The material the Rolex Sea Dweller is made of
According to the company philosophy, every single component or construction material at Rolex must meet exceptional requirements and meet the highest test criteria. The exceptional 904 L high-carbon steel used for the watch case is otherwise only used in medical technology (for implants) and petrochemicals. But it too must prove that it is up to the task before each processing. The degree of hardness is measured with a laser, and the quality with an electron microscope. If only minimal deficiencies are found, the material is returned to the supplier. As with the other processing steps, absolute quality takes priority here too. With the Sea Dweller, the flagship of Rolex diving watches, Rolex is also absolutely uncompromising in terms of its standards. Consequently, the luxury watch manufacturer has developed its own competence center for quality control and quality assurance. Rolex steel cases, which will one day house the Sea Dweller movement, must prove their resistance to water masses in a simulated water depth of 100 meters, with a massive thermal shock and an extreme pressure of 4.5 tons.
Rolex Sea Dweller - an exception among deep-sea diving watches
When it was first launched on the market, it was described as a miracle weapon. Organically developed from the Rolex Submariner, it is considered by experts and its wearers to be an unparalleled product perfection. In the first series, which appeared at the end of the 1960s, the lettering "Sea Dweller Submariner 2000" emphasized the relationship to the predecessor, with the number 2000 standing for the astonishing depth of 2000 meters. From the mid-1970s, the Sea Dweller acquired its own identity. In chronological development steps from 1988 to 1998 to 2008, it grew into the "Rolex Sea Dweller Deepsea" and the largest sports model in a Rolex series. The figures are impressive: 43 mm diameter without crown, 18 mm height, 390 bar resistance, diving depth: 3,900 meters, 5 mm thick sapphire crystal. The highly resistant titanium alloy of the building's base has the property of closing itself further when pressure is applied. A stainless steel ring, described as indestructible, strengthens the backbone of the Sea Dweller. The helium pressure relief valve protects the watch from destruction when surfacing from the depths. The indices on the dial can be read in any darkness thanks to the coating with blue luminous material. The patented clasp, the extension elements of the stainless steel bracelet and the bezel that can only be rotated in one direction are especially tailored to the needs of divers. There is no question that the accuracy of the automatic movement is also confirmed by a COSC certificate.