Sea-Dweller – Sergio Capone – Gioielli e Orologi

Rolex Sea-Dweller
Citizen of the deep

Rolex created the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller in 1967 to meet the challenge of prolonged submarine missions. The Sea-Dweller is specifically designed for saturation diving. Thanks to the helium escape valve, it resists decompression during ascent by controlling the return to the surface-the final stage of deep sea exploration.

Guaranteed water-resistant to a depth of 610 meters at the time of its launch in 1967, then to 1,220 meters beginning in 1978, the Sea-Dweller brings together all the attributes of the modern dive watch. Tested under real-world conditions as part of the Tektite program, jointly initiated by NASA, the U.S. Navy and government in 1969, the Sea-Dweller is employed in the first major underwater habitat experiments.

The new face of diving

In the 1960s, so-called "saturation" diving made it possible to stay deep for longer periods. This technique involves housing divers in a pressurized habitat that mimics the pressure prevailing in their underwater working environments. In this way, they have to undergo a single decompression process at the end of the mission.

This process, however, can damage the clock. Divers breathe a gas mixture composed mainly of helium, whose tiny atoms manage to penetrate the case. Returning to the surface, helium imprisoned in the case could create a phenomenon of excess internal pressure, which could compromise its integrity.

Decompression control by helium escape valve

To solve the problem, in 1967 Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller, a dive watch equipped with a helium escape valve. Screwed to the case, it consists of a hermetic cylinder, piston, seal and spring, which act as a safety valve. When the pressure inside the case is excessive, the valve automatically opens, allowing the helium atoms to escape.

Infallible readability

The Chromalight display, exclusive to Rolex, gives the Sea-Dweller optimal readability in all circumstances. The hour markers, hands, bezel, and bezel are manually filled or coated with a luminescent substance that emits an intense blue glow in the dark, lasting up to twice as long as classical phosphorescent substances.

Increased water resistance

The Sea-Dweller is equipped with the Triplock winding crown. This screw-down crown was invented in 1970 and provides three sealing zones. It allows the water resistance of the 43 mm Oyster case, whose case middle is made from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy, to be strengthened.

The watch of the citizens of the seas

Explorers and oceanographers, such as Sylvia Earle, and underwater photographers, such as David Doubilet, know that the ocean is our most valuable asset and are dedicated to safeguarding it. They wear a Sea-Dweller that reflects their passion and commitment.

Rolex has also partnered with Comex (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises) since 1971. For several decades, the Sea-Dweller has been on the wrist of the French company's divers, specializing in engineering, technology and underwater interventions.