Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller, ref. 126600

CASE : 904L stainless steel, ceramic bezel insert, sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens, solid screw-in back, water-resistant to 1,220m

SIZE : 43mm

MOVEMENT : mechanical self-winding (Caliber 3235, 70h power reserve), chronometer-certified by the COSC and Superlative Chronometer certification

FUNCTIONS : hours, minutes, seconds, date

DIAL : Black with Sea-Dweller inscription in red

BRACELET : 904 stainless steel, with Oysterlock folding safety clasp, Glidelock extension system and Fliplock extension link

SINGLE RED IS BACK

It sounds like the title of a thriller, but is in fact a watchmaking story that began in 1967 when Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller. It was at the time and long remained the most extreme, most reliable and most professional of all divers’ watches. It has always distinguished itself by its extreme pressureresistance, which has varied between 600 and 1,220 meters, as well as by the fact of being the only Rolex with a date display and no Cyclops lens. Another distinctive feature is that several series were produced with the name spelt out in red letters. The Sea-Dweller was made in such small quantities that these models, known as Single Red and Double Red, have become legends. In 2017, Rolex introduces a new Sea-Dweller, bearing identification number 126600. While logically equipped with the latest-generation movement, Caliber 3235, it also defies the historical logic of the range. Firstly, this Sea-Dweller is fitted with a Cyclops lens. Secondly, the 43 mm case is larger than the previous 40 mm version, making it a huge watch, a style that Rolex has thus far resisted despite prevailing trends and popular pressure. And the last surprise is that 126600 is a Red. Rolex has in fact written the Sea-Dweller name in red. More than a mere nod, this is an authentic tribute.