This year for Watches and Wonders 2023, Rolex has opted to expand its most complicated watch collection, the Sky-Dweller, with three new variants. It’s also, we should note, the most recent entirely new model, released in 2012 (until this year, of course). While none of these watches are entirely new, they do represent a few firsts as far as configurations go. These new releases feature green (new for the collection), blue, and black dials, each in a different case and bracelet combination. And what is new is the updated Caliber 9002.
Specifications
Brand: Rolex
Model: Sky-Dweller
Dimensions: 42mm diameter
Water Resistance: 100m
Case Material: Everose (336935), white gold (336239), or Rolesor (336934)
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster bracelet or Oysterflex rubber strap
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire crystal
Movement: Rolex 9002
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Operating Frequency: 28,800 vph/4hz
Price & Availability: TBD
Rolex maintains the Sky-Dweller’s case across all three. The profile remains the same, with the models being some of the chunkier the brand offers, at 42mm in diameter and 14mm thick, accommodating the complex inner workings of Rolex’s most complicated display. The new mint green dial is offered in the brand’s Rolesor combination of steel and white gold, while the black comes in 18ct white gold, and the blue-green in the brand’s proprietary 18ct Everose pink gold. While the green and blue dials feature matching oyster bracelets with folding Oysterclasps that feature 5mm extension link, the black model comes with a rubber Oysterflex clasp with a Glidelock extension clasp (the first time white gold has been combined with that strap on this model). The screw-down crown features Rolex’s Twinlock system and helps with 100m of water resistance. Finally, the feature that has always blown me away: concealed in the fluted bezel is the patented Ring Command system, which links the movement, crown, and bezel to allow for the quick selection and easy adjustment of each of the watch’s functions.
The dials are just as we know the Sky-Dweller offered in mint green, black, and blue-green. Of note, the mint green was previously only available on the Datejust. The cyclops date at 3 o’clock remains, as does the offset rotating 24-hour ring that shows the reference time zone. The matching indices are all applied and feature a generous fill of Rolex’s Chromalight lume, while just outside the markers sit the indicators for the annual calendar, which Rolex calls Saros: A red marker travels the periphery to show the month of the year. The matching baton handset is partially hollow to allow ideal reading of the second time zone. The texture of the dials is sunburst, adding a bit of a wink to the whole Sky-Dweller name, while the 24-hour ring features a matte finish for a bit of contrast.
The new Caliber 9002 sees the first upgrade to the Sky-Dweller movement since its introduction. The brand is not clear on the exact upgrades here, as the specs seem very similar. Knowing Rolex, these are likely incremental changes that don’t drastically effect the operational capacity of the movement, but rather just make everything work a little better. The movement has a high-efficiency, temperature resistant Chronergy escapement, a Paraflex shock system, and the brand’s Blue Parachrom hairspring. It beats at 28,800 vph with a three-day power reserve and, of course, it’s a Superlative Chronometer, meaning it’s regulated and tested to -/+2 seconds per day. The brand recommends a service interval of 10 years on its movements.
While these three models are new, it should be noted that all Sky-Dwellers will now be equipped with the new Caliber 9002, for whatever that may be worth (we’ll have more details soon). For now, we’ve got three new additions to Rolex’s most complicated and novel display. The new Rolex Sky-Dweller Everose 336935 is priced at $50,900 USD, the white gold 336239 is $42,700 USD, and Rolesor 336934 is $15,650 USD. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
