Rolex Sky-Dweller

The Rolex Sky-Dweller is an impressive watch with annual calendar and {lex-gmt,dual-time} functions. Along with the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph, this timepiece is one of Rolex's most complicated models. Protected by 14 patents, the Sky-Dweller is a perfect example of the Genevan watch manufacturer's ingenuity.

Rolex released the original Sky-Dweller in 2012. This initial model measured 42 mm in diameter and was only available in 18-karat gold. As of 2017, the manufacturer also offers two-tone editions in stainless steel and gold. Those with more understated tastes should take a closer look at the ref. 326934 in stainless steel and white gold. This model also happens to be one of the most affordable Sky-Dwellers, and the version with a blue dial is especially popular. If you prefer gold watches, keep your eyes peeled for the refs. 326938 (Everose gold) and 326935 (yellow gold). Both timepieces come on a solid gold Oyster bracelet and occupy the upper end of the Sky-Dweller's price range. You'll also find gold models on alligator leather straps.

The in-house caliber 9001 ticks away inside the Sky-Dweller. This movement has a 72-hour power reserve and, like every modern Rolex, comes with Superlative Chronometer certification. This distinction means that the watch only deviates a maximum of +/-2 seconds per day from the reference time. However, what makes the caliber 9001 truly special is its Ring Command bezel, which you can use to control the watch's many functions. The movement also has an annual calendar that can automatically account for all 30 and 31-day months. This means it only requires manual correction once a year at the end of February. The Sky-Dweller displays the additional time zone using a 24-hour disc. Many people set this feature to their home time and adjust the central hands to the local time when traveling.

Many Rolexes, especially stainless steel sports models, make sound investments. When it comes to the Sky-Dweller, however, it largely depends on the exact model. While prices for gold watches have gone up in recent years, most still demand less than their official list prices. If you decide to purchase a Sky-Dweller at its recommended retail price, you may have to accept potential losses.

However, this isn't always the case. The two-tone stainless steel and white gold edition with a blue dial is extremely highly coveted and, thus, difficult to find. It demands about 9,500 USD over its official list price and has appreciated by more than 3,500 USD in the last two years alone. If you're looking to invest in a Sky-Dweller, this model has some serious potential.

Two-tone watches in gold and stainless steel – a combination Rolex refers to as "Rolesor" – make up the Sky-Dweller collection's entry-level models. Take the ref. 326933 in yellow gold and stainless steel, for example. Both its bezel and the middle links of its three-piece link Oyster bracelet shine in 18-karat yellow gold. It also happens to be the least expensive Sky-Dweller, with a price of around 19,000 USD in mint condition and 18,000 USD pre-owned. This model has a list price of 17,150 USD and tends to retain its value well.

Rolesor watches in white gold and stainless steel bear the reference number 326934. Since its bracelet is solid stainless steel, this model has a lower list price of 14,400 USD. However, it is in higher demand and, therefore, costs about 6,600 USD more on Chrono24, making it more expensive than the yellow gold and stainless steel edition. More specifically, you can purchase this watch for about 21,000 USD new and 20,500 USD pre-owned.

The Rolesor Sky-Dweller with a blue dial also has the reference number 326934 and a list price of 14,400 USD. However, this version of the stainless steel and white gold watch is even more popular and, therefore, more expensive. You're unlikely to find this watch for sale at offline retailers, and even if you do, chances are it will come with a years-long waitlist. This is why many enthusiasts are willing to pay a significant premium to get their watch more quickly.

Back in mid-2018, you could have purchased this watch for roughly 21,500 USD. As of 2020, the same timepiece demanded about 25,500 USD in mint condition and 25,000 USD pre-owned on Chrono24. The variant with a white dial is much more affordable, with prices of between 19,000 and 19,500 USD.

Prices for the Gold Sky-Dweller

Rolex also offers the Sky-Dweller for fans of solid gold watches. These timepieces are available in white, yellow, or Everose gold, each on your choice of an Oyster bracelet or alligator leather strap. Versions with a leather strap cost less to produce and are of lower material value, which means they are also more budget-friendly. For example, a never-worn white gold ref. 326139 sells for around 32,000 USD on a leather strap, while the same watch on a white gold Oyster bracelet (ref. 326939) can demand almost 12,000 USD more. Prices for this watch range from 35,500 to 43,500 USD, depending on its condition.

A yellow-gold Sky-Dweller is a true statement piece and is sure to attract attention to your wrist. This watch has the reference number 326938 on an Oyster bracelet and 326138 on a leather strap. The latter version increased in value by around 2,400 USD between 2018 and 2020 and now sells for about 32,500 USD on Chrono24. Pre-owned pieces cost slightly less at 30,500 USD. Both prices are well below the recommended retail value of 35,350 euros (approx. 42,000 USD). If you prefer the model on a solid gold bracelet, be prepared to spend anywhere from 42,000 and 45,000 USD. This edition has an official list price of 42,500 euros (approx. 50,000 USD).

The most expensive Sky-Dweller is the ref. 326935. Rolex crafts its case and bracelet out of solid Everose gold. This timepiece demands about 50,000 USD new. Purchasing a pre-owned model will only save you a few hundred dollars. In 2018, a never-worn ref. 326935 would have set you back "only" 42,000 USD. Its counterpart on a brown alligator leather strap changes hands for around 33,500 USD in mint condition and 31,000 USD used. Rolex officially lists this watch for 36,750 euros (approx. 43,500 USD).

In September 2020, Rolex announced a line of new Sky-Dweller watches, each paired with a sporty Oysterflex bracelet. This bracelet is comprised of thin metal leaves made of a nickel-titanium alloy and covered with black Elastomer. Elastomer is highly durable and hypoallergenic. Otherwise, these new models are identical to previous Sky-Dwellers in terms of design and technology.

The yellow gold ref. 326238 is available with a black, gold, or white dial. All three have a list price of 40,000 USD. The Everose gold edition (ref. 326235) comes with your choice of a gray, chocolate brown, or white dial. It costs slightly more at 41,500 USD.

One of the Rolex Sky-Dweller's distinctive features is its rotating, fluted Ring Command bezel. Turning the bezel enables you to control the watch’s functions. You'll find a similar mechanism on the Yacht-Master II, a regatta chronograph for professional sailors with a countdown function. Here's how the Sky-Dweller's bezel works: After unscrewing and pulling out the crown, you turn the bezel left until it locks into place at 11 o'clock. Then, you can set the date by turning the crown in either direction. The month is set in the same way.

If you rotate the bezel another click to 10 o'clock, you can adjust the central time display. Most people use this for the local time. If you turn the crown, the hour hand jumps forward or backward in one-hour increments. The date can be set this way as well.

By rotating the bezel even further to 9 o'clock, you can set the home time (the 24-hour disc) together with the hour and minute hands. This position also engages the caliber 9001's stop-seconds mechanism, which prevents the second hand from moving and enables the wearer to set the time to the exact second. Make sure you've pulled out the crown before rotating the bezel to avoid damaging the caliber. You can wind the watch via the crown in any of the bezel's three positions.

Rolex uses rectangular windows above the hour markers to display the months. The window corresponding to the current month is filled with a contrasting color. For example, if it's July, the window at 7 o'clock will be colored in. Rolex refers to its annual calendar as "Saros," a reference to the astronomical unit saros, which is used to predict solar and lunar eclipses.

Thanks to the Sky-Dweller's 24-hour scale, it's easy to distinguish night from day. The disc is fully visible and has a prominent position on the dial's lower two-thirds. The minute and hour hands also contribute to the watch's readability. Each hand is partially skeletonized so as not to obstruct the fixed red triangle displaying the second time zone, even when the two hands overlap. The hands also contain luminous material so that you can read the watch easily in the dark.

Rolex equips the Sky-Dweller with the well-known, reliable Oyster case made famous by the brand's sports watches. Due to the caliber 9001 and its functions, the case measures 42 mm in diameter and 14.1 mm thick, making the Sky-Dweller one of Rolex's most massive timepieces. The gold editions are particularly hefty. At around 250 g, they are some serious wristwear.

Each three-piece link Oyster bracelet features the Easylink comfort extension system, which allows you to lengthen the band by 5 mm. This is especially practical on hot summer days when the wrist swells due to heat.

The Sky-Dweller's design is close to that of the sporty and elegant Rolex Day-Date, which features displays for the date and full day of the week at 3 and 12 o'clock, respectively. The Sky-Dweller's fluted bezel and Roman numerals emphasize the watch's stylish look. This unique bezel has another advantage: It's easier to grip and turn than a smooth, polished bezel. Those looking for a sportier watch should check out the models with Arabic numerals. Rolex also offers more classic versions with Roman numerals.

Rolex has had a reputation for robust and precise movements for decades. Every caliber receives a certificate from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and undergoes additional in-house testing. The inscription "Superlative Chronometer" on the dial indicates the movement's high level of precision.

The same goes for the Sky-Dweller and its caliber, the 9001. Rolex introduced this movement in 2012 with optimizations and additional functions that set it apart from the standard caliber 3135. One improvement was the ball-bearing rotor, which also appears in the chronograph caliber 4130. Compared to the plain bearing rotors used in other Rolex movements, ball-bearing rotors are less susceptible to wear and tear. Like the 4130, the 9001 has a power reserve of 72 hours. Thus, you can take your watch off over the weekend and put it back on without any problems come Monday morning.

Rolex's watchmakers have also perfected the balance bridge. With the help of knurled screws, you can finely adjust the balance staff. The watch also features typical Rolex Microstella nuts on its balance rim. Additionally, the movement has a blue Parachrom hairspring made from a non-magnetic zirconium-niobium alloy. Its special Breguet overcoil ensures a high level of accuracy, as does the precision index adjuster.

The movement is also resistant to shock and jolts thanks to Rolex's Paraflex shock protection system, which provides cushioning for the balance and escape wheels. Compared to the Incabloc system, this mechanism offers better protection and can put the balance staff back in the correct position more effectively.

Although the movement is hidden behind a polished screw-down case back, Rolex didn't skimp on its decoration. A skeletonized sunburst rotor, sunburst bridges, polished screw heads, and golden inscriptions all make this caliber an even more beautiful piece of art.