The Rolex Sky-Dweller celebrates its first decade of existence in 2022. When it was introduced, it was a trailblazer in every way. Not only was it Rolex’s first entirely new watch in two decades, but it was also Rolex’s first ever annual calendar complication. Combining high functionality with sleek good looks, Rolex truly reached for the skies with the Sky-Dweller.
Today, it is still the most complicated watch that Rolex offers. While it remains a top-of-the-line offering, it has become much more approachable over the years, with the addition of Rolesor and Oysterflex bracelet options.
Ever dreamed about owning a Rolex Sky-Dweller? The time is ripe for you to get one. Learn more with SwissWatchExpo‘s Ultimate Guide to the Rolex Sky-Dweller.
Rolex Sky Dweller 18k White Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 326139
About the Rolex Sky-Dweller
Introduced in 2012 at Baselworld, the Rolex Sky-Dweller is a very young addition to the brand’s portfolio. Without ties to any historical model, the contemporary timepiece came with a host of innovations: the first annual calendar from Rolex, the entirely new caliber 9001, and a bezel-operated control mechanism called the Ring Command.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller was the most highly anticipated watch at the time. It got the entire horology community talking as it brought an exciting and novel concept to the brand. Not to mention, its combined dual time and annual calendar are exclusive to the Sky-Dweller collection, making it among the highly sought-after pieces from the Rolex catalog.
Designed with sophisticated frequent fliers in mind, the Rolex Sky-Dweller also presented the best of both worlds when it comes to aesthetics, combining the elegant styling of the Rolex Day-Date, and the bearing of a sports watch with its large 42mm case. Even more appealing is the Sky-Dweller’s remarkably clean and legible presentation of the complex dual-time and annual calendar features.
The Sky-Dweller has seen some changes and upgrades throughout its brief existence. However, Rolex is still writing history with this watch, which is still in its first generation. Here are the important milestones in the Rolex Sky-Dweller history:
2012: Rolex introduces the Sky-Dweller. It had been 20 years since Rolex came out with an entirely new model, the last one being the Yacht-Master, launched in 1992. Several key features set it apart from the other members of the Rolex portfolio: its 42mm case, which makes its sizing similar to Rolex tool watches, despite its dressy looks; the combined 24-hour GMT function with a 12-month annual calendar; and the Ring Command Bezel which allows the wearer to set the time and date while being an aesthetic addition to the watch.
In comparison to other Rolex models, its dial is also a little more complicated, and yet easy to read. The time is shown by the center hands, the date by the window at 3 o’clock, and the month by the little rectangular windows next to the hour markers. A red arrow pointing to a 24-hour disc that is slightly off-center on the dial denotes the second time zone. Rolex created this large sub-dial to display your ‘home’ time, commonly known as the ‘reference time,’ while the center hands show the local time. Except for the addition of new colors and hour markers, the general layout of the collection has remained the same.
The initial line-up was composed of models in 18k yellow, white, and Everose gold.
ref 326938: 18K Yellow Gold Case and Bracelet
ref 326939: 18K White Gold Case and Bracelet
ref 326135: 18K Everose Gold Case and Brown Leather Strap
The yellow gold model had a champagne dial, whereas the white gold model featured a champagne dial. The chocolate brown dial on the Everose gold piece complemented the warm rose hue of the precious metal. These original Sky-Dweller models employed a black-colored indicator for the annual calendar, while the indices were only available in Arabic or Roman numerals, giving the dial a more intricate and exquisite appearance. They also remain in production, with the exception of the white gold variant, which was discontinued in 2018.
2014: Rolex expands the Sky-Dweller collection with three more references in the same gold alloys. Introduced at Baselworld, these newer models came with new dial colors (black dial on the white gold version, rhodium dial on the Everose gold edition). Rather than black, they also came with a red indicator for the annual calendar.
