Rolex Sky-Dweller: annual calendar and GMT function

The Sky-Dweller is one of the most complex models in the Rolex catalog. In addition to having an annual calendar and double time zone, it holds 14 patents that demonstrate the technical expertise and convenience of use of this watch.

A technical masterpiece with 14 patents

Rolex watches are world-renowned for their reliability, robustness and precision. Models such as the Submariner, one of the first diving watches on the market, only include additional functions such as date indication and a rotating bezel. The Sky-Dweller, however, is completely different. This watch, with its 42 mm case, has an annual calendar, a window for the date and month, as well as a second time zone. With 14 registered patents, it is considered, together with the Yacht-Master II , one of the most complex watches in the current Rolex catalog.

The Sky-Dweller is the first Rolex watch with a GMT function and an annual calendar. At the end of the month, this function changes the date, indicating the correct day automatically. However, it must be taken into account that the clock must be corrected manually on February 28 or 29. In the sphere it is possible to visualize an eccentric disc of 24 divisions that indicates a second time zone, that is to say the time of its place of residence. With the help of an inverted red triangle positioned below the logo at twelve o’clock, it is possible to see the time in another part of the planet.

The functions of the Ring Command bezel

The Sky-Dweller is characterized by an ingenious and comfortable control of its functions through the Ring Command rotating bezel. Like the Yacht-Master II racing chronograph, the rotating ring takes care of the complications of the watch. This bevel works as follows: after unscrewing and pulling the crown, turn the bezel to the left until it is positioned at eleven o’clock. Next, adjust the date by rotating the crown in both directions. Once it reaches the last day, the month will be modified in an analogical way.

If you turn the hoop to the left again until it is positioned at 10 o’clock, you can correct the local time. Its visualization is done in a standard way through the central needles for hours, minutes and seconds. If you manipulate the crown, you can increase or decrease the time. The date indication is also corrected in this position.

By turning the bezel to the next position, it is possible to adjust the time of origin. That is to say, the eccentric disc of 24 hours adjusts along with the needles of the hours and the minutes. The 9001 caliber has a stop seconds for a precise time setting. While changing the position of the bezel, the crown can remain unscrewed without risk of damaging the clock mechanism.

The annual calendar and the dual-time function

The display of the 12 months of the annual calendar function is indicated in small windows on the sphere contour corresponding to the hour indices. For example, if we are in the month of July, the window positioned at the top of the hourly index seven will be shown in red. As last data we highlight that Saros, the name of the annual calendar of Rolex, alludes to the periodicity of the eclipses, the so-called saros cycle.

The dual-time function offers an eccentric disk of 24 graduations and perfect readability that allows to identify if it is day or night. Semi-skeleton zed central needles also provide optimal readability, and offer a clear view of the red triangle even at twelve o’clock. In addition, these are also coated with a luminescent material to ensure excellent reading in dark environments.

The design and materials of the Sky-Dweller

The Rolex Sky-Dweller equips the prestigious Oyster box of sports collections. Due to the functions of the watch, the 9001 caliber increases the size of the box to 42 mm. That is, this model is presented as one of the largest in the catalog of the watchmaker’s house and marks the trend among large-scale watches. Rolex offers the possibility to choose between white, yellow or Eve rose gold. The latter is an alloy developed by the firm that accompanies the collection since 2005. In summary, the quality of the materials is felt on the wrist: the 250 g weight of the Sky-Dweller make this model one of the most heavy of the market.

This watch also offers a Oyster bracelet with three flat links made of gold or an alligator strap in brown or black colors. The prestigious Oyster bracelets have a folding clasp and a 5 mm extension system. Thanks to this innovation and despite its weight, it is highly comfortable to wear this Rolex on the wrist.

The aesthetics of the Sky-Dweller is similar to that of the Rolex Day-Date. An elegant and sporty model that positions a date indicator at three o’clock. At twelve it offers a display of the day of the week in its entirety that is, showing all the letters. In addition, it has a fluted bezel that facilitates handling and grip. The sporty touch is given by the Arabic indexes of the yellow gold models. However, the white gold versions stand out for their elegant sobriety. It should be noted that one of the most popular models is the Rolex Sky Dweller with a blue dial, a case and a bracelet made of steel and white gold.