When it was first introduced at Baselworld in 2012, the Rolex Sky-Dweller created a significant buzz, because it was the first truly new watch model released by the brand for approximately 20 years, and one of only two new complications created by the manufacturer for around half a century.
Marketed as a traveller's watch and benefiting from a sporty appearance, the Sky-Dweller is defined by the presence of both a rotating 24-hour disk, which displays a second time zone, a date display window, and a calendar mechanism, which enables the watch to display the month as well as the date.
The First Rolex Sky-Dweller
At the time of launch, the Sky-Dweller was available in three different configurations: an Everose gold model, with a brown alligator strap and a chocolate coloured dial (Reference 326935), an 18k yellow gold model, with a champagne dial (Reference 326938) and an 18k white gold model, with an ivory coloured dial (Reference 326939).
Each of these models had a 42mm case size and was powered by the in-house calibre 9001; one of the most complicated movements made by Rolex for several generations. The movement itself has seven different patents, is COSC certified and is able to boast an impressive 72-hour power reserve.
This first set of Sky-Dweller models attracted significant attention and established the collection's main functions, including its combination of date, month and dual time zone display. On the dial, the 12 hour markers also correlate to a month of the year, with the current month indicated by a small window next to that number.
New Sky-Dweller Innovations
The first update to the Sky-Dweller collection came in 2014, when some alternative models were unveiled at Basel World. Among these new releases were a white gold model with a black alligator strap and black dial colour (Reference 326139) and a modified yellow gold version, this time with a brown alligator strap (Reference 326138).
Nevertheless, the first major additions to the family came in 2017, with the release of two new 'Rolesor' two-tone models. The first of these was a combination of 18k yellow gold and 904L stainless steel (Reference 326933), which was available with either black, champagne or white dial colours. The second combined 18k white gold and 904L stainless steel (Reference 326934) and was available with a selection of either black, blue or white dial colours.
These models also marked the first major update to the Sky-Dweller's appearance, featuring new rectangular dial markers, improved legibility thanks to Chromalight display, and slightly longer hands.
As a seasoned watch enthusiast with an in-depth knowledge of horology, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of luxury timepieces, including the Rolex Sky-Dweller. My expertise stems from years of studying and keeping abreast of developments in the watchmaking industry, attending watch exhibitions, and delving into the technical aspects of various timepiece models.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article about the Rolex Sky-Dweller:
Rolex Sky-Dweller Introduction (2012)
Significance of the Release
The Rolex Sky-Dweller made its debut at Baselworld in 2012, generating substantial excitement. This release marked a pivotal moment for Rolex, as it represented the first entirely new watch model from the brand in approximately two decades. Furthermore, it was one of only two new complications introduced by Rolex in around 50 years.
Key Features
- Traveller's Watch: Marketed as a traveler's watch, the Sky-Dweller is tailored for those on the move.
- Rotating 24-Hour Disk: Features a rotating 24-hour disk displaying a second time zone.
- Date Display Window: Includes a date display window for enhanced functionality.
- Calendar Mechanism: Incorporates a calendar mechanism that displays both the month and date.
Initial Models (2012)
At the time of its launch, the Sky-Dweller was available in three configurations:
- Everose Gold Model (Reference 326935): Brown alligator strap and chocolate-colored dial.
- 18k Yellow Gold Model (Reference 326938): Champagne dial.
- 18k White Gold Model (Reference 326939): Ivory-colored dial.
- Each model featured a 42mm case size and was powered by the intricate in-house calibre 9001.
- The movement boasted seven patents, was COSC certified, and had an impressive 72-hour power reserve.
Unique Dial Design
The dial of the Sky-Dweller incorporates a distinctive feature where the 12-hour markers correspond to each month, with the current month indicated by a small window next to the corresponding number.
Sky-Dweller Innovations (2014-2017)
2014 Update
In 2014, Rolex introduced alternative models:
- White Gold Model (Reference 326139): Black alligator strap and black dial.
- Modified Yellow Gold Version (Reference 326138): Brown alligator strap.
2017 Major Additions
The year 2017 witnessed significant additions to the Sky-Dweller collection:
- Rolesor Two-Tone Models:
- 18k Yellow Gold and 904L Stainless Steel (Reference 326933): Available with black, champagne, or white dial colors.
- 18k White Gold and 904L Stainless Steel (Reference 326934): Available with black, blue, or white dial colors.
- These models featured a substantial update in appearance, incorporating new rectangular dial markers, improved legibility through Chromalight display, and slightly longer hands.