New bracelet options were also introduced: the yellow and white gold versions were given the choice of a leather strap in brown and black, while the Everose gold model was given a matching Everose gold Oyster bracelet. With these additional band selections, collectors can now select a matching gold bracelet or a leather strap for each of the distinct colors of gold.
ref 326138: 18K Yellow Gold Case, Leather Strap
ref 326139: 18K White Gold Case, Leather Strap
ref 326935: 18K Everose Gold Case and Bracelet
However, at the time, the Sky-Dweller was still the newcomer on the block, not fully adopted by the generally faithful Rolex community. The dial was mostly at fault, but so was the hefty price tag. The Sky-Dweller, made of solid 18k gold and having one of the brand’s most sophisticated movements, was one of the most expensive models from Rolex, and not all collectors were completely sold on it yet.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Steel White Gold Blue and Black Dial Mens Watches 326934
2017: Rolex makes the Sky-Dweller more accessible by finally introducing Rolesor versions – combining stainless steel with 18k yellow and white gold. This significantly reduced the entry-level price of the watch and allowed the brand to reach a broader audience. It wasn’t just about the price; this change was also about appealing to enthusiastic collectors who don’t enjoy wearing pure gold watches or who value the durability of a stainless steel model.
The first of the two new Sky-Dweller measures about 42mm and has a stainless steel case, yellow gold fluted bezel and winding crown, and an Oyster bracelet with yellow gold center links and stainless steel end links.
The second new Sky-Dweller used even more steel. It’s called ‘White Rolesor,’ which means it uses both white gold and stainless steel. However, while the Yellow Rolesor edition features a gold crown and center links, it is only the bezel that is made from gold on this version. This particular model is the least expensive Sky-Dweller there is – but because of high demand, it often sells for more than its retail price on the secondary market.
Moreover, Rolex outfitted the ‘White Rolesor’ Sky-Dweller with a blue, white, or black dial, with blue being the most in-demand model in the entire line. It also came with luminous baton hour markers rather than numerals, which gave the dials a cleaner and more contemporary look. These new indices also made the apertures of the annual calendar smaller and square.
ref 326933: Stainless Steel and 18K Yellow Gold Case and Bracelet
ref 326934: Stainless Steel and 18K White Gold Case and Bracelet
Rolex Sky-Dweller White Gold White Dial Watch 326934
2020: Rolex adds another bracelet option to the collection – the Oysterflex. Equipped with a pair of flexible, titanium-nickel alloy blades built into it, the Oysterflex provides the resilience of a metal bracelet with the flexibility and comfort of a rubber strap. This option comes exclusively with the 18K yellow and Everose gold versions. This update also came with the discontinuation of leather strap models within the collection.
ref 326238: 18K Yellow gold with Oysterflex bracelet
ref 326235: 18K Everose gold with Oysterflex bracelet
2021: Rolex adds the dressier Jubilee bracelet to the Sky-Dweller collection. If the Oysterflex was added to the solid gold versions, the Jubilee was paired with the Rolesor gold and stainless steel models, giving them added flair and an air of luxury. The Jubilee bracelet, which consists of three rows of small central links bordered by two rows of bigger links, was initially released in 1945 in the Datejust line to commemorate Rolex’s 40th anniversary. Along with the President, it was the company’s first exclusive bracelet and one of their more opulent and dressier designs. Today, the Jubilee is still a Rolex trademark and is offered in a wide variety of metals, link styles, and sizes.
The middle links of the Jubilee are yellow gold on the Yellow Rolesor model, just like the Oyster bracelet variations. The entire bracelet is constructed from stainless steel on the stainless steel or ‘White Rolesor’ type. Both watches are still being manufactured today.
ref 326934: Stainless Steel and 18K White Gold Case, Stainless Steel Jubilee bracelet
ref 326933: Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Case, Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Jubilee bracelet
Overall, the addition of the Jubilee bracelet to the Sky-Dweller line emphasized the watch’s luxury appeal and added more variety to the collection.
2022: The Rolex Sky-Dweller celebrates a decade of existence.
Key Features of the Rolex Sky-Dweller
The Rolex Sky-Dweller range has evolved in its decade-long history. While aesthetic improvements and metal and bracelet options have been added to the collection, its key features remain. Here are the distinguishing features of the Rolex Sky-Dweller.
