Sea-Dweller 4000 (left) vs  50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller (right)

The arrival of the 50th Anniversary Rolex Sea-Dweller model in 2017 signals a departure from previous model configurations. The model used to share similarities to the Submariner, but now is closer to the Deepsea in case size. However, some aspects of the Sub have made their way onto the Sea-Dweller, giving it an interested cross-section of characteristics from both of Rolex's most popular dive watches.

2017 Sea-Dweller Case Size & Aesthetic Updates

The previous Sea-Dweller 4000 model shared the same 40mm case size as the Submariner. In its new configuration, the case size has been increased to 43mm in diameter, a difference of just 1mm from the 44mm case of the Deepsea. The model name is now colored red, a design element pulled from the original SD model introduced in 1967. Perhaps the most controversial aesthetic update to this model is the addition of the Cyclops magnifying lens over the date aperture at 3 o'clock. Some appreciate the magnification while other find the glare distracting and prefer models without the iconic innovation.

Movement, Power Reserve & Pricing

In its 50th Anniversary edition, the Sea-Dweller is powered by a new-generation Calibre 3235, replacing the Calibre 3135 in the previous model. The new self-winding mechanical movement, manufactured by the watchmaker, increases the power reserve from 48 hours to 70 hours. This reserve is greater than both the current Submariner and Deepsea models. These improvements come at a price, though. The previous SD4K had a suggested retail price of 9,900 Swiss francs while this new configuration (Reference # 126600) has a suggested retail price of 10,800 Swiss francs.

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2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary (photo: Rolex)

One of the most significant changes made to this model is the case size. The Oyster case of the 2017 Sea-Dweller measures 43mm in diameter. Another notable difference between this and past configurations is the addition of the Cyclops magnifying lens over the date aperture at 3 o'clock. In homage to the original, the model name is colored in red against the black dial. A Triplock winding crown sits between crown guards and seals the case for a depth rating of 1,220 meters.

2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller Side View (photo: Rolex)

The helium escape valve patented by Rolex in 1967 helps this robust diver's watch regulate pressure during the decompression phase of deep sea dives. A black Cerachrom bezel displays the 60-minute graduated scale that allows divers to time their dives. The hands and hour markers feature Chromalight luminescence for visibility in the darkness. Professional divers also benefit from the extension systems that form part of the Oysterlock safety clasp. A Fliplock extension link extends the bracelet by 26mm and the Glidelock extension system allows the wearer to increase the bracelet by 20mm in increments of 2mm.

2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller Lume (photo: Rolex)

The power reserve of 70 hours and functionality of the 2017 Sea-Dweller are carried out by a 3235 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by Rolex. This caliber features tech innovations like the Chronergy escapement and blue Parachrom hairspring. The suggested retail price for the 50th Anniversary Rolex Sea-Dweller model is $10,800 US. For more information visit rolex.com. To check out all of the new model configurations introduced by the watchmaker at Baselworld 2017, click here.

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