For 1ⁱⁿ In November 2022, filmmaker and explorer James Cameron unveiled the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge watch. In terms of design, it is inspired by the experimental Rolex Deepsea Challenge watch that participated in James Cameron’s historic expedition to the deepest point on earth, the Mariana Trench, in 2012. But it is also a tribute to the historic Rolex Deep Sea Special that accompanied oceanographer Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh when they made their historic dive record in the Marianas Trench on January 23, 1960. This experimental clock was attached to the outside of the Trieste submarine, which was submerged. abysses and reached the bottom at a depth of 10,916 meters. This mission off the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean opened the door to a new world, because before that, scientists considered it impossible for life to exist at such great depths. When the Trieste sank to the bottom, the two men encountered many living creatures in the darkness of the seabed. And when they returned to the surface, Jacques Piccard sent a telegram to Rolex with the following message: “I am pleased to inform you that your watch works as well at 11,000 meters as it does on the surface.” The second important chapter of this story was written ten years ago, on March 26, 2012, when James Cameron and the Deepsea Challenge expedition dived back into the Mariana Trench.

Cameron reached a depth of 10,908 meters in his own state-of-the-art submarine. Another experimental Rolex watch, the Deepsea Challenge, was attached to the submarine’s robotic arm. The creation of this watch was a double challenge for the Swiss company. The first was about the colossal pressure it would be subjected to, so they tested it to withstand a theoretical pressure of 15,000 meters and 17 tons per crystal. Secondly, about the time they had to devote to its design, development and production. Luckily, thanks to its vast experience in underwater research, Rolex was able to complete the watch in just a few weeks. The Deepsea Challenge famously coped with the requirements of a seven-hour dive, three of which were at the bottom for filming and sample collection.

The new Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge is a direct descendant of the experimental model used in James Cameron’s solo dive. It is an innovative watch capable of withstanding colossal loads and is a milestone in Rolex’s underwater history. As you will see on the dial, the watch is guaranteed water-resistant to 11,000 meters, made of RLX titanium, has a helium valve and the famous Ringlock system. Designed for all types of diving, autonomous, with a submarine or in a pressure chamber.

Its predecessor, which accompanied James Cameron in 2012, was made from 904L steel and was extremely difficult to wear on the wrist due to its heavy weight. That’s why Rolex settled on RLX titanium, a grade 5 titanium alloy that is very light, won’t warp, and is resistant to corrosion. In fact, they are 30% lighter than the experimental watches that inspired them. From the production of the 50mm case to the production of the bracelet, every element has been designed with the daily use of the watch in mind. Its design and proportions have been carefully studied to ensure both an attractive look and comfort on the wrist. The Deepsea Challenge watch is distinguished from other Rolex Professional models by its rich satin texture and polished studs on the temples. Thanks to the Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock bracelet extension systems, it can be worn over wetsuits up to 7mm thick.

The new Deepsea Challenge includes the full range of technological innovations developed by Rolex over the years. The Ringlock system is a patented case design that allows the watch to withstand extreme stress. The helium vent valve allows excess gas to escape from the watch during the chamber decompression phase, reducing pressure inside the case, which can cause serious damage. Triplock crown with three sealed zones. And durable Chromalight fluorescent material delivers superior brightness.

To test the water resistance of each Deepsea Challenge watch, Rolex, in collaboration with Comex (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises), has developed a special ultra-high pressure reservoir that can generate a pressure equivalent to that of water at a depth of 13,750 meters.

The Oyster case is based on the automatic caliber 3230, specially made by Rolex, which has several patents, such as the Chronergy escapement and the Parachrom spring, which are not affected by magnetic fields, or the Paraflex damping system. It has a power reserve of 70 hours and, like all Rolex watches, is Superlative Chronometer certified to be -2/+2 seconds per day.

In the video below, James Cameron talks about his adventures on the sea floor with a Rolex…

See also the corresponding video with the new watch…

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