The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller is an elegant watch for frequent travellers.
Mainly because the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller displays the time in two time zones simultaneously and comes equipped with an annual calendar. The reference time, in 24-hour format, is shown via an off-centre disc, and the local time is read using conventional centre hands.
The annual calendar, named Saros, automatically differentiates between 30- and 31-day months. It is operated by a patented mechanism and stands out for its innovative display: the months of the year are indicated in 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial, with the current month marked in red. The instantaneous date change is linked to the local time. The Sky-Dweller also includes the Ring Command system, an interface between the rotatable bezel, winding crown and movement that allows the wearer to select and set the timepiece’s functions one by one, easily, quickly and securely.
The new 18 ct yellow gold version of the Sky-Dweller is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet and is the first watch in the Classic category to include this innovative bracelet made of high-performance elastomer, which singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap.
Developed and patented by Rolex, this innovative bracelet is made up of flexible metal blades manufactured from a titanium and nickel alloy. The blades are overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer, a material that is particularly resistant to environmental effects and very durable. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with longitudinal cushions.
In addition, the strap is equipped with a folding Oysterclasp, featuring the Rolex Glidelock extension system with a rack located under the clasp cover, a toothed sliding link and six notches in approximately 2.5mm increments and that locks into the chosen, allowing the length of the bracelet to be adjusted easily, and without tools, up to some 15mm.
The most striking feature of the new Sky-Dweller is its handsome black sunray- finished dial with 18k yellow-gold hands and hour markers, enhanced with Chromalight, which mesmerises onlookers in dark conditions by emitting a soothing, long- lasting blue glow in in dark conditions. This new version is of course equipped with the fluted, rotatable bezel unique to the Sky- Dweller, which is used to set the watch in conjunction with the Ring Command system. The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the refined profile of the 42mm Oyster case.
The new version of the Sky-Dweller is powered by the calibre 9001, at the forefront of watchmaking technology. With multiple patents filed, this mechanical movement is one of the most complex calibres created by the brand. Its architecture, manufacturing and innovative features make it exceptionally precise and reliable.
Calibre 9001 has a blue Parachrom hairspring manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed high- performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor, the movement offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.
A paragon of robustness and reliability, the Oyster case of the Sky-Dweller is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100m. The middle case is crafted from a solid piece of 18 ct yellow gold. The case back, edged with
fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self- winding. 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.