New Rolex Sky-Dweller with Oysterflex Bracelet: Sportive Sophistication

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For the first time, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, the innovative, high-performance elastomer bracelet we saw introduced in 2015 on the 40mm and 37mm Yacht-Master. Fives years on, the Oysterflex strap and clasp is still divisive among watch fans but there’s no denying that on the new 18 ct yellow gold and Everose gold Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller the Oysterflex strap with Oysterclasp and the Rolex Glidelock extension system adds a sportive touch much like it did the Rolex Daytona in 2017.

The new 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller is the first in the Classic category to include this innovative bracelet made of high-performance elastomer. Let it be said, though silicone and rubber straps had became de rigueur thanks to brands like Hublot and later on, Audemars Piguet, Rolex was never one to blindly follow suit, or worse, cater to some trend for trend’s sake.

The Sky-Dweller, Rolex’s most complicated timepiece, was previously available on both a leather strap and Oyster bracelet, 2020 sees the new yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller equipped with the Oysterflex strap, one of the industry’s most comfortable silicon bracelets to date. The same attention to detail that went into the silicon strap went into the in-house calibre 9001 with dual time and annual calendar functions.

Off the Cuff, On the Wrist: Latest Rolex Sky-Dweller

Bracelets and clasps play a full part in the unique pleasure of wearing a Rolex. Their ergonomics are carefully studied, while their robustness and reliability, aesthetics and lustre are all inherent to the personality of the timepiece. Indeed, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, either in yellow gold or pink gold variants, is ably accompanied by the Oysterflex bracelet giving the heavy watch head unprecedented support and supreme wearability while secured on the wrist.

At the heart of this innovative bracelet is a super-elastic metal blade providing the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet while preserving the comfort and suppleness of an elastomer strap; this pliancy is aided by another unique feature: longitudinal cushions on the underside which increase comfort and wearability (but most importantly, provide much welcomed air circulation for those wearing the watch in hotter climates). One of the added benefits of this strap system is the Glidelock adjustment system allowing easy re-sizing of the bracelet on the fly, ably demonstrated on the new 41mm Rolex Submariner.

Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller

This new version of the Sky Dweller is equipped with calibre 9001, making it an immensely elegant yet practical watch for frequent travellers. The Sky-Dweller displays the time in two time zones simultaneously and has an annual calendar. The reference time, in 24-hour format, is shown via an off-centre disc, and the local time is read using conventional centre hands. The annual calendar, named Saros, automatically differentiates between 30- and 31-day months.

It is operated by a patented mechanism and stands out for its innovative display: the months of the year are indicated in 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial, with the current month marked in red. This intelligent movement is operated via Rolex’s Ring Command system.

New Rolex Sky-Dweller with Oysterflex Price & Specs

Movement Automatic Calibre 9001 with 70 hours power reserve
Case 42mm yellow gold or Everose Gold with 100 metres water resistance
Strap Oysterflex
Price US$41,500 or S$55,720 for Everose, US$40,000 or S$53,730 for Yellow gold