Rolex launches 11,000-meter deep-sea challenge
The first Rolex in the RLX Titanium.
In a surprising off-season debut, Rolex launched the record-breaking Deep Sea Challenge. The Deepsea Challenge, which evolved from the experimental diving show of the same name launched in 2012, is the first mass-produced Rolex titanium watch. Its 11,000-meter or 36,090-foot rating means it earns the title of the deepest dive watch ever made.
initial thought The Deepsea Challenge is considered the "ultimate watch for the deep sea" but is "made with everyday use in mind". In other words, at 50mm in diameter and over 20mm thick, it's huge, but since the case and bracelet are both titanium, it can be worn, making it relatively lightweight.
It's easy to imagine Rolex launching other titanium watches, although I don't expect that to happen, as the use of alloys in the Deepsea Challenge is primarily for portability, which is less of an issue for traditionally sized Rolex watches.
Like other Rolex sports watches, the technology behind the watch is impressive - in fact, the technology in the watch makes it one of the most interesting Rolex sports watches - but it also incorporates details that fans will love, such as Reminiscent of vintage chamfered lugs Rolex cases.
In short, it's a bit overkill but very cool. It's a bit pricey, 70% more expensive than the standard Deepsea, but arguably worth it for what is essentially an experimental watch that's improved into something wearable.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 126067
Richard Mille RM 11-03 replica
record breaking The original Deepsea Challenge was a concept watch that was completed in a few weeks so that it could accompany filmmaker James Cameron to the deepest point on Earth, 10,912 m (35,800 feet) at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.
Attached to the outside of Mr. Cameron's submersible, this experimental watch has been tested to 15,000 meters and remains intact during the journey. But it's huge, over 51mm in diameter and nearly 30mm thick.
The production Deepsea Challenge retains the same water resistance - rated to 11,000 m but tested to 13,750 m - but with a more compact enclosure. Both the case and bracelet are made of RLX Titanium, a grade 5 titanium alloy that is 30% lighter than experimental watches.
Most of the case has a matte finish, with a polished bevel on the top edge, a detail reminiscent of vintage Rolex sports watches. According to Rolex, this is done to "accentuate the curved profile of the lugs." While it used to be standard on all Rolex sports watches, the beveled case is now unique to the Deepsea Challenge.
Literally, the secret to the incredible pressure resistance lies in the titanium case. The patented Ringlock system inside the titanium case consists of a hardened steel compression ring surrounding the movement. The flexible titanium caseback screws into the bottom of the ring, while the top of the ring joins the sapphire crystal.
Both the case back and the crystal bend slightly inward under pressure, increasing the force of the gasket between them and enhancing the seal of the case. The steel ring protects the movement and dial.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/15051b_defb6f3748cf4a6786d26e402f5f2992~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_120,h_147,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/15051b_defb6f3748cf4a6786d26e402f5f2992~mv2.png)
To ensure that the Deepsea Challenge lives up to its expectations, Rolex used the expertise of saturation diving specialist Comex (short for Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises) to develop a pressure test chamber.
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This fuel tank withstands the watch to a pressure equivalent to 13,750 m (45,112 ft), or 25% more than the rated depth of 11,000 m to provide a margin of safety.
In terms of design, the Deepsea Challenge adheres to typical Rolex diver's watch design codes, although the omission of the date is notable. The experimental model has a date, but the Deepsea Challenge does not, so the dial is clean and symmetrical.
Also unusual is the matte "dark black" dial, which contrasts with the glossy finish found on most Rolex sports watches.
As expected from a top-of-the-line Rolex diver's watch, the Deepsea Challenge also features all of the brand's bracelet innovations.
The bracelet is also made of RLX Titanium and features a clasp that incorporates the Gridlock ratchet extension as well as the Fliplock extension link.
Movement is cal. The 3230, the latest generation of movement, has most of the latest Rolex movement technology, including the efficient Chronergy running chain and the skeletonized escapement made by lithography.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge Ref. 126067
Diameter: 50mm Height: not available Material: RLX Titanium Crystal: Sapphire, 9.5mm thick Water resistance: 11,000 meters
Movement: Carl. 3230 Functions: hours, minutes, seconds Chain: self-winding Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) Power reserve: 70 hours
Strap: RLX titanium bracelet with Glidelock extension clasp and Fliplock extension link