The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 2017 is an instant hit, one that was predicted long before the fair. Everyone knows that 2017 marks 50 years since the first Sea-Dweller emerged from the depths so it is no surprise that the brand that wears the crown would come up with something special. This edition marks the first significant overhaul of the Sea-Dweller since 2014, which by Rolex standards (no other standard matters when it comes to this Swiss watchmaker) is quite short. After its debut in 1967, the Sea-Dweller went through a few subtle changes, the most significant of which was (arguably) the Deepsea edition of 2008. Well, forget about all that because the 2017 Sea-Dweller is here to knock your socks off.

Not only does the new Sea-Dweller gain 3mm in diameter (now clocking in at 43mm), it finally debuts the Cyclops lens. This feature — a defining characteristic of its cousin, the Submariner — has been many decades in the making and it is finally here. Also significant here is the appearance of the automatic in-house calibre 3235 here, the first appearance of said movement in an Oyster Professional watch. Obviously, the Chronoenergy escapement brings tremendous efficiency to bear on the mechanical proceedings, with 70 hours of power reserve being suddenly available (as opposed to the 48 hours supplied by calibre 3135, also an in-house development). Of course, the new Rolex Sea-Dweller has the COSC standard but is rated even higher by Rolex’s own standards, making this a Superlative Chronometer. We shall surely have more to say on this piece.