With its two time zones indicated simultaneously, along with the Saros annual calendar and Ring Command system, the Sky-Dweller is an invaluable and sophisticated ally for those continually travelling the globe.
24-hour disc Second time zone at a glance
Intended for world travellers, the Sky-Dweller watch simultaneously displays the time in a second time zone as well as the local time, which is indicated by central hands.
This second time zone – or reference time – is shown by a highly legible, small triangle with a red silhouette on a 24-hour graduated rotating disc. A signature element of the model, this off-centre disc makes it possible to unequivocally distinguish between daytime and night-time hours: an invaluable asset for someone travelling to the other side of the world.
Saros annual calendar Innovative mechanism for an intuitive display
Designed specially by Rolex for the Sky-Dweller, the patented Saros annual calendar is key to the model’s identity.
This calendar automatically differentiates between 30-day and 31-day months. It therefore requires only one manual date adjustment a year, when February turns to March.
The ingenious system relies on an extremely simple construction and an original display principle to replicate the occurrence of the months.
Reading the current month is particularly intuitive. This is indicated in red in one of the dozen windows that punctuate the hour markers around the circumference of the dial: January at 1 o’clock, February at 2 o’clock, etc.
The watchmaking innovation relies on two-gear ratios and only four gear wheels added to Rolex’s instantaneous date calendar. This elementary structure gives the Saros annual calendar excellent reliability.
Linked to local time, the instantaneous date change occurs at midnight. Accordingly, the date displayed in the window at 3 o'clock and the current month always correspond to the wearer’s location.
Fluted bezel and Ring Command system Signature design and ease of use
One of Rolex’s traditional signature elements, the fluted bezel is exclusively fashioned in precious metal. On the Sky-Dweller, this aesthetic attribute also takes on a functional dimension thanks to the Ring Command system.
Developed by Rolex, the patented Ring Command system is an innovative mechanism of interaction between the rotatable bezel, winding crown and movement. It allows the Sky-Dweller’s different functions to be selected easily, quickly and securely, before adjusting them with the winding crown.
By turning the fluted bezel counterclockwise – the profile of which is accentuated to make it easier to handle – the wearer chooses the indication that they wish to set. First notch: date and month. Second notch: local time. Third notch: reference time.
It has now become possible to configure the watch without multiple setting positions for the crown or the use of correctors. The Ring Command system’s bezel allows interaction with the rest of the mechanism without compromising the impermeability of the elegant and robust Oyster case, whose water-resistance is guaranteed to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).
Revealed in 2023, the calibre 9002 that now powers the Sky-Dweller is a high-performance self-winding movement, particularly in terms of precision, autonomy, comfort of use and reliability. It follows on from the calibre 9001 – one of the most complex movements ever designed by Rolex – which equipped the model since its launch in 2012.
A consummate demonstration of technology, calibre 9002 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with resistance to strong magnetic fields.
Calibre 9002 also features the blue Parachrom hairspring, produced by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that is also extremely stable when exposed to temperature fluctuations.
The oscillator is based on high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, designed by the brand and patented. They give the movement heightened resistance to the everyday impacts a watch may experience.
Boasting Superlative Chronometer certification, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller has a power reserve of around 72 hours.
Alloys and dials Preciousness with a variety of faces
Rolex gold is inextricably linked to the Sky-Dweller. Whether 18 kt yellow, white or Everose gold, all Rolex golds are entirely created and cast in the brand’s own foundry. Composed of 750‰ pure gold and blends of silver, copper or palladium, these precious alloys are distinguished by their remarkable radiance and superlative quality.
The qualities of Oystersteel exclusive to Rolex also benefit the Sky-Dweller in the white Rolesor and yellow Rolesor versions. A real brand signature since the early 1930s, Rolesor is a combination of metals – gold and steel – which come together in a pas de deux where sophistication meets strength.
The Sky-Dweller gives free rein to individual expression, offering a choice of different dial colours. Bright black, bright blue, bright green or intense white, champagne-colour, chocolate or slate, it is also available in mint green and blue-green shades. This variety of colours is combined with precious materials and different bracelets to create harmonious versions of the model. All manufactured internally, the dials bear chief responsibility for the identity and legibility of Rolex watches. The art of dial making pairs traditional manual expertise with state-of-the-art technologies. With lacquering, it is possible to obtain a wide range of opaque colours. Electroplating produces metallic tints with a multitude of possible shades. And PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) techniques permit dials to be coated with an infinitesimally thin layer of metals or oxides.
Chromalight display The power of the blue glow
With the Chromalight display, the Sky-Dweller’s dial provides optimum legibility, whatever the light conditions. The luminescent material applied to the hour markers and hands is a brilliant white in daylight and emits an intense blue glow in the dark.
Exclusive to Rolex and introduced in 2008, the Chromalight display was optimized in 2021. An improvement that notably makes it possible to maintain the intensity of the blue glow for longer. The performance of this luminescent material clearly exceeds the standards required by watchmaking norms.
Rolex bracelets All-round comfort
Developed in the late 1930s, this metal bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection. With its rows of three links, it combines comfort and robustness.
The metal Jubilee bracelet comprising rows of five links – three narrower links in the centre and two broader links at the edges – is distinctive for its multitude of reflections, harmonious forms and fluidity on the wrist. From 2024, new versions of the Sky-Dweller are available with a Jubilee bracelet in precious metal – 18 kt Everose or yellow gold.
The Sky-Dweller is also available on an Oysterflex bracelet. Developed by Rolex, the patented Oysterflex bracelet singularly combines the robustness of metal with the comfort of elastomer. It is composed of two flexible curved metal blades – one in each bracelet section – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer. For optimum comfort, the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with cushions on its inner sides and an Oysterclasp to prevent accidental opening. In addition, its length may be adjusted via the Rolex Glidelock extension system.
