Rolex Deepsea Challenge RLX Titanium

Exploration and reaching the world’s greatest depths has been a goal for Rolex since the 1950’s. In more recent times we all marveled as James Cameron used an experimental “Deepsea Challenge” model, to once again venture down the Mariana Trench in an historic 10,908 meters (35,787 feet) descent. Now after several prototypes of perfecting and making a less hefty, more wearable watch, Rolex has unveiled their new milestone in this endeavor.The 50 mm case is made of RLX titanium, which is a Grade 5 titanium that Rolex selected due to its lightness and resistance to corrosion. The use of this specific alloy was able to reduce the overall weight compared to the experimental watch by 30%. Mounted on the case is a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic with a graduated 60-minute scale.Overall the middle case has a satin finish that matches up with the integrated bracelet. Other subtle embellishments appear in the form of curved lugs and top edges with a chamfered and polished profile.On the flip-side the caseback was engraved with the words “Mariana Trench”, plus the dates “23-01-1960” and “26-03-2012”, as a homage to the two historic dives into the Mariana Trench that Rolex helped make possible.The patented Ringlock system designed by Rolex was conceived with divers’ and extreme depths in mind. This system consists of a reinforced case architecture that includes a slightly domed sapphire crystal with a 9.5mm thickness, a nitrogen-alloyed steel compression ring, and a RLX titanium caseback. All these elements combined allow the “Deepsea Challenge” to resist immense pressure.It comes equipped with a screw-down crown with a Triplock waterproofness system and a Helium escape valve that activates automatically when the pressure inside the case gets too high. Water-resistance can reach up to 11,000 meters (36,090 feet)Time is exhibited on a matte black dial with white gold applied hour index markers in round, rectangular, and a triangle shape at 12 o’clock. Circling around the flange is a wide ring that highlights the “ORIGINAL GAS ESCAPE VALVE” and “RING LOCK SYSTEM”.On the lower-half Rolex has also inscribed the dial with the impressive “36,090f - 11000m” water-resistance this new Sea-Dweller is capable of. Other than that the dial is quite simple and doesn’t even include a date window.The central hour/minute hands, hour index markers, and capsule on the rotatable bezel have all been fitted with the Chromalight luminescence, for an enhanced legibility.This Chromalight is a very particular luminescent material that involves a complex manufacturing process, meant to ensure a characteristic blue glow, bright enough to be read in the abyss. 

Rolex Deepsea Challenge RLX Titanium

The “Rolex Deepsea Challenge RLX Titanium” (Ref#: 126067) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 3230 with 31 jewels and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairsping and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. Power reserve can last up to 70 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a 3-link RLX titanium Oyster bracelet with a brushed finish, secured to the wrist by a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with the Rolex Glidelock extension system and the Fliplock extension link. The combination of these two systems provide a better wrist fit that can be extended to embrace a 7mm thickness.This watch will be part of a permanent collection and will become available starting November 2022. For more up to date information visit the official Rolex website here.

 

Rolex, Deepsea, Challenge, RLX Titanium, Titanium, Diver, Luxury Watches