The Deepsea Challenge incorporates the full spectrum of Rolex’s expertise in divers’ watches. It includes all the major innovations developed by the brand over many years: the Ringlock system, a patented case architecture that enables the watch to withstand extreme pressure; the helium escape valve, which allows surplus gas to escape from the watch during a diver’s decompression phase in a hyperbaric chamber, reducing the pressure inside the case which could otherwise damage the watch; the Triplock crown, with three sealed zones; and the Chromalight display, whose long-lasting luminescence provides exceptional legibility. To test the waterproofness of each Deepsea Challenge, Rolex specially developed, in partnership with Comex (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises), an ultra-high-pressure tank capable of reproducing a test pressure equivalent to that exerted by water at a depth of 13,750 metres (45,112 feet).
At the heart of the Oyster case is calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this self-winding movement contains several patented components: the Chronergy escapement and the Parachrom hairspring, insensitive to magnetic fields, as well as Paraflex shock absorbers. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, calibre 3230 offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Like all Rolex watches, the Deepsea Challenge carries the Superlative Chronometer certification and boasts chronometric precision of the order of –2 /+2 seconds per day.
Specifications
Model Case
Oyster, 50 mm, RLX titanium
Oyster Architecture
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown. Rolex Ringlock system case architecture with nitrogen-alloyed steel ring and helium escape valve
Diameter
50 mm
Material
RLX titanium
Bezel
Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in platinum
Winding Crown
Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Crystal
Domed, 9.5 mm-thick scratch-resistant sapphire
Water Resistance
Waterproof to 11,000 metres / 36,090 feet, helium escape valve
Movement
Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding
Calibre
3230, Manufacture Rolex
Precision
-2/+2 sec/day, after casing
Functions
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Oscillator
Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Winding
Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Power reserve
Approximately 70 hours
Bracelet
Oyster, flat three-piece links
Bracelet Material
RLX titanium
Clasp
Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system. Fliplock extension link
Dial
Intense black
Details
Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence
Certification
Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
