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Made to withstand the extreme pressure at the incredible depth of 12,000 meters (39,370 feet), this experimental diving watch set the new world’s record in terms of water-resistance. Entirely developed and produced by Rolex, the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge is prepared to accompany James Cameron’s submersible to the ocean’s greatest depths.
The renowned Swiss watchmaker has always been closely linked with the explorations of the most extreme parts on the Earth, which makes it the ideal partner for Deepsea Challenge, a scientific expedition that announces a new era in marine explorations. The expedition is currently led by the famous movie director and the passionate explorer, James Cameron, who is going to pilot several dives in the single-person sub, called the Deepsea Challenger, to the Challenger Deep (35,800 feet deep), the lowest point in the Mariana Trench and the deepest known place on the planet. Including a number of science partners, the expedition will encounter sights that no human has seen before.
Thus, 52 years after Rolex’s experimental Deep Sea Special wristwatch entered the watchmaking history, joining the first successful descent to the deepest-known point in the ocean, being attached to the exterior of the bathyscaphe Trieste, the new revolutionary product will once again prove the brand’s unmatched expertise in reaching the highest durability.
Rolex Improved Perfection
Historically, the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge watch is a true ancestor of this iconic watch from 1960. However, speaking about technology and design, it is an enhanced version of the commercial Deepsea professional diving timepiece, first time launched in 2008, offering water-resistance up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet).
The new version is the real giant among watches, even among professional diver watches. Its three-piece case, made of 904L stainless steel superalloy, has the diameter of 51.4 mm, while it is 28.5 mm thick. This super-tough architecture is based on the Ringlock system of the commercial model. The highly resistant, nitrogen-alloyed stainless steel support ring is located inside the middle-case, caring a 14.3 mm thick domed sapphire crystal glass, as well as a screw-down case-back made of 5.3 mm thick grade 5 titanium.
Other key technical features are also taken over from the Deepsea Professional. First of all, there is a patented TRIPLOCK screw-down winding crown with a triple water-resistance system. Furthermore, great functionality under water is ensured with a unidirectional rotating bezel, incorporating a CERACHROM ceramic insert with the 60-minute graduated scale. A black lacquer dial guarantees superb readability, thanks to the CHROMALIGHT display with the long-lasting luminescence and hands and indices with blue luminosity in low-light conditions.
Rolex Deepsea Challenge watch is powered by an in-house Calibre 3135 self-winding movement, with a paramagnetic blue PARACHROM hairspring and a large balance wheel with variable inertia. This COSC certified chronometer oscillates at the frequency of 28’800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides a power-reserve up to 48 hours. The last sign of recognition is a solid-link Oysrer bracelet fitted with an Oysterlock clasp with a safety catch and the Rolex GLIDELOCK and FLIPLOCK diving extension system.
