In 2008, the Rolex Deepsea was launched for the first time. At Baselworld 2018, Rolex launched a new deep-sea submersible watch. The new watch resembles its predecessor but has been significantly upgraded to caliber 3235. This movement provides an impressive 70-hour power reserve and applies several new patented technologies to take the deep dive watch even further, proving Rolex’s determination and strength to push boundaries continuously.
The Deep Submersible, Submariner, and Sea-Dweller have each attracted many loyal fans among collectors and enthusiasts. When it comes to the deep dive model, many people’s first impression is that the size (case diameter 44 mm) is too large and uncomfortable to wear. Sure, the Deep Dive is like a monster, but for good reason. The Submersible has an impressive water resistance rating of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) and can withstand tremendous pressure in extremely harsh environments.
The first Sea-Dweller watch, 1967
The Sea-Dweller was launched in 1967 and was marketed as a tool watch specially designed for professional divers. Initially, the Sea-Dweller was designed to withstand water depths of 610 meters (2,000 feet) and featured a helium escape valve co-developed by Rolex. In 1978, its water resistance was upgraded to 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). Since then, the Sea-Dweller has retained its waterproof crown until the birth of the Deep Submersible in 2008. The deep-sea Submersible has impressive waterproof capabilities, which rely on the unique Ringlock system, which consists of three parts: a sapphire crystal, an inner ring of the case, and a case back.
Rolex Submersible, 2008
Three tons of water pressure
The domed sapphire crystal mirror of the deep dive watch is 5.5 mm thick. Compared with the mirror of the Submariner (less than 2 mm thick), the mirror of the Submariner is thick, but this is necessary considering that it has to withstand a pressure equivalent to three tons of water. The watch will fail the waterproof test if the mirror is damaged or deeply scratched. In this case, the only solution is to replace the mirror with a brand-new, undamaged one. Fake rolex for sale.
Sandwiched between the mirror and case back is a steel compression ring designed to help the case withstand the intense pressure exerted by the underwater depths. Many watches are equipped with an inner ring that tightly seals the movement. In submersible watches, the structural role of the inner ring of the case is to help reduce the pressure exerted on the case. The inner ring is made from nitrogen-containing steel, an alloy that is more corrosion-resistant and stronger than high-carbon steel. The existence of the inner ring of the watch case shares enormous pressure on the mirror and bottom cover. Swiss replica watches store.
Submersible watch back
Generally speaking, watches rely on the case to withstand pressure, and the mirror and bottom cover are installed through gaskets in the middle of the case. In a submersible watch, the mirror and case back are separated from the case, and the compressed inner ring takes the pressure. This structure allows the watch to maintain a relatively standard size. Compared with the regular Sea-Dweller watch, the diameter of the submersible watch is only 1 mm larger.
Titanium case back
The bottom covers of the Submariner and Sea-Dweller are made of 904L high-grade stainless steel (Oystersteel). The choice of the deep-sea model is different because you have to dive into deeper water. Rolex uses grade 5 titanium, which has better compression and tensile strength than stainless steel and a higher elastic limit. As mentioned, the titanium case back sits directly beneath the inner ring of nitrogen-containing steel (separated by a gasket). The stainless steel outer ring is then screwed onto the housing, holding the titanium ring in place.
Caliber 3235
Does the average PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors International) diver need a water-resistant watch for diving 3,900 meters (12,800 feet)? Not really. Rolex has no reason to create a deep-dive watch for ordinary consumers, but this move makes Rolex fans very happy. In a sense, this is both a professional watch and a “show-off” watch.
Brand: Rolex
Model: 116660-98210
Movement: Automatic
Gender: Men’s
Band Width: 22mm
Series: Sea-Dweller
Case Color: Silver-tone