Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Watch Introduction

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller is a legendary divers' watch that has conquered the depths of the ocean. Featuring a 43mm Oystersteel case, unidirectional rotatable bezel with a Cerachrom insert, and a helium escape valve, it is waterproof to an impressive 1,220 meters. The intense black dial with large hands and indices, and the Chromalight display ensure excellent legibility even in dark conditions. $11,892

Detailed Specifications

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller boasts several key features: 

• Case Size: 40mm - Material: 904L Stainless Steel or 18k Gold 
• Water Resistance: Up to 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) 
• Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel 
• Helium-Escaping Valve: Automatic decompression system 
• Movement: Calibre 3235, self-winding mechanical movement 
• Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours 
• Dial: Available in black, blue, or white

Wearing the Watch For the First Time

Before being worn for the first time, or if it has stopped, a Rolex watch must be wound manually in order to function correctly and precisely. To wind the watch manually, unscrew the winding crown completely, then turn it several times clockwise. (Turning in the other direction has no effect.) A minimum of 25 turns is required for adequate partial winding. The watch will then be wound automatically as long as it is worn on the wrist. Carefully screw the crown back down against the case to ensure waterproofness.

The green seal accompanying your Rolex watch is a symbol of its status as a Superlative Chronometer. This exclusive designation attests that it has successfully undergone a series of specific final controls by Rolex in its own laboratories in addition to the official COSC certification of its movement. This unique testing of its chronometric precision, waterproofness, self-winding and reliability pushes back the boundaries of performance and makes Rolex a benchmark for excellence in mechanical watches. For further information, please visit https://rolex.com 

THE HEART OF THE SEA-DWELLER MODELS

OYSTER PERPETUAL ROLEX DEEPSEA

The Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea illustrates Rolex’s expertise in mastering waterproofness. Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 3,900 metres (12,800 feet), it benefits from the Ringlock system, a Rolex-developed, patented case architecture that enables it to resist the pressure at these depths. Its helium escape valve and unidirectional rotatable bezel make it a true professional diving instrument. Its dial offers exceptional legibility thanks to the Chromalight hour markers and hands filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow when in darkness. The 44 mm case is a paragon of robustness. 

The Triplock winding crown, with a triple waterproofness system, is protected by a crown guard that is an integral part of the middle case. The sapphire crystal is virtually scratchproof and benefits from an anti-reflective coating.

The Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement entirely manufactured  by Rolex. 

The Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea features an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock safety clasp and the Rolex Glidelock fine-adjustment system.

HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE

Professional saturation divers spend long periods of time in a hyperbaric chamber, where the gas mixture they breathe contains a significant proportion of helium. The molecules are so small that they penetrate the watch case.

During the decompression phase that enables divers to gradually eliminate the gas mixture absorbed by their bodies and returns them to normal atmospheric pressure, the helium cannot always escape from the watch case sufficiently quickly. This phenomenon can result 
in a build-up of pressure inside the timepiece, leading to damage or even separating the crystal from the case. 

To allow the gas to be released without compromising the waterproofness of the watch, the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller and the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea are equipped with the helium escape valve. This unidirectional valve activates automatically when the pressure inside the case is too high. 

Description

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller is crafted with precision and durability in mind. The watch features a distinctive dial with large hour markers and hands, ensuring clear readability even in low-light conditions. The case is built from high-quality materials such as 904L stainless steel or 18k gold, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. The watch’s unidirectional rotating bezel allows divers to monitor their dive time accurately. Additionally, the helium-escaping valve ensures safe decompression during ascents from deep dives.

USING  YOUR WATCH

OVERVIEW

1. Hour hand
2. Minute hand
3. Seconds hand
4. Date window
5. Unidirectional rotatable bezel   with 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in ceramic
6. Triplock winding crown with   triple waterproofness system
7. Helium escape valve

SETTING THE WATCH

Screwed-down position (position 0) 
The crown is completely screwed down against the case. When the crown is in this position, the Oyster Perpetual  Sea-Dweller and the Oyster Perpetual  Rolex Deepsea are guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 1,220 and 3,900 metres  (4,000 and 12,800 feet), respectively.

Manual winding (position 1)
The crown is unscrewed. To wind the  watch manually, turn the crown clockwise; turning in the other direction has no effect. When setting the watch for the first time or after the watch has stopped, complete a minimum  of 25 turns for partial winding.

Initial winding and setting

1. Wind the watch manually (position 1 ).
2. Note the date change at midnight, then set the time (position 3 ).
3. Set the date (position 2 ).

After every use, carefully screw the crown back down against the case to guarantee the waterproofness. Return the crown to position 1 and apply light pressure on it while screwing it down clockwise against the case. The crown should never be unscrewed underwater.

Setting the date (position 2) 
The crown is unscrewed and pulled out to the first notch. To set the date, turn the crown clockwise. (Turning in the other direction has no effect.) During this operation, the watch continues to function.

Setting the time (position 3) 
The crown is unscrewed and pulled out  to the second notch. The seconds hand  is stopped, allowing you to set the time to the precise second. To set the hour  and minute, turn the crown in either direction. To avoid confusion between  am and pm hours, move the hour  hand to 12 o’clock. If the date changes,  it is midnight.

