Rolex Introduced the Sky-Dweller Model in 2012

.History.
In 2012 Rolex released their Sky-Dweller model with an impressive list of utilitarian features for frequent flyers. Protected by 14 patents, this watch can keep the time in two places at once and differentiate between months with 30 and 31 days. It also has a clever annual calendar display, with a month indicator on each of the 12 hour marks and a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. 
photo of First Rolex Sky-Dweller Model, 2012
First Rolex Sky-Dweller Model, 2012 (photo: Rolex)
The 9001 movement that was designed for this model uses a Saros annual calendar to differentiate between the longer or shorter months. It is one of the most complex mechanical watch movements manufactured by Rolex, responsible for telling the time in two locations at once and allowing the wearer to jump from hour to hour to set it without affecting the minute or second hands.

Aside from the technical innovations, the Sky-Dweller offers an interesting design aesthetic that incorporates the fluted bezel of the original Day-Date, a large 42 mm case, a Cyclops magnifying lens and a unique off-center rotating 24 hour disc.

The functionality of this timepiece is accessible to most after a quick study of the crown and bezel. Its size is just large enough to compete with other large luxury watches that dominate the market but small enough to look sophisticated on the wrist.

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UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor Wears a Rolex Sky-Dweller

.Celebrities.
Irishman Conor McGregor is one of the most popular UFC fighters because of his sense of humor and his memorable takedowns, including his history-making 13 second knock out of Jose Aldo last year. 

UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor Wearing a Rolex Skydweller (photo: Second Hand Time Shop)

The featherweight champ is also known for his dapper style at press conferences and talk show appearances. He is photographed above wearing a yellow gold Rolex Sky-Dweller paired nicely with a navy vest and purple pocket square.

Unselfish with the millions he has raked in for his fights, McGregor gifted girlfriend Dee Devlin a Rolex Datejust with a diamond bezel last Christmas.

TMZ caught up with Mixed Martial Artist leaving a Rolex store in March of 2016, just after his loss to welterweight Nate Diaz in Las Vegas on March 5, 2016. Unfortunately, the cameraman seemed more interested in talking to him about Justin Bieber than asking what he may have purchased at Rolex. Watch the video below.

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Rolex 9001 Movement

.Tech.
Rolex calibre 9001 is one of the most complex self-winding mechanical movements developed and manufactured by the watchmaker. This certified Swiss chronometer was designed for the Sky-Dweller model in 2012, featuring a dual time zone display and an annual calendar that tells the difference between months with 30 and 31 days. 

Rolex 9001 movement
Rolex 9001 Movement
The functions of the impressive watch are adjusted using the rotatable Ring Command Bezel. The movement is equipped with a selector wheel on its outside edge that works with the bezel to allow for these adjustments.

A Saros annual calendar that uses the positions of the earth, moon and sun is built into the movement using four additional gear wheels. This is the mechanism that allows the watch to differentiate between shorter and longer months, making it only necessary to set the date on March 1 to make up for the month of February having less than 30 days.

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Jay Z Pairs Rolex Sky-Dweller with Gold Cuban Link Chain

.Celebrities.
The Wireless Festival is an annual music event that takes place in England over the summer. Jay Z was a headliner in July of 2013, releasing his album Magna Carta Holy Grail that same week. 

During his set, the rapper wore an impressive 5 kilo Cuban link chain by Rafaello & Co flanked by an 18 karat gold Celine ID Bracelet on his right wrist and a gold Rolex Sky-Dweller on the left. 

Jay Z Gold Sky-Dweller, cuban link chain, celine id bracelet
Jay Z Wearing Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller (image: Wireless Festival)
Although many would find the styling a bit gaudy, the simplicity of a short sleeved white button down shirt makes the jewelry a focal point. And considering that his lyrical content is full of jewelry references (this Cuban link chain is mentioned in his song BBC) it makes sense that he would wear something this flashy onstage.

It is always interesting to see how stylists pair Rolex watches with other jewelry pieces. The gold Sky-Dweller adds a classic masculine touch to this performance look.

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