Mastering The Deep

Combining allure with technical sophistication, the new gold-and-blue Rolex Deepsea represents a revolution for the collection.

- SUFFIAN HAKIM

THE NEW ROLEX DEEPSEA was undoubtedly one of the marvels of this year's Watches and Wonders. It is every collector's dream, alluring in its 18-carat yellow gold case (cut directly from gold ingots) and noble deep-blue lacquer dial, yet phenomenal in its technical sophistication.

As with previous Deepsea timepieces, this one can withstand depths of up to 3,900 metres, where the pressure can reach a crushing 397 kg per square centimetre. Even at such depths, every precaution is taken to ensure the watch remains unscathed.

Earlier iterations of the Deepsea used Rolex's proprietary Oystersteel or grade 5 titanium due to their tensile strength and corrosion resistance. As a softer, more malleable metal, 18-carat gold can be tricky to work with, but Rolex circumvents this challenge by reworking the architecture of the watch.