Introduced 50 years ago, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was the world’s first deep dive watch, and its latest incarnation harks back to the most fabled chapter in its glorious history, writes Celine Yap
IT IS HARD TO THINK OF A MORE underrated sports watch than the Rolex Sea-Dweller. When it comes to Rolex diving watches, the Submariner gets most of, if not all, the love. Granted, the Sea-Dweller began as an offshoot of the Submariner, so it is perhaps fair the latter gets more recognition. It does, overwhelmingly so, and this is probably a blessing in disguise for watch connoisseurs who actually favour the Sea-Dweller.
Not as commonly encountered, the Sea-Dweller appeals to a select group of Rolex collectors for whom extreme performance is the holy grail. But its niche appeal is set to widen as the watch celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a new reference that has made it to the top of every savvy watch collector’s hit list. As with all the most coveted Rolex watches, the waiting list for the new Sea-Dweller Ref 126600 is long with a capital L. It is said that this tribute piece checks all the right boxes for an ultra collectable Rolex—a recap of the watch’s history that tells the full story.
WAY BACK WHEN
In 1953, the same year the Submariner was released, Rolex collaborated with a Swiss scientist named Auguste Piccard, who had invented the deep-sea diving bathyscaphe Trieste. The challenge was for Rolex to create a watch that could accompany the submersible on its dives. The brand delivered spectacularly, creating an experimental Oyster it called the Deep Sea Special, designed to resist the pressures of the deep. In 1960, a revamped Deep Sea Special accompanied the Trieste on its mission to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, at a record depth of 10,916m. When it surfaced, it was found to have kept perfect time. This was proof of Rolex’s expertise in diving watches, and the beginning of the Sea-Dweller legacy.
Denne historien er fra August 2017-utgaven av Singapore Tatler.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2017-utgaven av Singapore Tatler.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Old-World CHARM
Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora
INDUSTRIALI
Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey
Love Story
Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds
Over the Rainbow
The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight
Twist and Turn
Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations
Game On
From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other
The Wrist Taker
Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces