Among the recently unveiled 2020 new Rolex watches, the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky–Dweller has indeed hit the spot. Initially introduced in 2012, the quintessential Rolex complicated watch was slightly updated in 2017 with the launch of the Rolex Sky–Dweller in Steel and Gold, to receive no significant upgrades ever since.
Alongside the highly-coveted new Rolex Submariner, Rolex has debuted new references in 18–carat yellow gold and Everose gold, showcasing the brand’s signature Oysterflex rubber strap for the very first time. We might argue a new strap is no breaking news, yet it has great relevance on a Sky–Dweller for at least two good reasons. First, the Sky–Dweller is the first Classic collection to adopt the high-performance elastomer-based strap, usually reserved for Professional Rolex watches like the Cosmograph Daytona or Yacht–Master 40 and 42mm in gold.
The Oysterflex bracelet brings excellent advantages in comfort and wearability, thus reinforcing the luxury tool-watch pedigree of a watch engineered for refined globetrotters. The Oysterflex strap perfectly summarizes a metal bracelet’s benefits (the folding clasp, for instance) with a rubber strap’s flexibility and sporty feel. It offers a distinctive design, where the rubber pieces encapsulate one flexible titanium–and–nickel metal blade each, thus combining easy-to-wear performance with enhanced reliability.
Additionally, two “cushions” placed on the inside paired with Oysterclasp and the patented Rolex Glidelock system guarantee the Oysterflex tapers your wrist smoothly. There are no significant changes in the case instead. The new Sky–Dweller with Oysterflex is 42mm across, has the hallmark knurled bezel, which can rotate and manage the timepiece’s main functions via the Ring Command system, a mechanical gear train engaging bezel, winding crown, and movement. The dial offers a two-time zone display; additionally, the Sky–Dweller offers the Saros annual calendar.
From a readability point of view, gold hands and indexes coated with Chromalight luminescent material offer at-a-glance visibility in most lighting conditions. The Sky–Dweller‘s mechanical movement is the in-house engineered caliber 9001, a self-winding caliber with a Perpetual rotor capable of 72 hours of maximum power reserve. It also adopts a blue Parachrom anti-magnetic hairspring, with a Rolex terminal curve and Paraflex shockproof device to protect the regulating organ against unwanted shocks. The Sky–Dweller is a Superlative Chronometer. The watch is, of course, covered by a five-year international warranty.
The Rolex Sky–Dweller 2020 comes in two new references. The reference 326238 in 18-carat yellow gold and black dial with sunray finish retails for Euro 38,350. The reference 326235 in Everose Gold comes with three different dial options: rhodium gray, white, chocolate, and all retail for Euro 39,750. The new 2020 Rolex Sky–Dweller will be available at Rolex authorized retailers soon.
(Photo credit: courtesy of Rolex)
Francesco Falcone @Horbiter®
