Introducing Rolex Releases the Deepsea in Yellow Gold for the First Time

In the 1960s, professional marine divers were on a quest to find the perfect watch to ensure their safety during dives that reached depths of 1,000 feet. Timekeeping was essential to their work, but they struggled to find a watch they could truly trust. In 1967, Rolex embarked on a journey to exceed the demands of divers and introduced the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000, a watch capable of functioning effectively at depths of up to 2000 feet. To achieve this milestone, Rolex had to increase the thickness of the crystal to provide ample protection for the watch face.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Submariner 4000 image curtsy to bobswatches

Over time, Rolex elevated its standards by unveiling the Sea-Dweller Submariner 4000, capable of withstanding depths of 4,000 feet (1200m). Later, Rolex introduced the James Cameron Sea-Dweller, which accompanied the deep-sea explorer and a filmmaker James Cameron on his submersible, setting a new record with a depth capability of 12,800 feet into the ocean.

In 2008, Rolex discontinued the Sea-Dweller Submariner 4000 and replaced it with the Rolex Deepsea, which later became an iconic diving timepiece, attaining legendary status in the world of horology. The Deepsea represents Rolex's ultimate diving instrument with an impressive water resistance of 3,900 meters. Now, During Watches and Wonders 2024, Rolex presents the first Deepsea crafted in yellow gold with a blue dial and bezel.

When you think of a tough diving watch, gold isn't usually the first material that comes to mind. We tend to expect more straightforward choices like steel or titanium. But, Rolex, as usual, likes to surprise us. In fact gold is resistant to corrosion, which makes it a pretty legitimate option for a watch that's constantly battling salty seawater. 

The watch's case maintains its familiar appearance, measuring 44mm in diameter and 17.7mm in thickness, complete with a thick, slightly domed sapphire crystal surrounded by a blue ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel. The helium relief valve and the case back are both crafted from RLX titanium alloy (grade 5 titanium). The watch comes with a blue ceramic ring lock system and still meets the rigorous standards set by professional divers, boasting a water resistance of 3,900 meters.

The new Deepsea comes with a blue lacquer dial featuring Mercedes hands and Rolex's own luminescent material, "Chromalight display," which emits a blue glow in the dark and a date window posited at 3 o'clock. The watch is powered by the COSC certified caliber 3235, an in-house Superlative Chronometer automatic movement that features a perpetual rotor. It operates at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and offers a 70-hour power reserve. It remains firmly secured on the wrist with an 18k yellow gold 3-link Oyster bracelet, featuring an Oyster safety clasp with a Glidelock extension, enabling the watch to be comfortably worn over a diving suit. The yellow gold Deepsea is priced at AED 212,900. 

For more information please visit Rolex’s official website.