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.

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS

2017 Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 in Stainless Steel (photo: Rolex)

Stainless steel is the dominant material of Rolex's 2017 new model configurations. The Lady-Datejust 28 is now available in several new 904l stainless steel and white Rolesor configurations with varied dial colors. It features a new generation calibre 2236 self-winding mechanical movement manufactures in-house by Rolex.


One of the characteristics of the 2236 movement is the Syloxi hairspring, a patented innovation using silicon to improve the performance of the oscillator. This helps the Lady-Datejust achieve Superlative Chronometer certification. This model is available on an Oyster and Jubilee bracelet with a concealed Crownclasp.

For more information on this 2017 Rolex model, visit rolex.com. To check out the entire collection of 2017 configurations, click here for live pics from the Rolex stand at Baselworld 2017 and here for professional photos and details.

>>BACK TO ROLEX MODELS

2017 Stainless Steel Rolex Yacht-Master II (photo: Rolex)

The updates made to the Yacht-Master II model in 2017 left some enthusiasts scratching their heads after its re-introduction at Baselworld. The modifications are minimal but ultimately benefit the wearer in the end. The 12 o'clock hour marker was swapped from a small square to a larger triangle. The 6 o'clock marker is now rectangular and the hands were changed to the Mercedes-shaped luminescent hands seen on other models form the Professional collection.

Lume Shot Deepsea (left) and Previous YM2 (right)

In the photo above, the previous Yacht-Master II configuration is shown to the right of the Deepsea. In the dark, the small hour markers and minimally luminescent hands are difficult to distinguish from each-other. The 2017 Yacht-Master II is shown in the lume shot below with the improved display. The hour and minute hands are far more visible now and the hour markers are easier to distinguish from each other with 12 and 6 o'clock in different shapes.

2017 Rolex Yacht-Master II Lume

The changes made to this model echo the ones made to the Explorer last year. It seems that the watchmaker is prioritizing the Chromalight luminescence of their timepieces now more than ever. For more information on the stainless steel Yacht-Master II (Reference # 116680) visit rolex.com. To check out all of their 2017 model configurations, check out my post with live pics from Baselworld 2017.

>>BACK TO ROLEX MODELS

Pricing for Every 2017 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Model Configuration

For details on the new Daytona model on Oysterflex, click here or visit the Rolex Models page.

>>BACK TO SHOPPING GUIDE

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.

>>BACK TO ROLEX MODELS