Rolex presents the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, boasting new dial colours and, for the first time, an Oysterflex bracelet.
Rolex restyles its Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller by introducing aesthetic and technical enhancements. An elegant watch for frequent travellers, among its three variants is the 18 ct white gold version on an Oysterflex bracelet. This is the first time a version of the Sky-Dweller combines this precious metal with the black elastomer bracelet.
The other two variants unveiled introduce two new dial colours. The white Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and white gold), fitted on an Oyster bracelet, features a mint green dial. Meanwhile, the variant fashioned in 18 ct Everose gold is endowed with a blue-green dial, complemented by an Oyster bracelet.
The Sky-Dweller is now equipped with calibre 9002, a new movement which includes major innovations such as the Chronergy escapement. Calibre 9002 enables the Sky-Dweller to display the date and the month, as well as an additional time zone in 24-hour format, and the hours, minutes and seconds.
A WEALTH OF EXPERTISE
The Sky-Dweller displays the time in two time zones and has an annual calendar. The reference time is displayed in a 24-hour format via an off-centre disc, and local time is read using the conventional centre hands.
The annual calendar, named Saros, automatically differentiates between 30- and 31-day months. The months of the year are shown in 12 apertures around the circum-ference of the dial, beyond the index hour marker, with the current month being shown in red. The instantaneous date change is linked to the local time.
ROLESOR, A MARRIAGE OF GOLD AND STEEL
A combination of gold and Oystersteel on a Rolex watch, Rolesor has been a signature feature of the brand since the name was registered in 1933. It is a meeting of two metals: one, noble and precious, attractive for its lustre and stability; the other, highly resistant to corrosion, assuring strength and reliability. All of these qualities mirror the elegance and performance that come together in a Rolex watch.
On the new Sky-Dweller offered in the white Rolesor version, the bezel is in white gold. The winding crown, middle case, case back and bracelet are in Oystersteel.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS
The 42 mm Oyster case of the new-generation Sky-Dweller is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the versions presented is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, or 18 ct white or Everose gold. Its case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating.
PERPETUAL CALIBRE 9002
The new-generation Sky-Dweller is equipped with calibre 9002, a derivation of calibre 9001. Calibre 9002 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability.
Calibre 9002 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor, and the power reserve extends to approximately 72 hours.
OYSTERFLEX AND OYSTER BRACELETS
Among the versions of the new-generation Sky-Dweller presented this year, the watch in 18 ct white gold sporting a bright black dial is fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet. Developed by Rolex and patented, this innovative bracelet is made up of two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each of the sections – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.
The new white Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and white gold), adorned with a mint green dial, as well as the 18 ct Everose gold watch, with a blue-green dial, are fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness.
The Oysterflex bracelet and the Oyster bracelet of the Sky-Dweller are both equipped with a folding Oysterclasp. The Oysterflex bracelet is furnished with the Rolex Glidelock extension system, enabling fine adjustment of the bracelet length without the need for tools. Adjustment can be made up to 15 mm, with six notches of approximately 2.5 mm on the Rolex Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet.
With the Oyster bracelet’s Easylink comfort extension link, the bracelet length can be easily increased by approximately 5 mm.
On the version in 18 ct Everose gold, the bracelet also includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by Rolex – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and longevity.
SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2 / +2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) for official certification of the movement alone.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolised by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
