ALWAYS IN FIRST CLASS

Rolex has added a steel and gold version to its collection for globetrotters, and taken the opportunity to make some welcome changes to the dial.

Rolex has given its travellers’ watch some new elements made of Rolesor, a combination of 904L steel and 18-carat gold. The result? The Sky-Dweller’s exclusive status is even higher. The crown, bezel and links in the centre of the strap are made of yellow Rolesor with yellow gold, while the case body and the outside links are made of steel. An elegant, Champagne-coloured dial illuminates the watch. For the grey Rolesor version, only the bezel includes grey gold, while the other elements are made of steel. The deep blue dial brings dynamism to the design. On both these versions, in comparison with the original 2012 model, the figures have been replaced by rectangular indices and longer hands. The Sky-Dweller is more elegant and the information easier to read, as a result.

The main time information is still displayed in an original way. So, on the dial, we find the dual time zones with the local time zone shown with the central hand and the reference time over 24 hours on an offset rotating disc. The annual calendar associates the date, under the famous cyclops glass at 3 o’clock, with a month indicator displayed in 12 apertures around the outside of the dial. The date does not need to be corrected when February gives way to March. All the functions can be adjusted very simply using the fluted revolving bezel, the Ring Command.

Like all Rolex watches, the Sky-Dweller benefits from a dual certification (Superlative Chronometer and COSC), guaranteeing optimal performances in this timepiece made by the brand with the crown logo. The 42mm case is watertight down to 100 metres and houses the calibre 9001. This hand-wound bidirectional movement provides 72 hours of power reserve.

Price: €13,150 (grey Rolesor) – €15,650 (yellow Rolesor)

By Dan Diaconu