Sky-Dweller

Mechanical sophistication

An elegant watch for world travellers, the Sky-Dweller displays the time in two time zones simultaneously and has an annual calendar.

A wealth of expertise

The reference time, in 24-hour format, is shown via an off-centre disc, and the local time is read using conventional centre hands. The annual calendar, named Saros, automatically differentiates between 30- and 31-day months. It is operated by a patented mechanism and stands out for its innovative display: the months of the year are indicated in 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial, with the current month marked in red. The instantaneous date change is linked to the local time.

Dual time zone and 24-hour display

The time in two time zones is displayed simultaneously. Local time is indicated by the conventional centre hour, minute and seconds hands. It can be set quickly by means of a mechanism that allows the hour hand to be adjusted independently in one-hour increments both forwards and backwards. Neither the minute and seconds nor the reference time in the second time zone are affected.

And, since the watch is not stopped, accuracy is preserved. Reference time in the traveller’s usual place of residence or work is read on a rotating off-centre disc. A fixed inverted red triangle points to the wearer’s chosen reference time. The disc’s 24-hour graduation allows travellers to distinguish daytime hours from night-time hours in the reference time zone (for example, 10 a.m. versus 10 p.m.).

The instantaneous date change is linked to local time and occurs at midnight.

So the date displayed in the aperture is always the current date in the wearer’s local time zone.

Saros annual calendar

The Sky-Dweller’s Saros annual calendar owes its high efficiency to a mechanism of revolutionary simplicity. Displaying the correct date through the year and requiring only one adjustment a year – on 1st March, February having only 28 or 29 days –, this ingenious patented system replicates the irregular occurrence of 30- and 31-day months using only four additional gear wheels.

Ring Command system

The fluted bezel can be turned to one of three positions to select one of the watch’s functions – calendar (date and month), local time or reference time. The selected function can then be rapidly adjusted in either direction using the winding crown.

A system of interaction between the rotatable bezel, the winding crown and the movement, developed by Rolex, the Ring Command allows, on the Sky-Dweller, effortless selection of the function to be set: date and month, local time or reference time.

Chromalight display

The dial’s Chromalight display is an innovation that improves visibility in dark environments: the hands and hour markers are coated or filled with a high-performance luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions.

A paragon of robustness and elegance, the Oyster case of the Sky-Dweller is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).

Bracelets, clasp
and extension systems

: Depending on the version, the Sky-Dweller can be fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a particularly robust metal bracelet with three-piece links, developed in the late 1930s. On the Sky-Dweller entirely made of 18 ct yellow or Everose gold, the Oyster bracelet is made in the same precious metal. In addition, on the 18 ct gold versions, the Oyster bracelet includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.
: The design, development and production of Rolex bracelets and clasps, as well as the stringent tests they face, involve advanced high technology. And, as with all the components of the watch, aesthetic controls by the human eye guarantee impeccable beauty. The Jubilee, a supple and comfortable five-piece link metal bracelet, was designed for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust, launched in 1945. It is fitted with a folding Oysterclasp on the Sky-Dweller.
: The Oyster and Jubilee bracelets on the Sky-Dweller feature the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex. This system allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance.
: The patented Oysterflex bracelet, developed by Rolex, singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the suppleness, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. At the core of this innovative bracelet are two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each bracelet section – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.
: On the Sky-Dweller, the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with the Rolex Glidelock extension system, developed by the brand and patented. This particularly inventive mechanism comprises a rack located under the clasp cover that enables fine adjustment of the bracelet length, without tools. The Rolex Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the bracelet length to be adjusted easily, up to some 15 mm.

Perpetual
calibre 9002

The Sky-Dweller is equipped with the new calibre 9002, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It is one of the most complex calibres ever created by the brand. Nonetheless, it is engineered to ensure simplicity of use: a selector wheel on the outside edge of the movement ensures the interaction of the movement and the bezel of the watch to set the Sky-Dweller’s functions.