The brand-new yellow gold Deepsea could be the most controversial watch Rolex has released in years. And the only one available in the UK right now is waiting for you at Trilogy Jewellers.
Earlier in 2024, Rolex released a 44mm 18ct gold Deepsea with a blue dial. Essentially, it’s a hardcore diver’s watch in a gold suit. It appears that Rolex set out to surprise and has done exactly that.
And while the rest of the industry is still trying to get its head around why Rolex would release the epitome of a tool watch in a yellow gold case, we at Trilogy acquired one. The watch doesn’t make a lot of sense, granted, but that’s exactly why we like it.
Plus, we already know Rolex is a master of dive watches. We plan to go along for the ride, even when it takes an unexpected turn. (Scratch that: Especially when it takes an unexpected turn.)
A first look at the 2024 Rolex Deepsea
The 2024 Rolex Deepsea is a stunning combination of blue and gold. It emulates 80s vibes and leans heavily on the side of flashy. It’s a timepiece that has successfully divided the industry, with some people loving it, some hating it, and others loving to hate it.
Rolex has experimented with a combination of metals we haven’t seen before. This Oyster Perpetual in 18 ct yellow gold comes with a Cerachrom bezel insert in blue ceramic and an Oyster bracelet. For the first time, gold meets ceramic and RLX titanium. The compression ring features a combination of blues: An ode to the ocean.
The RLX titanium caseback could be a measure implemented to maintain strength under pressure or shave a few grams off the weight. Although at this point, we’re not sure attempting to cut weight is even worth it. This gigantic tool watch clocks in at nearly 320 grams. It’s so outrageous that we can’t stop looking at or holding it.
A grand, gold statement for the world of deepsea diving
Shouldn’t a diving watch be a rugged, stainless steel piece? Traditionally, yes, but we’re loving how the watchmaker is challenging tradition with this one, dressing the watch in a precious metal instead.
And there is a method to Rolex’s madness.
Although a diver’s watch in yellow gold is a unique concept in the watchmaking world, gold actually makes for a great diving material. It’s highly resistant to corrosion so frequent exposure to salt water isn’t a concern.
And Rolex just gets it right. It installed its own foundry to create, cast and shape its 18ct yellow gold alloys. This is how Rolex achieves its trademark quality yellow gold with exceptional shine and purity.
Engineered for the depths of the ocean
The latest Rolex Deepsea has been engineered to perform in the depths of the ocean – and to keep glowing while it’s down there. It meets the exact requirements of professional deep-sea divers, nailing everything from visibility to wearability to depth.
A Chromalight display on a blue lacquer dial offers optimal visibility in dark conditions. A luminescent material creates a blue glow on hour markers, which lasts up to twice as long as traditional phosphorescent materials, and the “zero” graduation marker is visible in the dark.
Moving on to the features you can feel, a 60-minute graduated, unidirectional rotatable bezel lets divers precisely monitor their dive and decompression times. The much-loved Oysterlock clasp prevents accidental opening, and a Glidelock enables easy adjustment of the bracelet without any tools. This also means comfortable wear over a diver’s suit.
This Deepsea is waterproof to 3900 metres (which is more than the average depth of the Atlantic Ocean, just in case you were heading down that way). It’s made to withstand pressure even at intense depths, thanks to the helium escape valve.
Key features of the 18ct gold Deepsea watch
- Approx. 70-hour power reserve
- Automatic 3235 calibre
- 44mm case diameter
- Year: 2024
- The first Deepsea in 18ct yellow gold
- Compression ring made from blue ceramic
- Weighs almost 320g
- Retails from Rolex at £47,500 but costs more than that on the secondary market
Want to go for a dive?
Trilogy Jewellers is home to the first yellow gold Rolex Deepsea in the UK. The exclusivity of this piece is off the scale, and you’re invited to try it on, feel the weight, and let us know what you think of it.
The watch is available at Trilogy for £54,450.
It’s not for everyone, but it could be for you. Try it for yourself.
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