ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Welshwatchman · 7 May 2009, 02:57 AM

Did you know that Comex supplied the hyperbaric chamber that Rolex uses to test every DSSD produced?

The chambr is a highly engineered steel tank which replicates the pressure experienced at 4,875 metres, some 975 metres over the rated capability of the DSSD.

This equates to 4 tons of water pressure on the crystal !

The key technology Rolex have developed to withstand such pressures is of course the Ring Lock System. The ring is made from stainless steel alloyed with nitrogen and is placed between the sapphire crystal and the case back to withstands the incredible pressure generated at such a depth.

The DSSDs are placed into the chamber in batches of ten and subjected to extensive testing for 90 minutes before being pronounced fit for purpose. Here's me thinking that they just stuck them in a Hoover washer dryer for 10 minutes.

Below is a picture of the purpose built chamber. Note the DSSDs in their test trays.

Tony-GB · 7 May 2009, 03:05 AM

That is fantastic Paul.

So there is already a Comex connection to the DS, so possibly a limited version in the future...?

Tools · 7 May 2009, 03:09 AM

Yes...that's all fine and dandy.............

But, heaven forbid that you should ever put your precious in a common dishwasher !!

............

Welshwatchman · 7 May 2009, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony-GB

That is fantastic Paul.

So there is already a Comex connection to the DS, so possibly a limited version in the future...?

It is certain that new Comex employees will be issued DSSD watches but they are not letting on whether the special COMEX dial inscription will be retained.

I'm guessing yes. If not now then soon and no doubt they will attract telephone number prices when they are eventually moved on by the retiring owner.

33JS · 7 May 2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

It is certain that new Comex employees will be issued DSSD watches but they are not letting on whether the special COMEX dial inscription will be retained.

I'm guessing yes. If not now then soon and no doubt they will attract telephone number prices when they are eventually moved on by the retiring owner.

Hey Paul,

Just wondering why would Comex issue new employees with SDDS's? The original ones were, IIRC, only issued as 'long-service' awards and not to all employees.

I suppose I've never really understood the fascination most people have with the Comex's outside of very serious collectors who want to collect all variants and people who actually have links with Comex themselves.....

I've never hankered after a Comex Rolex, but probably have closer (though limited) links with Comex than over 99% of Rolex wearers.

argee1977 · 7 May 2009, 06:25 PM

That's great news, i'm going for a little dip at 4500 metres this afternoon and was worried the DSSD wouldn't handle it

SeamasterGMT · 7 May 2009, 07:00 PM

Good post. Thanks.

Any chance of a high res pic?

Timber Loftis · 7 May 2009, 03:12 AM

I'm disappointed, I think they should drop them all down the Marianas Trench in batches of 10 for testing.

Xenophon · 7 May 2009, 03:15 AM

4875 metres. That's a scary pressure. I wouldn't like to be in the same room as that machine when it's cranked up.

SDDS · 7 May 2009, 04:18 AM

very nice post..thanx for sharing

Chris B · 7 May 2009, 04:18 AM

Great info Paul

That contraption reminds me of that 'big bang' thingy those boffins were messing about with a few months ago, bet it'd have worked if they'd have used that baby & spinal tapped it up to 11

dkpw · 7 May 2009, 04:45 AM

OK - I'll admit it, my appreciation of this watch has just increased. That is a highly impressive testing set up and Rolex and Comex are to be commended for ensuring a quality product does what it says.

Would I buy one? No - it's too expensive.
Would I wear one? No - it's far too large and misproportioned.

Fantastic revelation though!

DRAWTOOL · 7 May 2009, 04:51 AM

COMEX SHMOMEX. When I was in show buisness at OI we called them Brand X.

smallcandle · 7 May 2009, 05:05 AM

Pretty cool stuff! Makes me have an even greater appreciation for mine as I sit here and stare at it lovingly.

jmagic · 7 May 2009, 05:25 AM

thanks for sharing the pic

watchdawg · 7 May 2009, 07:49 AM

Still there is not an answer to that age old question, "Can I wear my watch in the shower"?

Sorry just had to add.

Jack Sparrow · 7 May 2009, 09:13 AM

That is so awesome...
I want a DSSD in the worst way.

NYC6 · 7 May 2009, 09:48 AM

Incredible! Does every Deep Sea made get this testing done?

Whiskey · 7 May 2009, 12:22 PM

Actually, this is NOT a new revelation.