Rolex Sky Dweller Yellow Gold Steel White Dial Mens Watch 326933
CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
MATERIALS: 18k Gold (Yellow, White, or Everose); White Rolesor (Steel & White Gold), Yellow Rolesor (Steel & Yellow Gold)
DIALS: Baton, Arabic, or Roman (discontinued)
BRACELETS: Oyster bracelet, Jubilee bracelet, Oysterflex bracelet; Leather bracelet (discontinued)
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, and running seconds; Date Display, Month Indicator, GMT Functionality, Annual Calendar
MOVEMENT: Rolex Caliber 9001
WATER RESISTANCE: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
OYSTER CASE
The Rolex Sky-Dweller comes in a 42mm Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). While its shape is reminiscent of the Rolex Day-Date, its large (for Rolex) size and thickness give it a bearing similar to that of a sports watch.
When it was first released in 2012, the Sky-Dweller was available in 18k yellow gold, white gold, or Everose gold. It also came with the choice of either Arabic or Roman numeral hour markers on the dial. Five years later, Rolex added two-tone Rolesor options to the collection and updated the dial to feature luminous baton hour markers for a neater and more modern look.
A WIDE SELECTION OF BRACELETS
In addition to new metals and dial colors, Rolex has expanded the Sky-Dweller range with new strap and bracelet options. Initially, the solid gold models came equipped with a leather strap or an Oyster bracelet. However, the leather strap varieties have been discontinued (together with the white gold equivalents) and were replaced in 2020 by identical solid gold models with rubber Oysterflex bands. A year later, in 2021, the iconic Jubilee bracelet was made available as an option for the steel and gold ‘Rolesor’ models.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Rose Gold White Dial Mens Watch 326935
RING COMMAND BEZEL
All Rolex Sky-Dweller models come with an 18k yellow, white or Everose gold fluted bezel. While we see this elegant and interesting design in Rolex Datejust and Day-Date models, what makes the Sky-Dweller bezel different is its added functionality. It is in fact a Ring Command Bezel, which works in tandem with the winding crown, and can be used to select which function on the watch will be adjusted.
The Sky-Dweller’s Ring Command Bezel has a total of 4 positions – 0 through 3, 0 being all the way to the right, and 3 being turned all the way to the left. By shifting through these positions, one can set the local time (which jumps in one-hour increments), the reference time (shown on the 24-hour disc), or the date and the month of the annual calendar.
This bezel, which has 60 distinct parts, is patented by Rolex. At the heart of this feature is a double cam and levers that activate the movement’s multiple gear trains. Overall, this is an absolutely intelligent move by Rolex and possibly the most stunning element of the Sky-Dweller.
24-HOUR DISPLAY
While the local time is shown using the hour markers and read using the conventional center hands, the Rolex Sky-Dweller has a 24-hour display that shows the reference time or the time at home or at the traveler’s home base. This display is shown via the off-center disc with numbers 2 to 24. The disc works together with the red arrow below 12 o’clock to indicate your reference time. Wearers can modify the time without changing the seconds or reference time, thanks to its bidirectional jump-hour technology.
SAROS ANNUAL CALENDAR
The Rolex Sky-Dweller’s annual calendar mechanism, named SAROS, stands out for its innovative display. The months of the year are indicated by 12 apertures located above the hour markers, with the current month marked in red. The annual calendar also displays the correct date throughout the year and only needs to be adjusted once – on the 1st of March, with February having only 28 or 29 days. The date is connected to local time and always displays the current date in the wearer’s local time zone.
Furthermore, the SAROS Annual Calendar employs a fixed planetary gear wheel at the movement’s center. The date disc moves the satellite wheel, which interacts with the planetary wheel month by month. Where things become tricky is that certain months have fewer days than others. A four-finger component is attached to the satellite wheel for this purpose. On months with 30 days, the satellite finger receives an additional impulse to jump two days on the 30th of the month. As a result, the aperture always displays the right month.
