Watch of the Week: Rolex Deepsea
When it comes to diving watches, Rolex has quite the reputation to uphold as they have not one, but two gold-references in this category in their collection. The Submariner and Sea-Dweller might soon have to tolerate a third Rolex joining their ranks, as the Deepsea is working hard on accomplishing this. For 2018 Rolex launched a slightly revised version of this watch, making it even better than before!
Granted, the Deepsea is actually an even more specialized version of the Sea-Dweller but is different enough to warrant its own place in the Rolex universe. While its incredible water resistance remained at 12.800 feet, 8.800 feet more then the Sea-dweller, Rolex redesigned the case to accommodate a broader bracelet. This results in a better proportionated overall design, which was needed because with a diameter of 44 millimeters it is as large a Rolex as you can currently get.
Another novelty of the Deepsea is one that you cannot see. Rolex fitted it with caliber 3235, which offers bi-directional winding, and a generous power reserve of 70 hours. Precision is further ensured, even under demanding circumstance, by the paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring as well as the high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. It is certified as a ‘Superlative Chronometer’; this is a Rolex-term for a watch that has a movement that is Chronometer-certified by the COSC, but who’s precision is also checked extensively by Rolex itself once the movement is cased.
The Deepsea is available in two versions, that share not only the same case, bracelet, and movement, but also the unidirectional diving bezel which features a Cerachrom ceramic insert, with the numerals and minute indexes coated in platinum. The Deepsea is available with a more traditional black dial, but also with a gradient blue dial that really set the watch apart. This dial is a reference to the partnership between Rolex and filmmaker and explorer James Cameron, who on March 26th, 2012, dived into the Mariana Trench and reached a depth of 35.787 feet, the deepest point in the world’s oceans. With its recent changes, the Deepsea has become an even more impressive watch than it already was, not only in terms of looks but also in technical excellence.
