Source: Images and content by Rolex. See the original article here - https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/sky-dweller
RING COMMAND SYSTEM
The Sky-Dweller is equipped with the Ring Command system. This mechanism of interaction between the rotatable bezel, the winding crown and the movement, developed and patented by Rolex, allows the user to select the watch’s functions one-by-one – calendar (date and month), local time or reference time – by turning the fluted bezel counterclockwise by one, two or three positions respectively.
The selected function can then be rapidly adjusted in either direction using the winding crown – which has only one setting position – and with no restrictions.
The simple and intuitive Ring Command system is a complex mechanism consisting of around 50 components. Its design demanded state-of-the-art watchmaking and micromechanical expertise. At the heart of this system are a double cam and levers that engage various gear trains inside the movement according to the function selected. One of these cams is activated by pulling out the winding crown; the other is driven by rotating the bezel to activate setting wheels located in the middle case of the watch.
THE SKY-DWELLER, SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFIED
Like all Rolex watches, the Sky-Dweller is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation attests that each watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
The precision of every movement – officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) – is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria that are far stricter than those of the official certification. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.
The Superlative Chronometer certification testing is carried out after casing using state-of-the-art equipment specially developed by Rolex and according to an exclusive methodology that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and more closely represents real-life experience. The entirely automated series of tests also checks the waterproofness, the self-winding capacity and the power reserve of 100 per cent of Rolex watches. These tests systematically complement the qualification testing during development and production, in order to ensure the watches’ reliability, robustness, and resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS
The Sky-Dweller’s Oyster case, 42 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and elegance. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy, or from 18 ct gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that grants only certified Rolex watchmakers access to the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of a virtually scratchproof sapphire with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Sky-Dweller’s movement.
PERPETUAL CALIBRE 9001
The Sky-Dweller is equipped with calibre 9001, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. With a number of patent applications filed over the course of its development, this movement is one of the most complex developed by the brand. Its architecture, manufacturing and innovative features make it exceptionally precise and reliable.
The oscillator of calibre 9001 has a large balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers.
Calibre 9001 includes a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position.
Calibre 9001 is fitted with a self-winding module featuring a Perpetual rotor which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring and provides constant energy thanks to movements of the wrist. It offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.
A selector wheel positioned on the outside edge of the movement ensures the interaction between the rotatable bezel, the winding crown and the movement to set the functions.
The Sky-Dweller’s movement will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet it is beautifully finished and decorated in keeping with the brand’s uncompromising quality standards.
OYSTER AND OYSTERFLEX BRACELETS
Depending on the version, the Sky-Dweller is available with either a three-piece link Oyster bracelet or an Oysterflex bracelet, both of which are equipped with a folding Oysterclasp.
The Oyster bracelet on the Sky-Dweller features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex. This system allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance. A concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case. In addition, on the 18 ct gold versions, the bracelet includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.
The Oysterflex bracelet, developed and patented by Rolex, singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the suppleness, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. At the core of this innovative bracelet are two flexible metal blades – one for each bracelet section – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer. On the Sky-Dweller, the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with the Rolex Glidelock extension system, also developed and patented by the brand. This particularly inventive mechanism comprises a rack located under the clasp cover that enables fine adjustment of the bracelet length, without tools. The Rolex Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the bracelet length to be adjusted easily, up to some 15 mm.