Rolex Caliber 9001 (photo: Rolex)
9001 MOVEMENT
All Rolex Sky-Dweller models are powered by the in-house Caliber 9001 movement. It is one of the most complex calibers created by the brand but was engineered to guarantee simplicity of use. A selector wheel on the outside edge of the 9001 allows the Ring Command Bezel to work with the movement in setting the Sky-Dweller’s functions.
The movement is also fitted with the blue Parachrom hairspring for protection against magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations, and Paraflex shock absorbers for increased shock resistance. It also offers an ample 72-hour power reserve and a frequency rating of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Popular Rolex Sky-Dweller Models
The Rolex Sky-Dweller has a lot going for it: the combination of a large case with dressy looks, the sophisticated GMT and annual calendar features with an intuitive dial, and the ever-increasing range of options within the collection. You can’t go wrong with the Rolex Sky-Dweller, but here are some fan favorites:
ROLEX SKY-DWELLER BLUE DIAL ref 326934
The blue dial Rolex Sky-Dweller was introduced in 2017, as part of the more accessible stainless steel and gold models. The dial not only fits right in with the monochromatic finish and sporty Oyster bracelet, but it’s also in tune with prevailing sport watch trends, as we have seen with the Nautilus, Royal Oak, and the Seamaster. Cleaner baton hour markers also provided a more modern look and ease of reading.
The release of this version appeared to pique collectors’ appetites and stimulate interest in all of the earlier, previously overlooked versions, as well as the new steel and gold Rolesor alternatives.
ROLEX SKY-DWELLER WHITE GOLD BLACK DIAL ref 326934
Introduced in 2017, the ref. 326934 is considered an entry-level model in the Rolex Sky-Dweller collection. This model is perhaps most often seen with its handsome blue dial installed but it is also available with a black dial, which is perfect for those who prefer a monochromatic display. Its brooding watch face makes the white gold-outlined hands and hour markers pop, while subtle red accents add a playful touch.
Housed in a 42mm case made of Oystersteel with a fluted rotating bezel made of 18-carat white gold, the ref. 326934 creates a clean and classic look suitable for the beach, the boardroom, and everything in between. It is also quite a bit lighter than the full-gold models, and better at withstanding a daily beating.
Like many other modern Rolex watches, this watch has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial and an Oyster bracelet.
(photo: Rolex)
ROLEX SKY-DWELLER STEEL YELLOW GOLD WHITE DIAL ref 326933
Technically speaking, the Sky-Dweller ref. 326933 looks similar to the previous model, the ref. 326934 but with bezel, crown, hands, indices, and center links crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. In addition, its dial is white rather than black.
Visually, this timepiece is most similar to the Datejust, to which the Sky-Dweller cannot help but be compared especially when paired with the Jubilee bracelet. However, with a 42mm diameter, it has a larger presence than even the largest Datejust model ever made. Having said that, the gently sloping bezel causes this watch to lie lower on the wrist than its specifications suggest, and it does not seem out of place in more formal situations.
Powering the ref. 326933 is the automatic Caliber 9001, which offers a -2/+2 seconds per day accuracy rating after casing and 72 hours of power reserve. A high-performing Paraflex shock absorber increases the shock resistance of the movement. Rolex continues to manufacture this reference to this day.
ROLEX SKY-DWELLER EVEROSE GOLD ref. 326135
The popularity of rose gold watches has grown among sport watch enthusiasts, as they provide a one-two punch: high functionality paired with luxury appeal. Rolex Sky-Dweller Everose Gold models are made from the brand’s patented rose gold alloy, whose combination of pure gold, copper, and a small amount of platinum gives a long-lasting color and shine. Dial colors come in chocolate brown, rhodium gray, and intense white which complement the alloy’s warm luster.
The Sky-Dweller ref. 326135 stands out because of its sheer size and attractive color. Crafted from 18k rose gold, it pairs well with any ensemble and can be easily spotted across the room. Instead of a matching metal bracelet, it has a leather strap in a beautiful tobacco brown tone.
