Rolex is a brand with its past, present, and future interlaced with luxury, refined elegance, and high value. Famous for its watches, with both male and female – as well as gender-neutral – models available, Rolex is so much more than an accessory retailer, with buyers around the world coveting the different models and collections that Rolex releases as part of a high-value investment, luxurious, functional, and stylish purchase.
In this piece, we’re taking a deep dive into one of the Rolex collections – the Sky-Dweller – with a comprehensive review of a specific watch (model no. 326934) that we have been lucky enough to see in our store in Knightsbridge.
But first, what is the history of the Rolex Sky-Dweller and how did this particular model come to be seen as one of the most coveted – and controversial – watches in the Rolex repertoire?
History of the Rolex Sky-Dweller
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is known as the most complicated watch that Rolex has created to date – a fact which has garnered some polarising views among collectors and watch reviewers alike, who seem to either love or hate this watch.
Designed and created for business travellers, the Sky-Dweller was inspired by the Rolex GMT-Master which was made with pilots in mind – combining dual-time displays alongside an annual calendar which gives users the date and time in two different places at once.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller was first released in 2012 with this particular model (326934) boasting a white gold metal finish – as you will go on to find out in the following sections of this blog.
The model of Sky-Dweller that we are focussing on in this piece is the 326934 – with the highly coveted and sought-after blue dial, with a white gold and steel metal strap.
What makes this Rolex Sky-Dweller so unique?
One of the things that make the Rolex Sky-Dweller different from any other Rolex watch or model, is that the Bezel around the outside of the watch controls the different features and functions of the watch. There are three positions that this bezel can occupy – one of which controls the date, while another controls the main time and the third controls the secondary time zone that you want to track.
Because the Sky-Dweller allows you to track date, month, and two different time zones, the watch face looks complex at first glance but soon becomes clear when you realise what each part of the watch communicates. The red mark next to one of the 12 dials indicates the month, while the number in the window next to the third marker tells you the date. The complex mechanism which enables this to work is called Saros and can even differentiate between a 30-day and a 31-day month.
Meanwhile, the standard dial allows you to control and read one time, while a smaller internal dial which sits on the watch face acts as a secondary clock face for reading dual time.
To look at the other details and features of this particular Sky-Dweller model, you will notice the intricate design choices which see the five links of the bracelet finished in both brushed and polished white gold and steel.
How are other Sky-Dweller models different?
The original release of Sky-Dweller watches came with oyster bracelets, which meant that they had a three-piece link metal structure. This particular model, however, showcases what is called the Jubilee bracelet – first released in 2021, likely to make the watch stand out even more and to enable the bracelet to match the complexity and elegance of the watch face. The Jubilee bracelet is made up of five links, two broader links on the outside and three smaller ones on the inside – creating a dressy and more formal aesthetic finish.
Another major difference that you will see between different models of Sky-Dweller watches is the colour and metal used – with solid white gold, solid rose gold, and solid yellow gold all available, as well as a yellow gold Rolosort which combines the yellow gold with steel. This colour differentiation also extends to the watch face of the different Sky-Dweller models – with blue considered the most coveted while other options include white, black, grey, champagne, and more.
Despite these differences, each watch in the Sky-Dweller collection is equally stylish, elegant, and sophisticated in design – with no need for additional buttons around the outside of the watch face.
How expensive is the Rolex Sky-Dweller model?
Over the last ten years, the Rolex Sky-Dweller has seen a number of new models released – now totalling 10 models as of summer 2022. However, it is largely seen as one of the more affordable Rolex models in relation to other collections – with the typical sale price sitting at around £12,950.00.
Having said that, the extremely high demand for this model in particular, with the colour combination and coveted blue dial, means that its value as an investment is much higher than its retail value – making this a great investment opportunity for buyers who can get their hands on one.
Celebrities that wear Rolex Sky-Dweller watches
Rolex is a brand that combines luxury with style and status – and as such is one which has always been immensely popular among celebrities across all industries.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller in particular has been spotted on the wrists of celebrities including:
- UFC Fighter Conor McGregor
- Jay-Z
- 50 Cent
- Will Smith
- Roger Federer
How to get a Rolex Sky-Dweller
As one of the most coveted models in the Sky-Dweller collection, model 326934 combines the blue watch face with the white gold and steel bracelet for an elegant finish. Here at Love Luxury, our Rolex stock is constantly changing, with our advice being to look out for availability on our website to get your hands on a pre-loved Rolex.
An alternative option is to research retail stores and the Rolex site for brand-new pieces – including future Sky-Dweller launches in the coming years.