After every use, carefully screw the crown back down against the case to guarantee the waterproofness. Return the crown to position 1 and apply light pressure on it while screwing it down clockwise against the case. The crown should never be unscrewed underwater.

Setup Guide

To operate the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller, follow these steps: 

1. Setting the Time:** Pull the crown out to the first position to set the date and the second position to set the time. 
2. Using the Bezel:** Rotate the unidirectional bezel counterclockwise to set the desired dive time. 
3. Activating the Helium-Escaping Valve:** This valve operates automatically; no manual intervention is required. 
4. Winding the Watch:** If the watch has stopped, wind it by rotating the crown while it is in the first position.

UNIDIRECTIONAL ROTATABLE BEZEL

The Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller  
and the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea allow divers to safely monitor their dive  time thanks to the unidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert made of particularly durable ceramic.
Before the dive
Before beginning your descent, turn  the bezel until the triangle on the graduation is opposite the minute hand. It indicates the beginning of the dive and is visible in the dark thanks to a phosphorescent capsule.

During the dive
The duration of the dive is indicated  on the graduation on the Cerachrom insert by the minute hand. For safety reasons, the bezel turns only counterclockwise. Accidental rotation   of the bezel can therefore only shorten the dive time.

ROLEX GLIDELOCK FINE-ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller model

On the Oyster bracelet, the Rolex  Glidelock fine-adjustment system enables the bracelet length to be adjusted in approximately 2 mm increments up to around 20 mm, allowing the watch   to be worn over a diving suit.

Adjusting the bracelet

1. Open the safety catch
2. Open the clasp
3. Pull on the bracelet to release it from the notch in the rack
4. Adjust the position of the bracelet to the desired length
5. Lock down the bracelet

ROLEX GLIDELOCK FINE-ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea model

On the Oyster bracelet, the Rolex  Glidelock fine-adjustment system enables the bracelet length to be adjusted in approximately 2 mm increments up to around 20 mm, allowing the watch   to be worn over a diving suit.

1. Open the safety catch
2. Lift the centre panel
3. Slide the bracelet  to the desired length
4. Push the centre panel back down 
5. Close the safety catch

ROLEX SERVICE 

CARING FOR YOUR ROLEX 

• You can help preserve its lustre by cleaning it occasionally with a microfibre cloth. You can also wash the case and bracelet from time to time using soapy water and a soft brush. 
• After wearing your watch in the sea, it is important to rinse it with fresh water to remove any salt and sand deposits.
• Before cleaning your watch, always ensure that the crown is screwed down properly against the case to guarantee waterproofness.

AFTER-SALES  SERVICE
Rolex watch servicing ensures that  your timepiece will continue to  perform optimally and meet Rolex’s  stringent requirements in terms of  precision, reliability and waterproofness  throughout its life.
The timekeeping accuracy of your watch is largely dependent on high-performance lubricants specially developed by Rolex to minimize friction and prevent wear   of components. To guarantee continued accuracy and waterproofness, Rolex recommends that you periodically return your watch to an Official Rolex Retailer or  Service Centre for professional servicing, which will always be carried out by a Rolex-approved watchmaker. During a complete service, the watch is dismantled and all of its components  the case, bracelet and movement – are closely examined. The movement is entirely disassembled and all the parts are carefully inspected. Those that no longer meet Rolex requirements are systematically replaced by new components. 

The movement  is lubricated on reassembly. The case and bracelet are re-polished or satin-finished according to their original finish, restoring their shine and lustre while removing any marks or scratches.  At the end of the process, your Rolex watch undergoes a series of tests to verify its functions, waterproofness and power reserve, as well as the precision of its movement. After a complete Rolex service, your watch is covered by a service guarantee.

WORLDWIDE SERVICE NETWORK

The network of Official Rolex Retailers and Service Centres covers more than 100 countries around the world and draws on the expertise of highly skilled watchmakers, carefully selected and trained by Rolex.
Official Rolex Retailers can advise you on all the technical aspects of your watch’s functions. Whether your bracelet needs sizing or it is time for a complete service, highly qualified Rolex watchmakers are on hand worldwide to meet all of your service needs.

For a list of Official Rolex Retailers and Service Centres, please visit https://rolex.com 

Troubleshooting

Common issues with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller include: 

• Water Ingress:** If water enters the watch, have it inspected by an authorized Rolex service center immediately. 
• Bezel Malfunction:** Ensure the bezel is properly aligned and consult a service center if it does not rotate smoothly. 
• Helium-Escaping Valve Issues:** Do not attempt to repair or clean the valve yourself; contact an authorized service center. 

Instructions and Warnings: Always follow Rolex’s guidelines for maintenance and servicing to ensure the longevity of your watch.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Watch Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional Durability: Built to withstand extreme pressures.
• Reliable Movement: Calibre 3235 provides accurate timekeeping.
• Distinctive Design: Iconic look that is both functional and stylish.
• Helium-Escaping Valve: Ensures safe decompression during dives.

Cons

• High Cost: Priced in the range of $10,000 to $15,000.
• Complex Maintenance: Requires periodic servicing by authorized centers.
• Size: May be too large for some wrists.

Customer Reviews

Customers praise the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller for its reliability and durability during deep dives. However, some users find the watch too large and heavy. Common complaints include the high maintenance cost and the need for periodic servicing.