In 2023 Rolex introduced a new-generation Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, now powered by Calibre 9002. Ref. 336239, 336934, 336935. Prices from €15,800
Rolex has introduced a new-generation Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller. The restyling of this model, designed by Rolex for world travellers, introduces aesthetic and technical enhancements.
For the first time, a version of the Sky-Dweller combines a white gold case, which is returning to the range, with an Oysterflex bracelet in black elastomer. Two other variants introduce new dial colours for the model.
The white Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and white gold), fitted on an Oyster bracelet, features a mint green dial, a colour reserved until now for the Datejust. And the variant fashioned in 18 ct Everose gold is endowed with a dial in a blue-green colour that is available only on the reference presented, complemented by an Oyster bracelet.
More importantly, the Sky-Dweller is now equipped with the 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) calibre 9002. An evolution of calibre 9001, this new movement includes some of the major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement which is made of nickel-phosphorus for improved resistance to strong magnetic fields. .
The movement is also fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. The hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 9002 extends to approximately 72 hours.
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.
The reference time is displayed in 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. It is operated by a patented mechanism and stands out for its innovative display: the months of the year are shown in 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial, beyond the index hour marker – the current month being shown in red. The instantaneous date change is linked to the local time.
The Sky-Dweller 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, quickly and securely.
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, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.
The crystal, which features a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating.
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, a patented mechanism with a rack located under the clasp that enable fine adjustment of the bracelet length up to 15 mm, without the need for tools.
For its part, the Oyster bracelet of the Sky-Dweller features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.
Like all Rolex watches, the new Sky-Dweller carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures a precision in the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – a rate deviation for a finished watch which is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.
The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller models have suggested retail of Euro 42,950 / US$ 42,700 in white gold with Oysterflex bracelet (ref. 336239), Euro 15.800 / US$ 15,650 in white Rolesor with a mint green dial (ref. 336934), and Euro 51,350 / US$ 50,900 in Everose gold with a blue-green dial (ref. 336935). rolex.com
What is the point of showing off new Rolex models? if they are only available in the grey market absurdly overpriced, no Rolex guarantee, no authenticity assured, no personal service… I have several watches, including Rolex as my favorite brand. However, under the current environment I am discovering other equally exciting and tradition rich brands. Thank you Rolex for opening my possibilities!
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