Rolex always had mentioned that Comex was involved in the creation of the SDDS and this was confirmed in the April 2009 issue of WatchTime which did their cover-story on the SDDS.

I guess you guys haven't been paying attention.

Nice photo though. I was wondering what the pressure-chamber would look like and how they tested the watches.

Originally I thought it was just one watch at a time, not 10.

Atomant · 7 May 2009, 12:25 PM

wow, i want a dssd now.

tom2517 · 7 May 2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYC6

Incredible! Does every Deep Sea made get this testing done?

I believe so.

onkyo · 7 May 2009, 09:47 AM

Excellent post Paul.

Great pic..... love Comex.

Gil F. · 7 May 2009, 01:03 PM

I wonder if they will use the same machine to pressure test the DSSD after it comes in for a service. Very cool post! Thanks!

Andad · 7 May 2009, 02:39 PM

That looks a bit more substantial than the little glass jar that sucks at minus one atmosphere.

Thank's for the info Paul.

mck22 · 7 May 2009, 02:45 PM

Thanks for sharing!!!

Hamish · 7 May 2009, 05:19 PM

Cool, I want one........

Bisquitlips · 7 May 2009, 07:03 PM

Good stuff!

migboy · 7 May 2009, 08:11 PM

great!!!

handdoc · 7 May 2009, 08:39 PM

very interesting

nylawbiz · 7 May 2009, 09:11 PM

Thanks for the post - makes my DSSD ownership even more enjoyable. May I ask, where you found that picture?

7 May 2009, 02:57 AM	#1
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	Comex supplies ROLEX Hyperbaric Chamber for DSSD testing Did you know that Comex supplied the hyperbaric chamber that Rolex uses to test every DSSD produced? The chambr is a highly engineered steel tank which replicates the pressure experienced at 4,875 metres, some 975 metres over the rated capability of the DSSD. This equates to 4 tons of water pressure on the crystal ! The key technology Rolex have developed to withstand such pressures is of course the Ring Lock System. The ring is made from stainless steel alloyed with nitrogen and is placed between the sapphire crystal and the case back to withstands the incredible pressure generated at such a depth. The DSSDs are placed into the chamber in batches of ten and subjected to extensive testing for 90 minutes before being pronounced fit for purpose. Here's me thinking that they just stuck them in a Hoover washer dryer for 10 minutes. Below is a picture of the purpose built chamber. Note the DSSDs in their test trays. __________________ ..33

7 May 2009, 03:05 AM	#2
Tony-GB "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: Oxfordshire, UK Watch: 116680 & 116622 Posts: 3,953	That is fantastic Paul. So there is already a Comex connection to the DS, so possibly a limited version in the future...? __________________ "...why oh why, didn't I take the blue pill...?" http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/ www.cheetah.org

7 May 2009, 03:09 AM	#3
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Yes...that's all fine and dandy............. But, heaven forbid that you should ever put your precious in a common dishwasher !! ............ __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

7 May 2009, 06:25 PM	#6
argee1977 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Ryan Location: England Watch: AP ROC Posts: 1,462	That's great news, i'm going for a little dip at 4500 metres this afternoon and was worried the DSSD wouldn't handle it __________________ PANERAI, MORE THAN A WATCH, LESS THAN A KITKAT

7 May 2009, 03:15 AM	#9
Xenophon 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Xenophon Location: UK Posts: 2,728	4875 metres. That's a scary pressure. I wouldn't like to be in the same room as that machine when it's cranked up. __________________ The sea! The sea! Θάλαττα! θάλαττα!

7 May 2009, 07:00 PM	#7
SeamasterGMT Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA Watch: DeepSea Posts: 822	Good post. Thanks. Any chance of a high res pic?

7 May 2009, 03:12 AM	#8
Timber Loftis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Jon Location: Chicago Watch: IIc,DJII,P244,A1-Z Posts: 2,857	I'm disappointed, I think they should drop them all down the Marianas Trench in batches of 10 for testing.

