At Baselworld 2017, Rolex sent ripples through the watchmaking world with the unveiling of a special edition Sea-Dweller to commemorate the model's 50th anniversary. This wasn't just a minor update; it was a significant evolution of a legendary diver's watch, a testament to Rolex's commitment to innovation and its enduring legacy in professional timekeeping. This article will delve into the specifics of the 2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary edition, exploring its features, comparing it to later iterations (like the 2021 model), and examining its place within the broader context of the Sea-Dweller lineage. We'll also touch upon the crucial aspects of price, water resistance, and reference numbers.
A Legacy of Depth: The Sea-Dweller's History
Before diving into the specifics of the 50th-anniversary model, it's important to understand the rich history of the Sea-Dweller. Born from the collaboration between Rolex and professional divers, the Sea-Dweller emerged as a robust and reliable companion for the most demanding underwater explorations. Its initial iterations, dating back to the late 1960s, pushed the boundaries of water resistance and reliability, setting a new standard for professional dive watches. The Sea-Dweller's evolution saw the incorporation of groundbreaking technologies like the Helium Escape Valve (HEV), a critical feature for saturation divers working at extreme depths. This valve allowed the controlled release of helium gas that can accumulate inside the watch case during decompression, preventing damage to the crystal or case. The 50th-anniversary model builds upon this legacy, incorporating advancements while retaining the core elements that defined the Sea-Dweller's identity.
The 2017 Sea-Dweller: A Half-Century Celebration
The 2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary edition (reference 126600) marked a significant departure from its predecessors in several key aspects. While maintaining the rugged and functional design synonymous with the Sea-Dweller, Rolex introduced subtle yet impactful changes. The most striking difference was the inclusion of the Cyclops lens over the date window. This feature, absent from previous Sea-Dweller models (with the exception of some earlier references), was a nod to the Submariner, enhancing readability under challenging conditions. This seemingly small detail, however, sparked considerable discussion among collectors, highlighting the fine line between maintaining heritage and embracing modern improvements.
Beyond the Cyclops lens, the 2017 model featured an updated case size, slightly larger than its predecessors, offering improved comfort and wrist presence. The bezel, a crucial element for divers, was crafted from Cerachrom ceramic, a material known for its exceptional scratch resistance and unwavering color stability, even under intense sunlight and prolonged exposure to water. The dial, typically black, offered excellent legibility thanks to its crisp markers and hands, ensuring clear timekeeping even in low-light conditions. The movement, a caliber 3235, was a technological marvel, boasting superior accuracy and power reserve compared to previous generations. This in-house movement showcased Rolex's unwavering dedication to horological excellence.
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