The Rolex Deepsea fully illustrates the innovative ability of Rolex. At its launch in 2008, this deep-sea divers’ watch, waterproof to a depth of 3,900 metres (12,800 feet), inaugurated the Ringlock system – a unique case architecture that allows it to withstand the pressure exerted at this extreme depth.

In the underwater depths, being able to read the time with absolute certainty is a matter of survival. Great attention was paid to the legibility of the Rolex Deepsea: this professional divers’ watch features a dial with a pared-back design and incorporates the Chromalight display. The simple forms of the hour markers – triangles, circles and rectangles – and the hands, which are clearly differentiated in size and shape, are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow. On the bezel, the triangular ‘zero’ marker of the graduation is visible in the dark thanks to an embedded capsule containing the same luminescent material.

Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in the production of these ceramic components.

On the new version of the Rolex Deepsea, the unidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic that allows divers to monitor their time underwater. The high-performance compression ring of the Ringlock system is also made of blue ceramic – a first for this component. The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals of the Cerachrom insert, as well as the engraved inscriptions on the ring, are coated with yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).

A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 44 mm Oyster case of the Rolex Deepsea is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 3,900 metres (12,800 feet).

The Rolex Deepsea benefits from the Ringlock system, a patented case architecture developed by Rolex. This system comprises three superposed elements: a thick, slightly domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, a high-performance compression ring, which withstands the water pressure, and a case back in RLX titanium.

The Rolex Deepsea is equipped with calibre 3235 with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 70 hours.

The Rolex Deepsea in 18 ct yellow gold is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link metal bracelet is known for its robustness; it remains the most universal bracelet in the Oyster Perpetual collection.

The Oyster bracelet of the new Rolex Deepsea is equipped with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, developed by the brand and patented. This inventive toothed mechanism located under the clasp cover enables fine adjustment of the bracelet length, without the need for tools. The Oyster bracelet of the Rolex Deepsea in 18 ct yellow gold also includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).