Breaking News! New Rolex release! "Deep Sea Challenge"!!

Amazing!! Rolex announced a new model on November 1st, 2022 (early morning) Japan time!!

that name as well

"Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Challenge"

"Ref.126067"

It has been about half a year since the release of the Sea-Dweller Deepsea Ref. 136660 at the end of March 2022. It was born with overwhelming water resistance of over 10,000m. This new release may give us some hints about Rolex's new products in 2023!

So, this time I would like to explain the features of the new "Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Challenge" "Ref. 126067". Please read to the end.

Basic specifications

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sea-dweller/m126067-0001.html

Highlights

Let's take a closer look at the key features of the new Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Challenge.

1. "RLX Titanium" is used for the case and bracelet (the model number (Ref.) ends with "7")
2. Case diameter 50mm, domed crystal 9.5mm, water resistance 11,000m
3. Equipped with "Cal.3230" (same as the "Submariner" non-date "Ref.124060")
4. Equipped with both "Flip Lock Extension Link" and "Glide Lock System"

1. "RLX Titanium" is used for the case and bracelet (the model number (Ref.) ends with "7")

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sea-dweller/m126067-0001.html

The "RLX Titanium" material was used for the back cover of the "Sea-Dweller Deep Sea", but it has been used throughout the case and bracelet of the new "Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Challenge" "Ref. 126067". In addition, with this change, the "7" at the end of the number, which had been missing for a long time, is being used for the first time.
*The last suffix of a Rolex model number indicates the material used.

The name of the material for the Sea-Dweller Deepsea "Ref. 136660" has been changed from "Grade 5 Titanium" to "RLX Titanium", and thinking back on it now, this may have been a prelude to the announcement of this new model.

2. Case diameter 50mm, domed crystal 9.5mm, water resistance 11,000m

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sea-dweller/m126067-0001.html

The case diameter is 50mm, probably the largest for a Rolex, and the dome-shaped crystal has been increased in thickness from 5.5mm (Ref. 136660) to 9.5mm. In addition, the water resistance has been increased to 11,000m, which is about 2.8 times the previous top-class water resistance of 3,900m in the watch world. To achieve this exceptional water resistance, a sturdy case like this is probably necessary. And, although this is only a guess, I think this water resistance is closely related to the history of the Deepsea.

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sea-dweller/m126067-0001.html

On January 23, 1960, the Trieste submersible made its first manned dive to the deepest part of the Mariana Trench, and Rolex brought with it a prototype with a case diameter of 43 mm. (The model on the right in the photo above.)

After about half a century, on March 26, 2012, film director and explorer James Cameron made a record-breaking solo dive to 10,908 m (35,787 ft) in the Pacific Ocean aboard the Deepsea Challenger, reaching the deepest point in the world. A prototype was also created and brought along on this occasion. (*The model on the left in the photo above.)

These prototypes were not manufactured for commercial sale, but this time, in respect of the world record of 10,908m, they have been put into practical use as a model that is waterproof to 11,000m.

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sea-dweller/m126067-0001.html

By the way, the back of the case is engraved with "MARIANA TRENCH," "23-01-1960," and "26-03-2012," showing that this record is well respected.

3. Equipped with "Cal.3230" (same as the "Submariner" non-date "Ref.124060")

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sea-dweller/m126067-0001.html

The movement is also noteworthy. As you can see from the dial, there is no date display. This is because the movement is the Cal.3230, the same as the Submariner non-date Ref.124060. Is the removal of the date display a sign of the pursuit of a more professional look?

4. Equipped with both the "Flip Lock Extension Link" and the "Glide Lock System"

*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sea-dweller/m126067-0001.html

The RLX titanium Oyster bracelet is equipped with both the "Flip Lock Extension Link" and the "Glide Lock System", which allow the watch to be worn comfortably over a diving suit up to 7 mm thick. These two systems were used up until the "Ref. 126660", but the "Flip Lock Extension Link" was discontinued with the "Ref. 136660". Now, it has been revived as a return to its roots. Perhaps Rolex has adopted it in response to the public's calls for its revival.

summary

The price is 3,093,200 yen, which is about twice the price of the Sea-Dweller Deepsea " Ref . 136660" at 1,646,700 yen, but since it is about three times more waterproof and is made of titanium, it may actually be cheaper.

And best of all, it raises the possibility that a titanium model will be released as part of the new Rolex lineup in 2023! There is a commemorative model for the 60th anniversary of the Daytona, so let's look forward to seeing if one of these models will be released.