The Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Sea-Dweller

The Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Sea-Dweller are two of the truly exceptional sport models Rolex makes. Meant for the divers, both these models have taken the brand 'Rolex' to new heights or, should we say, depths. These two models are popular all over the world for their ability to perform accurately even deep under water.

How is the Sea-Dweller Different from the Submariner?

The basic difference between the two lies in their depth ratings. While the current Submariner models have a maximum depth rating of 300 meters or 1000 feet, the current versions of Sea-Dweller can comfortably go underwater up to a depth of 4000 feet (all earlier models had a depth rating of 2000 feet). As a result, the Submariner is the choice of amateur and recreational divers whereas professional divers go for the Sea-Dweller. The underwater treasure hunters also wear Sea-Dwellers.(Notice: the two replica rolex watch can not dive so deep.)

Another major difference between the two models is the presence of a one-way gas escape valve opposite the winding crown in the Sea-Dweller. This special feature has been added to it to protect the watch from internal pressure, which builds-up when the divers go to the decompression chambers. Deep sea divers use a helium/oxygen mix in their air tanks, which can easily permeate the crystal of the watch. However, during decompression, helium particles are not able to come out of the watch, thus, blowing the crystal out of the watch. The gas escape valve was the a solution to this problem, which has proved extremely effective. The current Sea-Dweller models feature a larger and improved gas escape valve.

You will also find that the Sea-Dweller is bigger than the Submariner. This primarily is because of the thicker sapphire crystal that makes the former about 4mm thicker than the latter. The thicker crystal also leads to another notable difference between the two. Although the Sea-Dweller displays the date, it does not feature the Cyclops lens (magnifying lens). The thicker crystal does not allow for such a magnifying lens.

To What Extent the Sea-Dweller is Similar to the Submariner?

There are certain features found in both the models. The major similarity between the two is their ability to survive under water without any flaw in their functionality. In addition, there are many other aspects where the two are similar. For instance, you can find the following features in both models.

1. A scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal

2. Unidirectional bezel, capable of turning only counterclockwise preventing the accidental movement of the bezel while diving

3. New Triplock system now features a triple gasket system that screws down tightly onto the case tube and against the Oyster case. This offers another layer of protection under water

4. Self-winding mechanism with a perpetual motor

5. Made of either solid block of 904L stainless steel (a stainless steel alloy which is completely corrosion resistant) or gold

The Rolex Submariner and the Sea-Dweller are alike in many ways, but the Sea-Dweller is a bigger, heavier and tougher brother of the Submariner. Go for the Submariner, if you are into recreational diving, however, for true professional and commercial divers, the Sea-Dweller should be the choice.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Black Dial

Entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is a totally new watch that benefits from important technical innovations. It is equipped with a Ringlock System, a new case architecture patented by Rolex, which allows the watch to resist the colossal pressure exerted by water at great depths. It is the first watch to feature a bracelet with a double extension system making it easily adaptable for greater comfort in wear over a diving suit.

The Sea-Dweller Deepsea responds to the most exacting demands of professional divers in terms of robustness, precision and reliability.

Technical Features:

A watch developed for extreme depths, guaranteed waterproof to 3,900 metres (12,800 feet), the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea required the design of a case with a unique architecture, the Ringlock System. This innovation patented by Rolex consists of a combination of three distinctive features:

1, The high-performance ring

Set inside the middle case of the watch between the crystal and the case back, the high-performance nitrogen-alloyed stainless steel ring withstands the pressure exerted by water on the crystal and the case back.

The middle case is made from 904L steel.

2, The sapphire crystal

To resist pressure, the synthetic sapphire crystal is slightly domed and substantially thicker than the crystals of other Oyster models.

3, The case back

The case back is made of a titanium alloy, an extremely resistant stainless material. It is held in place against the high-performance ring by means of a 904L-steel ring.

The Triplock winding crown, equipped with three seals and screwed onto the case, completes this ingenious waterproof system.

Display and legibility:

1, Bezel

The Sea-Dweller Deepsea is equipped with a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a 60-minute graduated black Cerachrom disc that allows the diver to precisely track his dive time.

Engraved in the Cerachrom, the numerals and the graduations are filled with platinum through the use of a PVD technique patented by Rolex.

The zero marker of the graduated bezel, represented by a triangle, is visible longer at night or in the depths of the ocean thanks to a capsule containing a new luminescent material that emits a blue glow.

2, Dial

To enhance legibility, the gold indexes and hands are wider and partially coated with the same new luminescent material and also emit a blue colour.

3, Movement

This Rolex watch is equipped with calibre 3135, known for its chronometric precision, its reliability and its robustness; it also features a Parachrom hairspring with high resistance to shocks and magnetic fields.

Certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the movement has a 48-hour power reserve.

3, Bracelet

Manufactured from solid 904L steel, the Sea-Dweller Deepsea bracelet can be adjusted for wear over a diving suit up to 7 mm thick thanks to a double extension system:

Fliplock extension links

the new Glidelock clasp, allowing fine adjustments

Functioning-the unidirectional rotatable bezel

The Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Deepsea allows a diver to safely track his dive time thanks to the unidirectional graduated bezel featured on the watch.

At the beginning of a dive

Once in the water, before beginning his descent, the diver turns the bezel to align the triangle on the graduated bezel to the minute hand, thus indicating the start time of his dive.

During the dive

The dive time can be read against the graduated bezel.

Since the Deepsea bezel turns only counterclockwise, any accidental rotation can only have the effect of shortening the dive time.

The picture above is a Rolex Sea-Dweller replica watch, this replica rolex has the same appearance with the Original Sea-Dweller Deepsea, for example, the unidirectional rotatable bezel, the thick sapphire crystal, the wide hands, and so on. But this watch has its own features:

Movement: Original Swiss ETA 2836 movement

Steel: 316 stainless steel

Besides, this ETA watch is only $230, you can't find this watch with so cheap price in other websites.