Dive in Deep

The Rolex Sea-Dweller probably doesn’t compare in popularity to the Rolex Submariner, but the Deepsea diver is another great example of Rolex - creating durable watches for anyone’s adventure. 

Flash back to the 1960s where many professional divers were in need of a watch to help them safely dive to a depth of 1,000 feet. Rolex stepped up again. Rolex released the Rolex Oyster Perpetaul Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 in 1967 that would allow divers to dive to 2,000 feet deep. The biggest change in doing this was increasing the crystal thickness to protect the watch face. 

The Rolex Sea-Dweller was specifically marketed to a niche group with the goal of going deeper than the Submariner. Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dwellers weren’t designed for casual divers but for saturation diving. Saturation diving requires helium in the breathing gas mixture. Helium can easily enter a watch due to the atoms being very small. The Helium particles would accumulate within the case. Then, when decompressed underwater, the pressure inside the watch needed to be let out - breaking the glass as Helium forced its way out. Rolex found a solution.

One of the biggest features on the Rolex Deepsea (as well as Rolex’s other Sea-Dweller models) is the Helium Escape Valve. The HEV (Helium Escape Valve) uses a spring to release the Helium particles and other small particles of gas, so the crystal remains intake. This mechanism is essential for divers who spend a long time at deep depths.

Introduced in 2008, the Rolex Deepsea reaches a water resistance to 12,800 feet / 3,990 meters. A 5mm sapphire crystal supports the underwater pressure, the watch is a total of 18mm thick. The Rolex Deepsea also features a ceramic bezel and Chromalight lume. With a 44mm case, it's a very masculine size.

Another variation on the Rolex Deepsea you will see is what many refer to as the James Cameron. Continuing to push the limits, the James Cameron is a symbol of the enduring quest to discover the unknown. The D-Blue sports a unique dial with green Deepsea text that correlates to the Deepsea Challenger vessel. The Deepsea Challenger is also the name of the submersible vessel that James Camerson piloted into the Pacific Ocean at 11,000 feet. (side note: James Cameron is also a film director of both Titanic and Avatar).

During the 2012 mission, Cameron wore a Deepsea watch on his wrist, and on the outside of the submersible was attached a not-for-sale prototype watch known as the Rolex Deepsea Challenge. At 51mm, this experimental dive watch was like a super-sized version of the normal Rolex Deepsea designed to withstand the massive pressure of being down to a maximum of 12,000 meters under water. It did, and history was made.

A rugged, yet classy design, the Rolex Deepsea is perfect for life deep underwater as well as a daily wear. Rolex once again trumps its rich history with unparalleled quality by solving problems faced by professionals and adventurers from all over the world. 

Strap up your Rolex Deepsea with an Everest Band this summer. As the weather warms, our Swiss-made rubber watch bands will not only lighten the load on your wrist, but they are sweat proof and easy to clean and sanitize. Take your Rolex Deepsea on any adventure with Everest here.