Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller (Baselworld 2019)

In the recent Baselworld 2019, Rolex introduced a new Sea-Dweller in a two-tone Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold colour combination, to which Rolex has named “Yellow Rolesor”.

The Rolesor features a polished yellow gold centre links, crown, bezel with gold numerals on the black ceramic bezel insert. Physically, this two-tone number is quite a departure from the rest of the line of Sea-Dwellers but its technical specs remain the same as the Sea-Dweller (ref.126600) that Rolex launched in Baselworld 2017.

On the dial of the 2017 model, the name “Sea-Dweller” is inscribed in red colour to honour the 50th anniversary of the original “double red” Sea-Dweller from 1968. The latest Rolesor, however, has a creamy golden hue painted in its place, to match the gold accent.

The Rolesor Tool Watch Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller

Taking back to the beginning of Sea-Dwellers: Rolex created an ideal-type watch that promises robustness, reliability and all the functionalities for deep-underwater activities. Sea-Dwellers were then celebrated for its underwater timekeeping achievements, thanks to some Rolex-patented innovations such as the Oyster case and the helium escape valve.

The helium escape valve, patented by Rolex in 1967

While it may seem a little transgressive for Rolex to launch a two-tone gold (almost decorated) Sea-Dweller – which is highly regarded as a functional tool watch, the new design reaffirms that the watch is still a luxury piece at its core. It is also indicative of Rolex’s ability to design a luxury watch that is equal parts functional and beautiful.

In the books of Rolex, the combination of Oystersteel and gold represents a marriage between elegance and performance. After all, we are living in an era where luxury watches are constantly defying traditional notions where emphasis are only placed on the technical aspect of sports watches.

Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Tech Price & Specs

Movement: Self-winding calibre 3235 Rolex manufacture, 70-hour power reserve
Case: 43mm Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold, water resistant to 1,220m
Strap: Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold bracelet
Price: CHF$15,300