Will 2017 Be the Year of the Blacked Out Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000?

UPDATE: The short answer is no! Check out the 2017 Sea-Dweller model here

Blacked Out Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 Concept

While Tudor Watch Company offers their Heritage Black Bay Dark model with a black PVD coating on it, we have yet to see Rolex come out with a blacked out model. When thinking of how they might commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller 4000 at Baselworld 2017, it occurred to me that offering a blacked out version is not only within their production capabilities, but also something that already has a market. Many companies offer after-market modification services and it might make sense for the watchmaker to apply a dark coating onto the stainless steel watch in-house to cut out the middle man.

The image above is a Photoshopped SD4K with a blacked out Oyster case and bracelet and the name and depth rating in double red to honor dive watches of years past. What I love about this concept is that it still maintains the Rolex aesthetic while bringing into the 21st century in terms of style. They are not known for following trends with their collections for the Rolex brand, so this would be a bold move that would revitalize a professional model that is usually overlooked. It would also be wise to invest in marketing another stainless steel configuration this year as precious metal watches aren't moving as much in international markets.

Even with all of my arguments for a blacked out Sea-Dweller 4000 in 2017, I know that it is a pie in the sky prediction based on Rolex's modus operandi when it comes to updating models. However, I don't think it hurts to daydream. As much as I respect the brand, I do crave a bold move from them in the coming year that would show watch enthusiasts that they are capable of more than building upon classic models and 20th century aesthetics.

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