This model, like many leather strap-equipped Sky-Dwellers, has lug hoods; however, it is fully made of Rolex’s unique 18k Everose gold alloy, which is specifically designed to keep its warm color even after lengthy exposure to outer elements. It also has a sapphire crystal that is scratch resistant and a fluted rotating bezel that lends interest.
As you might have come to expect by now from a company like Rolex, the Sky-Dweller ref. 326135 is exceptionally made. Both the hour and the minute hands are lit up so that you can easily see them at night. The watch also has a 24-hour time on the inner ring and a 12-hour time on the outer ring. The watch also shows the date, which happens so regularly.
(photo: Christie’s)
ROLEX SKY-DWELLER WHITE GOLD ref. 326939
The ref. 326939 is one of the solid 18k gold Sky-Dweller references to be released in 2012. Like its siblings, it comes with a gold case and a matching gold Oyster bracelet. It did, however, replace the yellow gold and Everose gold of the other two references with a full 18k white gold construction, giving it a considerably more subtle overall appearance.
A true masterpiece, the ref. 326939 also boasts an ivory dial and an 18-carat gold fluted rotating bezel. Despite the iconic Rolex sweeping second hand, it also contains a feature that allows you to quickly configure it as well as maintain track of seconds. In addition to its monochrome appearance, the watch is waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), making it usable even for swimming, snorkeling, and light water sports.
Overall, the ref. 326939 is an exceptionally stunning timepiece that functions just as well as it looks. It really is the total package, all rolled up in one. Despite the more expensive asking price, it is a one-of-a-kind timepiece that just cannot be replicated. As a result, it’s one of the most impressive Rolex Sky-Dweller watches one can purchase.
This model was manufactured until 2018 when Rolex discontinued all solid white gold Sky-Dweller references.
How To Use the Rolex Sky-Dweller
The Rolex Sky-Dweller runs on the in-house Caliber 9001 – one of the most complex movements ever created by the Swiss brand. Introduced in 2012, it is a certified Swiss Chronometer and includes Paraflex shock absorbers to ensure the escapement has a smooth ride as it ticks through its huge 3-day power reserve. A blue Parachrom hairspring guarantees that magnetic fields and temperature changes have the least effect on timekeeping.
An ingenious creation, the Caliber 9001’s setting system was inspired by Rolex’s earlier entry into complicated sports watches with the Yacht-Master II, and the major feature that distinguishes this system from other complicated timepieces on the market is the fluted Ring Command Bezel, which is crafted in 18k gold. This, together with the middle links of the Yellow Rolesor model’s Oyster bracelet, adds weight and allows wearers to select the function of the watch by winding the crown. You can change the local time, the reference time, or the date and month of the annual calendar by navigating through the settings.
Rolex Sky-Dweller 18k White Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 326139
The annual calendar keeps track of the month and date, distinguishing between months with 30 and 31 days and requiring only one modification per year, on March 1st. While it does not recognize leap years, as opposed to perpetual calendars, the wearer only has to set the date once to ensure the accuracy of all calendar functions. Rolex’s Caliber 9001 achieves this with only four gears added to the present design that displays the date – a solution that, by its sheer simplicity, helps to maintain the movement nicely and durably.
As the median option in terms of convenience, annual calendars are likewise right down the middle when it comes to price. On average, they are more expensive than basic calendar watches, but they are usually far less expensive than perpetual calendars, whose very sophisticated inner workings usually come with an equally fantastic fancy price tag.
The display of the annual calendar on the Sky-Dweller is one-of-a-kind, with an unobtrusive window situated on the border of the relevant hour marker that represents one of the twelve months of the year. For instance, depending on the model, the window adjacent to three o’clock will appear red or black to denote the month of March. The aperture next to 4 o’clock changes color for April (the fourth month). As a result, it is quite easy to understand the information at a glance.
