with a folding Oysterclasp. The Oysterflex bracelet also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, which allows for easy adjustment of the bracelet length without the need for tools. The Glidelock mechanism has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the bracelet length to be adjusted up to about 15 mm. The Oyster bracelet of the Sky-Dweller is equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, which enables the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The 18 ct Everose gold version of the bracelet also includes patented ceramic inserts designed by Rolex to enhance its flexibility and durability.
