Rolex Deepsea Challenge - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

The Rolex Deepsea Challenge embodies Rolex’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and underwater exploration. This experimental diving watch, designed to withstand the extreme pressures of the ocean depths, demonstrates the innovation and know-how of the Swiss brand.

Origins and Early Developments

The history of the Deepsea Challenge dates back to 1960, when Rolex created the Deep Sea Special, an experimental watch attached to the exterior of the bathyscaphe Trieste. On January 23, 1960, oceanographer Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh dived with the Trieste into the Mariana Trench, reaching a record depth of 10,916 meters. The Deep Sea Special survived this extreme immersion, functioning perfectly despite the overwhelming pressure.

The 2012 Rolex Deepsea Challenge

More than fifty years later, in 2012, Rolex continues its exploration of the abyss by developing the Rolex Deepsea Challenge, an experimental watch certified waterproof up to 36,090 feet. This watch was specially designed to accompany the director and explorer James Cameron during his historic dive alone in the Mariana Trench. On March 26, 2012, Cameron reached a depth of 35,787 feet aboard his submersible "Deepsea Challenger", with the Rolex Deepsea Challenge attached to the exterior of the submersible. The watch withstood the extreme pressure perfectly, confirming Rolex’s technical mastery.

Technical Specifications

The 2012 Rolex Deepsea Challenge had some impressive features:

• Waterproofing : Certified up to 36,090 feet, surpassing the needs of professional divers.

• Case: Made of stainless steel, with a diameter of 51.4mm and a thickness of 28.5mm, including a 14.3mm domed sapphire crystal to withstand extreme pressure.

• Movement: Equipped with the Rolex 3135 automatic movement, guaranteeing precision and reliability.

• No helium valve: Unlike other scuba models, the Deepsea Challenge was not intended for saturation diving, eliminating the need for a helium valve.
  
  

The 2022 Rolex Deepsea Challenge

In 2022, Rolex unveiled a commercial version of the Deepsea Challenge, marking a new milestone in dive watchmaking. This watch, reference 126067, is the first of the brand to be entirely made of RLX titanium, a grade 5 titanium alloy, offering increased lightness and strength. Like all Rolexes, it is equipped with a certified Chronometer caliber, caliber 3230. With a diameter of 50 mm and a thickness of 23 mm, it is designed for water resistance up to 36,090 feet, meeting the strictest standards. of the industry.

Innovation and Heritage

The Deepsea Challenge exemplifies Rolex’s commitment to innovation and exploration. From the invention of the Oyster in 1926, the first waterproof wristwatch, to iconic diving models like the Submariner and Sea-Dweller, Rolex has constantly pushed the boundaries of watchmaking technology. The Deepsea Challenge continues this heritage, offering deep sea explorers a reliable and robust instrument.

Conclusion

The Rolex Deepsea Challenge is much more than a watch; it symbolizes man's incessant quest to explore the most inaccessible corners of our planet. Thanks to its technical expertise and commitment to excellence, Rolex continues to support the pioneers of underwater exploration, setting new standards in the world of watchmaking.

Check out the avis clients Dialicious to narrow down your choice for a Rolex Deepsea Challenge or another model of the brand's divers like the Rolex Submariner or the Rolex Sea-Dweller.

(Updated December 2024)