
Because the model does every year, for 2021, Rolex launched a collection of recent mannequin line extensions for its common watches. Within the Sky-Dweller household, we timepiece lovers get six new fashions, every paired with certainly one of Rolex’s Jubilee-style multi-link bracelets. The brand new 2021 Rolex Sky-Dweller watches embrace principally metal fashions (the fluted bezels are all the time in gold), in addition to two-tone Rolesor variations. Rolex already provides the Sky-Dweller on Oyster-style bracelets, in addition to Oysterflex straps. On the Jubilee bracelet, the reference 326933 and 326934 (as pictured on this submit) very a lot really feel like “Tremendous Datejusts” with extremely related personalities however with bigger instances and extra sophisticated actions than the icon Datejust.
This can be a good alternative to say that though the present era Rolex Datejust 41 and the Sky-Dweller are 1mm totally different in measurement on paper, the 42mm-wide Sky-Dweller is the bigger and thicker watch that, for my part, is greatest suited to bigger wrist sizes. The worth distinction between the 2 fashions can also be not extremely considerable, although each in 2021 phrases are troublesome to accumulate. My guess is that the Sky-Dweller is right now going to be nonetheless be tougher to get than the Datejust on account of the Sky-Dweller being a lower-production product.
Contained in the Sky-Dweller is the delicate in-house-made Rolex caliber 9001 computerized motion. Subsequent to the chronograph motion contained in the Daytona watches, that is probably the most sophisticated mechanical motion that Rolex presently produces. The automated-winding caliber 9001 options the time, GMT indicator dial, and annual calendar that signifies each the date and the month. The 4Hz operational frequency motion operates with about three days of energy reserve and options certainly one of Rolex’s most attention-grabbing motion adjustment characteristic programs utilizing the bezel that Rolex calls “Ring Command.” I beforehand reviewed the Rolex Sky-Dweller watch right here the place I speak extra concerning the motion and sporting this attention-grabbing Rolex mannequin household.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller could be the model’s most “horologically pleasant” product, however it has struggled to tackle a design theme unto itself. Early variations of the Sky-Dweller dial weren’t universally cherished and, over time, Rolex has made considerable enhancements to the dial. The issue is that the design of the Sky-Dweller, apart from achieve its personal persona, has merged with a extra generic Rolex design DNA incorporating many components present in different Rolex fashions. That is, in fact, not fully unusual with the model, however because the Sky-Dweller remains to be a comparatively new product pillar at Rolex, I believe the result’s that customers are simply confused with regards to which mannequin to focus consideration on. Then once more, nowadays the operative query for a lot of hopeful Rolex consumers is merely, “What mannequin can I discover and afford?”
The most well-liked of the brand new 2021 Rolex Sky-Dweller watches will most likely be the reference 362934 metal fashions (with 18k white gold fluted bezels) that come within the pictured black dial, in addition to white and a hip metallic blue. These similar dials are additionally obtainable in Sky-Dweller watches with the three-link Oyster bracelets – and every of those signify the entry-price level for the Sky-Dweller assortment (which remains to be over $14,000 USD). The 362933 reference contains three metal and yellow gold “Rolesor” variations that additionally signify dial colours Rolex followers are acquainted with within the Datejust household. As a result of it prices simply over $3,000 greater than the principally metal model, I’ve a sense that the Rolesor Sky-Dweller fashions are going to be a candy spot between value and availability. That mentioned, given right now’s traits, the principally metal 362934 fashions would be the “cooler” of the Sky-Dweller watches to personal.
Whereas Rolex has bigger Oyster Skilled sport watches obtainable, the Sky-Dweller stays the most important of Rolex’s dressier fashions, and that alone offers it enchantment amongst many wearers. For me the enchantment is essentially based mostly on its daring dimensions, sophisticated actions, and the truth that it isn’t among the many extra generally seen Rolex watches on the market. Rolex designed the Sky-Dweller as a extra intellectually compelling variant of the GMT-Grasp II for right now’s era of traveler. The GMT-Grasp may need been supposed for individuals who fly planes, however the Sky-Dweller is de facto meant for individuals who repeatedly transfer round in them. The world has modified a lot since Rolex initially launched the Sky-Dweller assortment a number of years in the past, and it’ll take a bit longer for the Sky-Dweller to actually carve its mark within the bigger pantheon of cherished Rolex themes. Till then, I admire the extra area of interest enchantment of the Sky-Dweller and its glorious mechanism. It could be a much bigger watch, however there may be definitely a marketplace for that. Worth for the principally metal with 18k white gold bezel Rolex Sky-Dweller 362934 is $14,300 USD, and the worth for the two-tone Rolesor Sky-Dweller 362934 fashions is $17,400 USD. Be taught extra on the Rolex web site right here.