The newly released 2020 Sky-Dweller is equal parts class and sport. Some Rolex collectors welcome the latest updates, while others were left unimpressed after the September 1st release.
With no Baselworld, we had all been eagerly awaiting the new models to drop. Earlier this month, we were finally able to preview the new Rolex releases.
There are Submariner updates, colorful Oyster Perpetuals, new Datejusts, and of course the new 2020 Sky-Dweller.
Let’s take a closer look at those Sky-Dweller updates.
Sky-Dweller History
Firstly, it’s important to know how this model has evolved. Sky-Dweller’s have only existed since 2012, but they’ve made a big statement in such a short amount of time. The Sky-Deller was originally designed with the world traveler in mind. Travelers can tell time in two separate time zones and know exactly the month and date with just a quick glance.
Original models were only available in precious metals– 18 carat yellow gold, white gold, or Everose gold. More affordable versions in stainless steel and Rolester (Rolex’s patented stainless steel and gold combo) were later released.
The 2020 Sky-Dweller release combines the old with the new.
Newly Released 2020 Sky-Dweller Details
This year’s Sky-Dweller has only one major update– the bracelet. Hence why some Rolex fans find the new release yawn worthy. On the other hand, the watch looks ultra slick with the new digs.
We think the precious metals actually look great paired with the Oysterflex bracelet. Otherwise, all the Sky-Dweller features remain the same.
Bracelet
The new Sky-Dweller is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. What exactly is Oysterflex?
To the unassuming eye, it may look like just another rubber strap. But come on, this is Rolex we’re talking about. It’s anything but a plain piece of rubber.
It looks similar to a strap, but it actually falls more into the bracelet category. The Oysterflex design combines a titanium and nickel-alloy blade and black elastomer. This pairing mimics the durability of a metal bracelet, but with the flexility and comfort of a rubber strap.
Skeptics were critical of the Oysterflex bracelet when it debuted in 2015. It was a very un-Rolex design at the time. Since then, however, it’s become a trending feature on several models, including the Daytona and the Yacht-Master 42.
Case
This 2020 Sky-Dweller release keeps the 42 mm case diameter that previous models had. Similarly, no changes were made with the fluted, rotatable bezel, which sets the watch in tandem with the Ring Command system.
There are two case metal options, 18 carat yellow gold and Everose gold. Everose gold is Rolex’s special rose gold proprietary blend. The special formula combines pure gold, copper, and a small amount of platinum. Together the warm rose color will never fade.
Dial
The new Sky-Dweller features three classic dial colors:
- champagne
- black
- white
We happen to like all of them.
Movement
The caliber 9001 movement is the same movement from the 2012 release. It features a blue Parachrom hairspring as well as 72 hours of power reserve.
Final Word on the 2020 Sky-Dweller
There’s nothing unprecedented about this watch release. Rolex fitted the Daytona with an Oysterflex and precious metal combo back in 2017. Similarly, there were no other Daytona updates to note that year.
Even though it’s not a super exciting release, we love the clean look. The Oysterflex bracelet addition adds a more casual and sporty feel to the watch, while still keeping its classic, elevated feel.
We bet there will more Oysterflex bracelet Rolex releases = in the future since it’s obviously doing well within the community.
Technical Specs
MODEL CASE
Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold or Everose gold
OYSTER ARCHITECTURE
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
DIAMETER
42 mm
BEZEL
Fluted, bidirectional rotatable Rolex Ring Command
WINDING CROWN
Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
WATER-RESISTANCE
Waterproof to 100 meters/330 feet
MOVEMENT
Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding, dual time zones, annual calendar
CALIBRE
9001, Manufacture Rolex
PRECISION
-2/+2 sec/day, after casing
FUNCTIONS
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
WINDING
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. 24-hour display on off-centre disc. Second time zone. Instantaneous annual calendar at 3 o’clock and rapid-setting of the date. Month display via 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
POWER RESERVE
Approximately 72 hours
BRACELET
Oysterflex
BRACELET MATERIAL
Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer
CLASP
Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system
DIAL
Black, white, champagne
DETAILS
Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence
If you are interested in purchasing your own Rolex Sky-Dweller, give us a call or fill out our contact form. Check out our Facebook page for box openings and watch reviews by our in-house watch expert Sergio Nuncio!
