Rolex Sky Dweller Review – 18k Yellow Gold with Champagne Dial
Raymond Lee Jewelers Presents, a Rolex Sky Dweller Review. In this review, we will tell you with everything you need to know about the most complicated Rolex in modern time – The Rolex Sky-Dweller; and more specifically, our personal Rolex 326938, which is an Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Sky-Dweller.
The Sky-Dweller is amongst Rolex’s largest and most expensive watches. It was released at the Baselworld in 2012, and it is the largest release to date.
The Sky-Dweller was a completely new reference from Rolex, the powerhouse Swiss brand of luxury watches. So, naturally, it got a lot of attention.
The Sky-Dweller (Ref. 326938) is the most complicated modern Rolex in production, and its functions are made with the frequent jet-setter in mind. Some of the functions that the Rolex Sky-Dweller offers are a Dual Time Zone, an Annual Calendar, and a Date Function.
An interesting feature is the Calendar complication that allows the Date Function to display the current date throughout the year. The function is smart enough to know when the month ends on the 30th or the 31st, so you won’t have to re-set the watch every month.
Another attractive complication is the Ring Command Bezel. The crown only has one setting position, so by rotating the bezel, you can access the three main functions mentioned above.
Versions of the Rolex Sky-Dweller
Originally, the Sky Dweller was only available in three shades of gold – yellow, white or Everose; however, at Baselworld 2017, Rolex released two new versions of the Sky-Dweller, which were the two-toned Rolesor versions:
- The stainless steel Sky-Dweller with an 18 karat white gold bezel
- AND, the two-tone stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold Sky-Dweller.
These two models significantly reduced the new collection’s entry price point. The original gold models had an entry point of around $40,000, and with the release of the stainless steel Rolesor versions, the entry point for the Sky-Dweller became around $14,000 at retail.
This is a huge difference and makes the highly sought out Sky-Dweller available to a wider audience.
This Sky Dweller Review is of our Yellow Gold Sky-Dweller (ref. 326938). We hope you enjoy the review and Sky-Dweller Yellow Gold pictures.
18k GOLD Rolex Watch
Because Rolex produces watches in-house at their own factory, they are able to create the highest quality 18k gold alloys and always maintain a standard that is truly unparalleled in the watch industry.
18k gold colors can range from yellow, pink or white. The model in this Rolex Sky Dweller review is of the yellow gold variety. The 18k gold alloy is made with only the purest metals, and is assiduously examined with the most advanced equipment before being molded and shaped into form.
The process of creating the watch from the gold alloy also undergoes extremely meticulous inspection to make sure that every watch lives up to Rolex’s top-notch reputation.
The yellow gold Sky-Dweller, in our opinion, is one of the best gold colors you could ask for. It is a beautiful eye-catching gold that we couldn’t live without.
Rolex Sky Dweller Gold Case & Ring Command Bezel
The Rolex 326938 has a yellow gold case with a fluted, Ring Command Bezel. A Ring Command Bezel allows you to switch between the various functions in order to set the time, date and calendar, directly from the bezel.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Case Size
It has 42mm diameter case, so size isn’t a problem with the Rolex Sky-Dweller. It has a screw-down caseback and a scratch-resistant crystal with cyclops date window.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Case Thickness
The 14.1mm width means it is a pretty thick case. Although, it is about 3.6 millimeters less than the 17.7mm Rolex Deepsea watch. So, it’s not the thickest watch in the Rolex world.
Is Rolex Sky-Dweller waterproof?
The Rolex Sky Dweller 18k yellow gold watch is most definitely waterproof. You can confidently wear the Sky-Dweller in waters up to 330ft (100 meters) below sea level. Therefore, you can enjoy mostly every water activity with this sporty watch, excluding deepsea scuba diving.
Rolex Sky Dweller Champagne Dial
The dial layout is very well balanced and the champagne gold color really completes the look of the yellow gold case and bracelet. The Sky-Dweller has a signature-offset ring for the second time zone and annual calendar cutouts above the Arabic numbers. There is a fixed inverted red triangle on the dial points of the center dial 24-hour disc for a preferred reference time. The dials also feature rectangular index hour markers; further more, the hands are long and have a luminous Chromalight display to boost readability.
Rolex Sky Dweller Movement
Rolex Sky-Dweller comes with a Calibre 9001 automatic movement. This means that it has a self-winding mechanism. The Calibre 9001 movement is completely produced in-house by Rolex, so we can be sure the movement is of the highest quality, which is something that Rolex is so well known for.
As we mentioned, the Rolex Sky-Dweller is the most complicated modern Rolex and it is one of the most complex calibres that Rolex has ever created in its entire history. Furthermore, Rolex has seven different patents to protect it. The architecture, innovative qualities and manufacturing level of the Sky-Dweller make it extraordinarily accurate and trustworthy. The Sky-Dweller is made to last a lifetime.
Another one of the very impressive features of this watch is the 72-hour Power Reserve. So, you can leave it off for the whole weekend and throw it back on your wrist on Monday without it stopping.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Functions
The Rolex Sky-Dweller has a GMT function, so it has a 24 hour scale of international timezones; a Ring Command Bezel, so it can be set quickly and effectively by simply using the bezel and crown, which we will explain exactly how it works below; and a Dual Time Zone function that can be re-set to a new timezone without stopping the entire watch; all of which make the Rolex Sky-Dweller one of the most functional watches in history.
How to set Rolex Sky-Dweller?
Here is how the Ring Command Bezel works:
Neutral Position:
From the neutral position, you can rotate the bezel counter clockwise into different positions, triggering certain functions the Sky Dweller is equipped with. The original position is the neutral position. If you take out the crown and turn it when in the neutral position, the time settings won’t change.