7 May 2009, 04:18 AM	#10
SDDS "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Yazan Location: Canada Posts: 4,782	very nice post..thanx for sharing __________________ Patek Philippe 5167 Patek Philippe 5905P black dial Rolex Deepsea 116660 M series Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 N series Rolex OP 41MM 124300 Green Dial

7 May 2009, 04:18 AM	#11
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,631	Great info Paul That contraption reminds me of that 'big bang' thingy those boffins were messing about with a few months ago, bet it'd have worked if they'd have used that baby & spinal tapped it up to 11

7 May 2009, 04:45 AM	#12
dkpw "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: Scotland Watch: 16610 & 214270 Posts: 1,294	OK - I'll admit it, my appreciation of this watch has just increased. That is a highly impressive testing set up and Rolex and Comex are to be commended for ensuring a quality product does what it says. Would I buy one? No - it's too expensive. Would I wear one? No - it's far too large and misproportioned. Fantastic revelation though! __________________ Sub 16610, Explorer 214270, Ω Speedy Pro & many others. David

7 May 2009, 04:51 AM	#13
DRAWTOOL "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Mikey Uí Néill Location: Olden Texas Watch: 14060M & 16570 Posts: 1,941	COMEX SHMOMEX. When I was in show buisness at OI we called them Brand X.

7 May 2009, 05:05 AM	#14
smallcandle "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Kansas Watch: 16610, Omega PO Posts: 1,898	Pretty cool stuff! Makes me have an even greater appreciation for mine as I sit here and stare at it lovingly.

7 May 2009, 05:25 AM	#15
jmagic "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Posts: 55	thanks for sharing the pic

7 May 2009, 07:49 AM	#16
watchdawg "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Vic Location: Colorado/UAE Watch: GMT 1675 Posts: 494	Still there is not an answer to that age old question, "Can I wear my watch in the shower"? Sorry just had to add. Last edited by watchdawg; 7 May 2009 at 07:50 AM.. Reason: addition

7 May 2009, 09:13 AM	#17
Jack Sparrow Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: The Black Pearl Watch: 116610LV Posts: 108	That is so awesome... I want a DSSD in the worst way.

7 May 2009, 09:48 AM	#18
NYC6 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Dennis Location: L.I./N.Y. Watch: SUBMARINER 14060M Posts: 2,769	Incredible! Does every Deep Sea made get this testing done?

7 May 2009, 12:22 PM	#19
Whiskey Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Watch: Deepsea Posts: 521	Actually, this is NOT a new revelation. Rolex always had mentioned that Comex was involved in the creation of the SDDS and this was confirmed in the April 2009 issue of WatchTime which did their cover-story on the SDDS. I guess you guys haven't been paying attention. Nice photo though. I was wondering what the pressure-chamber would look like and how they tested the watches. Originally I thought it was just one watch at a time, not 10.

7 May 2009, 12:25 PM	#20
Atomant "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fernwood Posts: 3,455	wow, i want a dssd now. __________________ 116613LN 16600SD 16610LV 116710 16710 16570 Speedy 3570.50 PAM25 Oris TT1 and a bunch of G-Shocks. Flipped: Daytona 116520 Seamaster 2231.80

7 May 2009, 09:47 AM	#22
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	Excellent post Paul. Great pic..... love Comex.

7 May 2009, 01:03 PM	#23
Gil F. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Gil Location: NC Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 432	I wonder if they will use the same machine to pressure test the DSSD after it comes in for a service. Very cool post! Thanks!

7 May 2009, 02:39 PM	#24
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,533	That looks a bit more substantial than the little glass jar that sucks at minus one atmosphere. Thank's for the info Paul. __________________ E

7 May 2009, 02:45 PM	#25
mck22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Brent Location: St Louis Watch: Rolex Sub Date Posts: 1,516	Thanks for sharing!!! __________________ 16610 Submariner GMT Master II 16710 1675

7 May 2009, 05:19 PM	#26
Hamish "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Earth Watch: 5575 Posts: 1,674	Cool, I want one........

7 May 2009, 07:03 PM	#27
Bisquitlips 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Richard Location: USA Watch: YM Deep Space Posts: 12,521	Good stuff! __________________ Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm (SS-YG / Deep Space MOP) 16623 Breitling Aerospace Titanium / 18K with UTC. Omega Speedmaster 3510.50 Oris TT1 Pro Diver Regulator 43MM

7 May 2009, 08:11 PM	#28
migboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago Watch: 16610 Posts: 300	great!!!

7 May 2009, 08:39 PM	#29
handdoc "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New England Posts: 328	very interesting

7 May 2009, 09:11 PM	#30
nylawbiz Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: New York Watch: too many Posts: 705	Thanks for the post - makes my DSSD ownership even more enjoyable. May I ask, where you found that picture?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)