The Rolex Deepsea amazes in its most precious version in yellow gold. And it sports an unprecedented blue lacquered dial.
Few would probably have bet on a gold Deepsea. Ihe best performing diver in Rolex (with water resistance to 3,900 metres) opts for yellow gold for the case and the Oyster bracelet with the only exceptions being the RLX titanium case back and helium valve (Rolex-owning league). A real heavyweight, considering the 322 grams total.
The technical features guaranteeing the very high water-resistance data have not changed, starting with the Ringlock System, which consists of a high-strength ring placed inside the watch between the glass and the caseback to counteract the pressure exerted by water on the other two components. The sapphire glass, to withstand pressure, is slightly convex and considerably thick (5.5 mm) compared to the other Oyster models. New in this version is the compression ring made for the first time in a high-tech blue ceramic, embellished with a circular satin finish and engraved and then gilded inscriptions.
A readable and functional diver
Triplock crown and Rolex Ringlock System for water resistance to 3,900 metres.
The Triplock winding crown, with three seals, is screwed to the case. The yellow gold is matched by an unusual blue lacquered dial with a matching Cerachrom bezel. The zero on the graduated scale, as well as The hour markers and hands on the dial are sampled in Chromalight, a long-lasting, blue luminescent substance, to remain visible for longer in the deep sea.
The Deepsea's yellow gold bracelet is fitted with an Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents any accidental opening. The Rolex Glidelock extension system and the Fliplock extension links, for wearing the watch over the wetsuit, have been adapted accordingly.
Calibre 3235: a movement entirely developed and produced by Rolex.
Rolex's Chronergy escapement geometry gives it an efficiency of 15% superior to the traditional escapement, without having to compromise on reliability.
Inside the Deepsea beats the automatic calibre 3235, which brings together all the innovations introduced by Rolex in recent yearsi. Among its features is the blue Parachrom balance spring, made of niobium and zirconium oxide: ten times more shock-resistant than previous versions, it is unaffected by magnetic fields and gives the watch excellent chronometric precision properties. Added to this is the Chronergy escapement, an optimised version of the Swiss anchor escapement, the standard when it comes to mechanical watches. Thanks to the architecture of the barrel and the superior performance of the escapement, the watch boasts a power reserve of around 70 hours.
This is not a watch that goes unnoticed: it is made of gold, with its ultra-professional and uncompromising construction and a decidedly high thickness (17.7 mm) for a model of this kind. It is, however, an uncommonly well-equipped diver, although a 'vigorous' wrist is certainly required to wear it.
Price56,700 euro.