To set the Sky-Dweller’s annual calendar, one must use the Ring Command bezel. Position Zero is the typical setting for this, with the bezel, turned all the way to the right or clockwise. You cannot use any of the complications while in Position Zero. The bezel must be rotated to Position 2 (left) in order to set the date and month via the crown. The month will change if the date goes over 30 or 31 and this is represented by a different hue in the aperture pane. Finally, after making any changes to the watch’s functions, remember to reset the bezel to Position Zero.
Rolex Sky-Dweller 18k Everose Gold Roman Dial Mens Watch 326935 (photo: Christie’s)
In addition to the annual calendar, a 24-hour ring is used to signify a second time zone. All of this is governed by a traditional crown. As previously explained, the crown works in tandem with the Ring Command bezel. The bezel is used to select a function in this system, and the information is subsequently set via the crown.
The second setting of the crown allows the main hour hand to be moved independently of the minute hand at hour intervals. The next position adjusts the minute and hour hands, and the 24-hour disc. It may appear to be a bit perplexing at first, but after a few uses, it becomes intuitive and is in reality a very elegant solution. The last bezel setting allows the wearer to adjust the calendar information in both directions.
Common Questions About the Rolex Sky-Dweller
Built for the sophisticated global traveler, the Rolex Sky-Dweller is a stylish watch equipped to tell time across the world. Here are some of the most common questions asked about the Rolex Sky-Dweller.
WHAT IS A ROLEX SKY-DWELLER?
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is a watch that displays the time in two time zones simultaneously and has an annual calendar that shows the date and month with minimal adjustment. It brought together these two complications and combined them with an ingenious control element: the Ring Command Bezel.
All Sky-Dweller models come in a 42mm Oyster case and are available in a variety of metals and straps.
WHY IS THE ROLEX SKY-DWELLER SO EXPENSIVE?
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is one of the most advanced and innovative Rolex watches, which is protected by 14 patents. It includes a clever annual calendar feature, and a dual-time zone capability, both controlled using the Ring Command Bezel.
The technical sophistication, ease of use, and patented features of the Sky-Dweller collection make it unique in the world of watches and therefore fetches a higher price tag.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Yellow Gold Oysterflex 326238 (photo: Rolex)
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY ROLEX SKY-DWELLER IS GENUINE?
Rolex watches are built to meet uncompromising quality standards. If you see any sign of a flaw on the watch, such as misaligned or misspelled text, unfinished surfaces, or wrong engravings and markings, it is most likely a counterfeit.
It is also a must to do research on your desired model, and become familiar with its supposed features. This will help you in checking if the details on the watch are correct.
The best way to avoid counterfeit watches is to purchase a watch from a reputable and trusted dealer, such as SwissWatchExpo, who can provide a guarantee of authenticity on the watch.
IS THE ROLEX SKY-DWELLER WATERPROOF?
Rolex Sky-Dweller watches are guaranteed water resistant to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). It was not made specifically for diving, but they come with screw-down crowns and case backs, which protect the movement from moisture that can be encountered with daily use.
Interesting Facts About the Rolex Sky-Dweller
1. The Sky-Dweller is one of the most complicated watches created by Rolex.
The Sky-Dweller is the most complex watch from Rolex together with the Yacht-Master II, introduced in 2007. The Sky-Dweller includes a GMT function and an annual calendar in addition to the hours, minutes, and seconds.
Rolex Sky Dweller Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Mens Watch 326933 (photo: Rolex)
2. The Sky-Dweller is the first annual calendar by Rolex.
Although Rolex has offered a GMT function since the 1950s, the Sky-Dweller is the first Rolex model to include a true complication – an annual calendar. The watch’s annual calendar is based on a mechanism known as SAROS. To produce an entire annual calendar, two-gear ratios and four-gear wheels had to be incorporated into the original Rolex calendar mechanism.
3. The Sky-Dweller is Rolex’s newest collection.
Rolex is not a company that regularly rolls out new collections. In reality, it is a fairly uncommon occurrence. Instead, the Swiss company depends on well-known classics such as the Submariner and Datejust, to mention a few. Keep in mind that Rolex is about development, not revolution. To that end, rather than always introducing new models, the brand works to enhance the aesthetics, quality, dependability, and performance of the timepieces in its current collections.
