The Sky Dweller is one of the "younger" of Rolex's collections. Launched in 2012, the Sky-Dweller strikes a balance between "heritage and innovation" thanks to signature elements such as a fluted bezel (dogtooth ring) and a small convex lens, as well as the RING COMMAND system and the Salo Annual Calendar. This year (2024) the brand has renewed the Sky-Dweller: the new version is presented in 18K gold and for the first time is equipped with an 18K gold bead chain (commemorative bracelet), adding even more luxury to it. (Model No.: m336935-0008)
First of all, from the outside: the Sky-Dweller has a diameter of 42 mm, which is the largest Rolex Classic (Dress Size) watch. Many of the elements of classic Rolex watches are inherited, including the Oyster case, fluted bezel derived from the Day-Date and the convex lens. One of the changes in this year's new model is the use of an 18-carat five-bead chain (commemorative strap), which pushes the level of sophistication and "luxury" to a new level.
Rolex watches have always been known for their simplicity and reliability, and complications are not the brand's forte. As a result, the complications of Rolex watches have been limited to the moon phase, chronograph and dual time zones. With the launch of the Yacht Master II in 2007, Rolex broke with its long-standing absence of "original" complications with the ingenious RING COMMAND system, which linked the bezel to the movement, allowing it to become the part that activated the complication (the countdown).
In 2012, after the Yacht-Master II, Rolex introduced the RING COMMAND system to a new model: the Sky-Dweller. For the first time, the collection uses Rolex's classic fluted bezel, which gives it a functional meaning: it is only necessary to turn the bezel in a counterclockwise direction to select the function to be adjusted: the first setting is the date and month, the second is the local time, and the third is the departure time. Once selected, complete the setup by turning the crown.
With the discontinuation of the Yacht-Master II this year, the only product that still uses the RING COMMAND system is the Sky-Dweller. That's why the Sky-Dweller is now Rolex's "most complicated watch".
In addition to this, the complexity of the Sky-Dweller is reflected in the "Salo Calendar", which incorporates the brand's patent. The word SAROS is derived from the Greece word for the relative position cycle of the sun, the earth and the moon phases every about 18 years. The month reading method of this game is clear and simple: the 12 scale hour markers on the disc represent the different months from 1 to 12, and the red in the window at the front of the hour scale is the current month.
The date is also intuitive to read: a circular date surrounds the middle of the dial, with a triangular arrow indicating the current date. Taking into account the disk space, odd dates are indicated by dots. The Rolex Charo system automatically distinguishes between 30 or 31 days, with the exception of 28 and 29 February, which require the wearer to manually adjust them in February each year, also known as an "annual calendar".
The new Sky-Dweller is powered by the Rolex Calibre 9002. Compared to the 9001 calibre used in earlier models, the 9002 calibre features an upgraded Chronergy escapement. It is made of nickel-phosphorus alloy, which has the property of resisting strong magnetic field interference. In addition, the 9002 calibre is equipped with a blue-niobium Parachrom hairspring, which is resistant to the adverse effects of temperature changes. Thanks to the patented Paraflex cushioning, the seismic performance is improved compared to the previous model.
After the price adjustment of precious metal watches in June this year, the Sky-Dweller is now in 18K Everose gold, and at the public price of RMB 451,500, it has become the top of the Rolex Classic (full-size) models without diamonds. (Photo/text Watch Home Xiao Feng)