Rolex Debuts First Titanium Watch With Record-Breaking Water Resistance Depth

If there’s one thing Rolex is famed for, it’s its luxurious dive watches, all of which began with the Oyster in 1926, before the brand debuted its signature Submariner in 1953, followed by the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea models. 

Now, with the launch of its first-ever titanium timepiece, the iconic watchmaker is breaking records once again, with its Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge boasting incredible water resistance of up to 11,000 meters (6.8 miles). 

Interestingly, the company based the latest launch on a prototype that filmmaker James Cameron wore in 2012 when he explored the depths of the Mariana Trench, said to be the deepest oceanic trench on Earth. 

According to Forbes, the new Deepsea pays homage not only to Cameron’s dive, but harks back to when oceanographer Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh voyaged to the same spot in 1960 with another Rolex prototype. 

Hence, the watch bears the engraving “Mariana Trench” as well as the dates “23-01-1960” and “26-03-2012” in honor of those dangerous expeditions. 

To create its first fully-titanium piece, Rolex decided on using a grade five titanium alloy, known as RLX titanium, which is both highly durable and lightweight, resulting in the Deepsea being 30% lighter than the 2012 prototype. 

Additionally, the timepiece features the brand’s helium escape value and patented Ringlock system, bolstering its water resistance capabilities and allowing it to withstand great pressures deep in the water. 

The watch includes Rolex’s signature Triplock crown, together with three sealed zones and a Chromalight display so you’ll be able to tell the time even when it’s dark. It will run on a caliber 3230 with Superlative Chronometer certification, offering users a 70-hour power reserve. 

The Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge is available at Rolex for US$26,000.

[via Robb Report and Forbes, images via Rolex]