Rolex is a leader in crafting dive watches. Their most renowned models are Rolex Deepsea and the Sea-Dweller 4000. Both are exceptional in performance and durability. Professional divers swear by them.
We explain the different features for each model so you can make a decision on what’s best for you.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000, which came out in 2014, can go down to an impressive 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). The first Sea-Dweller came out in 1967 and was made for deep-sea explorers. The 40mm case is made from Oystersteel – a material celebrated for its strength and resistance to corrosion.
As a result of its helium escape valve, the Sea-Dweller 4000 can handle the changes in pressure that happen during saturation diving. This valve automatically lets out helium gas while keeping the watch waterproof.
The watch has a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a Cerachrom insert that makes sure the time is always correct when it is underwater. The 60-minute graduation on the bezel is covered in platinum, which makes it useful and beautiful.
The Sea-Dweller 4000's dial has Chromalight markers that glow for a long time in low light. The crystal is made of sapphire, which does not scratch easily, and the date is easy to read thanks to the Cyclops lens on top of it.
Rolex Deepsea
The Rolex Deepsea is even more durable, and it can withstand depths of up to 12,800 feet (3,900 meters). Introduced in 2008, this watch is designed for extreme depths.
The Oystersteel case is 44 mm wide, and the watch has a helium escape valve like the Sea-Dweller 4000.
The Ringlock System, which is made up of a nitrogen-alloyed steel central ring, a 5mm thick domed sapphire crystal, and a grade 5 titanium case back, is one of the best things about the Deepsea.
The Deepsea's bezel has a Cerachrom insert with a 60-minute graduation and can only be worn in one direction. The Chromalight markers on the dial make it easy to read in low light, and the bigger case and thicker crystal make it last longer.
Comparison
Both watches are exceptional but it really comes down to your exact reasons for why you need the watch.
We leave you with this concise comparison table summarizing the main features of the Rolex Deepsea and Sea-Dweller 4000:
|
Feature |
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 |
Rolex Deepsea |
|
Depth Rating |
4,000 feet (1,220 meters) |
12,800 feet (3,900 meters) |
|
Case Size |
40mm |
44mm |
|
Material |
Oystersteel |
Oystersteel |
|
Helium Escape Valve |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bezel |
Unidirectional, Cerachrom insert, platinum-coated graduations |
Unidirectional, Cerachrom insert, platinum-coated graduations |
|
Dial Markers |
Chromalight |
Chromalight |
|
Crystal |
Sapphire with Cyclops lens over date |
5mm thick domed sapphire |
|
Ringlock System |
No |
Yes |