Rolex Sky-Dweller Function

Rolex didn't just throw Sky-Dweller's unique set of claims on the engineers' desks and say, "let's do this." The brand has spent years figuring out exactly what the needs of those who frequently travel between different time zones are and the best way to accomplish that task.

Rolex has equipped it with the 9001 movement developed and produced in-house. This is without a doubt the most complicated movement ever developed by Rolex. Not surprising: between seven and twelve patents (the exact number seems to be up for debate) defends it.

All functions are controlled using a combination of inputs from the knob down and what is known as the control frame. Logical and easy to remember instructions. 

Compare Sky-Dweller with other Rolex watches This is one of the largest watches produced by Rolex with a diameter of 42mm. Only some dive watches like the Deepsea are larger (see 5 professional dive watches that appeared at Baselworld 2018). Most Rolex collections are smaller, 40mm or less in diameter. In shiny steel, the watch and bracelet feature a wide strap that hugs your wrist. It's a significant size difference that some people have to get used to. It is also a thick watch at 14.1mm. Though that thickness doesn't prevent it from easily sliding under shirt cuffs as the control frame gently tilts down creating a nice ramp for the cuffs to slide in neatly.

I have always liked the design of the Datejust and the Day-Date: This slotted bezel easily identifies the coin. Sky-Dweller carries the same case design and grooved bezel.

An Oyster chain bracelet is certainly used throughout the collection. The crystal carries the 2.5x Cyclops magnification window expected on the date. The dial appears the same until you get to the off-center reference time disc.

In creating the Sky-Dweller collection, Rolex kept its brand "DNA" intact, while developing an entirely new addition to the Oyster collection. There are many similarities that make the Sky-Dweller instantly familiar. But there are also new improvements to enjoy. 

What's in the Sky-Dweller box?

As a Rolex, the initial presentation is like a good book that draws you in. The story begins with the eggshell colored case with the Rolex crown logo delicately embossed on top.

But that's just an appetizer before the main course. As the outer lid lifts, the inside of the box slowly falls forward, revealing another golden crown logo, this time with the venerable brand name on a traditional green background. The inner watch case is also a beautiful green Rolex with embossed waves on the top and (again) a gold Rolex crown. Lift the spring cover and the Sky-Dweller greets you for the first time.

Its sturdy steel elegance rests on a curved pillow amid a sea of ​​eggshell suede. The scent of smooth leather exudes quality. There is a hidden compartment in the lid (with another gold crown and green Rolex logo) just for papers: warranty card, warranty book and manual. Hang tags are available, including the Superlative Chronometer certification tag in green, yellow and white.

The watch itself has two layers of protection - Thess Duong holds them back for me to see. The bezel is protected by a hard plastic ring. There seems to be plastic wrap on almost every surface.

I had the watch for a month before noticing that the last piece of plastic was still stuck in one of the finished lugs of the mirror. All in all a great first impression for a great watch.

Is the Rolex Sky-Dweller the perfect watch?

I am quite lucid. I doubt I'll find the perfect watch, but that won't stop the hunt.

However, for what purpose Rolex built the Sky-Dweller and what I use it for, it's pretty close. However, there are some minor collisions.

The hands are a bit hard to read in certain lighting conditions. Sometimes I find myself having to twist and turn the watch to reflect the available light onto the hands to read the time. Due to the difficulty of reading the dial at times, this is definitely not a pilot's watch. But it was never intended as such, even though it is GMT. The rotating GMT disc does not have a luminous Chromalight on it and therefore cannot provide a reference time in the dark. Not necessary, but would be nice. It will also add a bit of color to the room at night. The control frame takes some time to get used to. Although the instructions are quite simple, the morning and afternoon synchronization with the date display is error prone, but only at first. Damn, but it's a big watch. He wears big. It looks big on the wrist.