But every now and then, the brand releases new and unique creations. The Sky-Dweller is one such example. Introduced in 2012, it is currently Rolex’s most recent offering. It’s a brand-new model that stands alone and is designed for sophisticated jet-setters.
4. The Rolex Sky-Dweller has 72 hours of power reserve.
A power reserve of three days when fully wound is quite adequate. It gives just enough time to switch out the Sky-Dweller with another wristwatch. You can, for example, wear a different watch for a few days and then return to a fully functional Sky-Dweller without having to reset the time.
5. The Rolex Sky-Dweller is protected by 11 to 14 patents.
Like most modern Rolex watches, the Sky-Dweller boasts numerous patents – 11 to 14 to be exact, depending on the version. This includes the Ring Command bezel that sets all of the watch’s functions including the second time zone and annual calendar. Having said that, one can deduce that the watch was created after years of research and development.
6. The Rolex Sky-Dweller comes with a Ring Command bezel.
The Sky-Dweller’s fluted bezel may initially appear to be an ordinary decorative one. But the truth is that it is so much more. It is actually a sophisticated function known as a Ring Command bezel, which interacts with the movement directly.
By rotating the bezel, one can adjust the date, local time, or reference time, all from the crown. There are three different positions on this patented bezel, and that allows the crown to have only one setting position. It takes 60 components to make this brilliant technology work, at the center of which is a double cam that engages the gear trains inside the movement. Many consider this as the most impressive attribute of the Sky-Dweller.
7. The Rolex Sky-Dweller was only available in precious metal for the first five years.
The Sky-Dweller was only produced in white, yellow, or Everose gold for the first five years of its existence. As a result, the Sky-Dweller fell into the premium price range, making it only available to a select group of people. This naturally caused people to overlook the watch.
That all changed in 2017 with the introduction of Rolesor versions that combine stainless steel with solid gold. Not a lot of collectors expected this move from Rolex. This made the Sky-Dweller more accessible to a larger audience.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Blue Dial Steel White Gold Mens Watch 326934 (photo: Rolex)
8. The Rolex Sky-Dweller was the first new collection from Rolex since 2007 (technically since 1992).
As mentioned, the Sky-Dweller was released in 2012. If you include the Yacht-Master II, it was Rolex’s first new line since 2007. But, excluding the Yacht-Master II, the Sky-Dweller was Rolex’s first new model collection since the Yacht-Master debuted in 1992.
Rolex, as a brand, is about evolution rather than revolution, so its primary focus is on continually enhancing and refining its present collections. However, due to the Sky-Dweller’s manufacture, there is now only one generation. Perhaps an updated version will be released in the future.
9. The Rolex Sky-Dweller relies on the Caliber 9001.
The Caliber 9001 is one of Rolex’s most sophisticated movements. Developed and manufactured entirely in-house, it is complete with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, Parachrom hairspring, and paraflex shock absorbers that increases its resistance to shocks – particularly if dropped. It also offers 72 hours worth of power reserve and is certified by the COSC, which means that Sky-Dweller is precise and of high quality.
10. The Rolex Sky-Dweller has a Reference Time and Local Time.
On the Sky-Dweller’s dial, a little red arrow is located 12. This points to an off-center revolving disc with a 24-hour scale. Both the arrow and ring represent your reference time, which could be your home time.
Meanwhile, the Sky-Dweller’s hands display the local time, which is set via a bidirectional jump-hour mechanism. The date is linked to the local time, which changes in a matter of milliseconds at midnight. With the Sky-Dweller, Rolex achieved its goal of creating a stylish, easily readable watch with two time zones.
11. The Rolex Sky-Dweller maintains the same style despite having several metal configurations.
All Rolex Sky-Dweller models measure 42mm and feature a water-resistant Oyster case and a flat and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Stylish, highly functional, and intuitively designed, the Rolex Sky-Dweller has been the choice timepiece of world travelers. Explore our collection of Rolex Sky-Dweller watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.
