Probably the most anticipated watch of the year, The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller release date is fast approaching. This watch, unveiled at Basel World earlier this year to watch aficionados and retailers, offers some fantastic technology and, as a completely new release from Rolex is a rare thing, the arrival of this time piece was extremely significant.
Aesthetically this watch is stunning and with 14 patents, 5 of which are new, the Sky-Dweller provides all the information global traveller’s need to easily keep track of time. A technological first from Rolex this watch offers a dual time zone, with local time read via the centre hands and a reference time display in 24 hour format read via a rotating off-centre disk visible on the dial; a partially innovative annual calendar named SAROS – in tribute to the astronomical phenomenon that inspired it – that requires only one date adjustment a year , when the month changes from February to March; and a month display by means of the 12 discreet apertures around the circumference of the dial.
Dual Time Zone and 24 Hour Display
Claimed to be “as intuitive to read as it is simple to use†one must not be put off by its somewhat complicated features! Local time, reference time and the date are rapidly set using a highly innovative interface between the case and the movement. The rotating ‘Ring Command’ bezel is the focal point of the interface, allowing the wearer to select the individual functions to be set simply by turning the bezel. Each function can then be adjusted swiftly and easily in both directions by means of the winding crown, which has only one setting position.
Global travellers can read the reference time – the time at home or at their usual place of work – via the rotating off-centre disk visible on the dial. The inverted red triangle, place directly underneath the Rolex Crown and Logo points to your chosen reference time. The 24 hour display allows you to distinguish daytime from night-time hours.
Local time is indicated by the conventional centre hour, minute and seconds hands. It can be set very quickly and easily thanks to the mechanism that allows the hour hand to be adjusted independently in on-hour increments both forwards and backwards. A feat designed so that it will not affect the minute or second hands or the reference time.
Thanks to the innovative design the Sky-Dweller allows you to change the time as you travel without interfering with your reference time.
Date Change
The date change is linked to local time and occurs within a few milliseconds at midnight.
SAROS Annual Calendar
“This watch is equipped with a revolutionary annual calendar offering unparalleled robustness and reliability for such a complex watch-making function. “
This ingenious mechanism named SAROS, patented by Rolex, was directly inspired by the astronomical phenomenon of the same name. Saros is the Greek term for explaining the cycle of alignment patterns between the Sun, Earth and the Moon that is behind lunar and solar eclipses.
The ingenuity of the SAROS system lies in its simple and systematic handling of the irregular occurrence of the 30 and 31-day months. This mechanism is based on only two gear ratios and four gear wheels added to the traditional Rolex instantaneous date calendar.
Ring Command Bezel
The ring command bezel allows you to easily select the watch’s different functions via an innovative, patented interface between the movement and the case.
It can be turned to any one of three positions to select the function to be set: date, local time or reference time. The select function can then be adjusted quickly in either direction, using the winding crown. Unlike traditional mechanisms this interface allows unrestricted setting.
This simple and intuitive interface is based on a complex mechanical module which consists of no fewer than 60 components and demands state of the art watch-making.
With its classic and stylish fluted design the bezel firmly establishes the watch in Rolex’s Oyster collection which have become symbols of timeless elegance and sophistication.
Calibre 9001
This completely new self-winding mechanical movement is entirely developed and manufactured in-house, with a total of 380 component parts and backed by seven patents. It is one of the most complex calibres ever developed by the brand.
The movement is a certified Swiss chronometer and the oscillator has a blue PARACHROM hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy.
Watch Specifications
Case:
Type –
Oyster (Monobloc middle case, screw down case back and winding crown.)
Diameter –
42mm
Material –
Available in 18ct white gold, 18ct yellow gold or 18ct Everose gold. All with a polished finish.
Case Back –
Screw down with Rolex fluting
Bezel –
Fluted, bio-directional rotatable ‘Ring Command’
Winding Crown –
Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system
Crystal –
Scratch resistant synthetic sapphire
CYCLOPS lens (2.5x) over the date
Waterproofness –
100meters (330 feet)
Dial:
Colour –
Ivory, satin finish – white gold
Champagne, sunray finish – yellow gold
Chocolate, sunray finish – Everose gold
Hour Markers –
Roman numeral appliqués in 18ct gold
Hands –
18ct gold with phosphorescent material.
Bracelet:
Type –
Oyster, three piece solid links
Material –
18ct gold, polished centre links and satin finished outer links with polished edges on the 18ct yellow and white gold options.
Everose Gold – Brown ‘Alligator Mississippiensis’ Leather strap
Clasp –
Folding Oyster clasp
The 18ct white and yellow gold options both have a 5mm comfort extension link.