First Position:
If you want to set the watch from a dead start, you would rotate the bezel counter-clockwise into the first position. Then you can pull out the crown and set the time. When doing this, you will see the center dial, which is the GMT position; rotating counter counter-clockwise into position as the minute and hour hand rotates clockwise.
Second Position:
If you rotate the bezel to the second position, you can turn the crown to make a quick hour jump. A quick hour jump allows just the hour hand to jump forward, in one-hour increments both forwards and backwards, without the minute hand moving. As the watch doesn’t stop, accuracy is maintained. Also, for every two full rotations on the dial, the date will change as well.
Third Position:
From the bezel’s third position, you can adjust the date. You can also control the calendar from this position. The rectangle openings just above the Arabic numbers on the dial are the calendar. So, if the rectangle opening on the 1 is darkened, it means it is set on January; the two would be February; three would be March; and so on and so forth.
After you set the time, date and calendar, you would press the crown in, then rotate the bezel to its neutral position and tighten the crown. Then you pop it on your wrist and you are set and good to go.
Rolex Sky Dweller Oyster Bracelet
The Oyster bracelet is made of 18k yellow gold with polished, mirror finish center links and stain finish on the outer links. The bracelet is extremely solid and comfortable, which can also be attributed to the simple, adjustable Oysterclasp, safety deployment. The Oysterclasp offers approximately 5mm more flex-room for any circumstance.
Lastly, the Oyster bracelet has another perk, that being the newly concealed attachment arrangement beneath the bezel. The new concealed attachment provides a smoothly continuous visual amongst the case and bracelet.
Rolex Sky Dweller On Wrist
Wearing the Rolex Sky-Dweller Yellow Gold version offers a feeling of prestige and accomplishment. There aren’t many watches that can compete with the Sky-Dweller as the design, application and complications put it truly in a league of its own.
The big case and rich, light throwing, fluted bezel make the Sky Dweller 326938 an attention grabbing watch, especially as it is an all gold Rolex watch. Eyes can’t help themselves as they are naturally drawn to the bling-factor; although, this is a very elegant kind of bling.
You need to embrace the fact that others will stare if you are going to wear this watch. Nonetheless, if you like a flawless Rolex experience, then this watch is for you.
Rolex Sky Dweller Weight
The Sky-Dweller is a heavy timepiece. It might be one of the heaviest watches Rolex has brought out since Masterpiece. You’ll notice it’s on your wrist. It makes itself known and we like that. Nonetheless, even if you plan on wearing it every day, there wouldn’t be any discomfort.
How much is a Rolex Sky Dweller?
Rolex Sky-Dweller watch price
Rolex Sky-Dweller cost a pretty penny. This is one of the most expensive Rolex watches available.
Rolex Sky-Dweller resale value
- White Gold price: approximately $32,000
- Yellow Gold price: approximately $33,000-$34,000
- Rose Gold price: approximately $35,000
Add another $3,000 if you want to pick up a new one.
Pre-owned Rolex Sky Dweller yellow, rose or white gold on Oyster bracelet runs from $32,000 to $35,000.
The Pre owned Rolex Sky Dweller Strap Model ranges from $26,000 to $29,000.
Again, add another $3,000 if you want a new one.
Rolex Sky Dweller Celebrity Appearances
Rolex is one of, if not the most, influential watch brands in history. Celebrities, from musicians to actors to athletes, all appreciate Rolex watches. The Sky-Dweller has been seen on numerous celebrities as of late. The Sky-Dwellers popularity amongst celebrities might be due to its larger size and hefty price tag.
Nonetheless, here are some big names that have recently donned the Rolex Sky-Dweller:
Jay-z
Lebron James
Conor McGregor
Cristiano Ronaldo
Jimmy Buffet
Drake
Tiger Woods
Nicolas Cage
Andre Iguodala
Demarcus Ware
It’s definitely a watch that attracts the affluent.
Rolex Sky Dweller dimensions
Exact dimensions:
Case: 42.09mm
Width: 14.1mm
Lug to Lug: 49.72mm
Bracelet: 20mm
To wrap it up…
All in all, we really like the Rolex Sky Dweller Yellow Gold. There are few watches on the market that have an annual calendar with GMT complications. This is likely because the annual calendar is a considerably rare complication.
The 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet and large case, sapphire crystal with a date-cyclops, champagne dial, Ring Command Bezel, multiple complicated complications, 72 hour power preserve, Rolex in-house 9001 calibre movement with seconds, minutes and hours, and 330 feet waterproof capability, make this one of our favorite Rolex watches for men. In fact, it’s up on the top of our list, along with the classic Submariner, Sea Dweller and Yachtmaster 2, for the best watches of all watches. A Rolex collection wouldn’t be the same without a Sky-Dweller.
If you can afford the hefty price tag, we highly recommend adding an Oyster Perpetual Sky Dweller to your repertoire. The Sky-Dweller yellow gold champagne dial watch is amongst the elite of Gold Rolex watches.
We hope you learned something new from this Rolex Sky Dweller review. If you are interested in buying a pre owned Sky Dweller, we are currently selling the yellow gold Sky-Dweller seen in this review.
Send us a message by filling out the form below to get more information and pricing on the Rolex Sky Dweller Yellow Gold (Ref. 326938).
About Raymond Lee Jewelers:
Raymond Lee Jewelers is one of South Florida’s best sales and service centers for watches, diamonds, and high-end jewelry. We are a family business that has spent the last 30 years building a solid reputation selling luxury watches and jewelry at wholesale prices. Furthermore, Raymond Lee Jewelers has one of the largest collections of Rolex watches in all of South Florida. Our goal is to meet the needs of our customers at our Boca Raton retail store and online. We also aim to provide our community with the best possible experience when it comes to any fine jewelry dealings. We combine value, quality and the ability to meet and understand the needs of people of all ages.