Skydweller - when will Rolex release a major update?

[Rollieo]

First off - yes this is all speculation. If you don’t like speculation, just ignore this thread. Everyone knows “only Rolex knows”.

Based on the history of Rolex updates and how often they make updates and changes, when do people think Rolex will update the Skydweller?

Daytona 4130 was around since 2000? 4131 wasn’t until 2023?

Skydweller has been around since 2012. Rolex made (what I consider) a relatively small update in 2023.

What I’m really hoping for is a slimmer case and maybe slightly smaller diameter. 12.5mm thickness and 40 or 41mm would be amazing.

[jb335]

I wonder that same and also yearn for a shrunken SkyDweller. The current version is just too big and thick (top heavy) for my liking.

It could happen, the trend is definitely going smaller in the broader watch world.

[rolexjackson]

I love the size and wrist presence of it. I hope they leave that part as it is

[7sins]

Why update perfection?

[Rollieo]

Originally Posted by 7sins

Why update perfection?

It’s a beautiful piece with an amazing complication. The case diameter can be argued that the size is perfect, but I don’t see any argument for the case thickness being perfect at 14mm. All Rolexes have around a 12mm thickness with the exception of the DS which makes sense to have such a thick watch given it’s basically meant for that.

Rolex even lists the Skydweller under the “Classic” category instead of the “Professional” category. In the world of dress watches, 14mm is huuuuuuge. Higher end brands are doing complications with 9 or 10mm thickness. Rolex should be able to do it at 12mm.

[APhound]

I like the size. Do you really want a sky dweller in a Daytona case? I could see them going down a mm if they did want to change it up, kinda like the dd2 going to dd40.. who knows but I’m happy with mine!


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[MRBolton]

While I've never owned one, it certainly is due a thinner refresh. I've always find it to be a bit thick any time I've tried it on. Would also prefer to be offered in a smaller variation. It would be a huge hit and would greatly show off Rolex's watchmaking prowess if they did so!

[77T]

Originally Posted by Rollieo

It’s a beautiful piece with an amazing complication. The case diameter can be argued that the size is perfect, but I don’t see any argument for the case thickness being perfect at 14mm. All Rolexes have around a 12mm thickness with the exception of the DS which makes sense to have such a thick watch given it’s basically meant for that.

Rolex even lists the Skydweller under the “Classic” category instead of the “Professional” category. In the world of dress watches, 14mm is huuuuuuge. Higher end brands are doing complications with 9 or 10mm thickness. Rolex should be able to do it at 12mm.

I have never been a fan of this model for my own aesthetic reasons.

But it isn't a dress watch and Rolex makes watches that are tanks - not svelte - so, no, I don't see any way forward - Rolex isn't likely to slim it down.


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[xrole]

I would love a more svelte case, ideally stainless steel with rhodium grey dial and also a less chunky fluted bezel.

[ocb]

Years unless there’s a second model

[superpop]

I think if they could have made it thinner they probably would have. Manufacturing technology has probably not changed so dramatically in this space over the past 12 years to the point that they could do some radical redesign to the movement to make it substantially thinner while maintaining the same level of reliability and durability. Just a guess on my part but I think it is the size it will be for the foreseeable future.

[drrd]

It looks like a big DJ face on but that isn’t the reality of it.

Look around a DJ41 and it’s very balanced. From the side there is similar thickness and form above and below the midcase.

The Skydweller is thicker than a DJ41 of course. Unfortunately once you notice that it’s thicker above the crown than below, it’s something that’s difficult to ignore. It makes the watch look unbalanced, not just feel top heavy.

The crown is offset towards the bottom of the midcase.

The bezel is thick and oversized, no doubt due to the complication beneath.

The crown stem is short and it feels wobbly c/w regular movements, again this is part of the complication of the reference so it’s unlikely to be fixed.

You have to spend time with it to realise that the added complication does compromise the form of the watch. That face-on view in most shots is misleading.

[art1810]

Sky Dweller II

+ date complication

+ replace gold bezel with platinum bezel, because platinum is vastly harder than gold and therefore platinum is better suited for a control bezel

[dmash]

I don’t see them ever slimming down the sky dweller, 42 makes sense for this model with the complications.

[brandrea]

There alot going on that dial to make it smaller

[travisb]

I like the size and function as is. Can't think of anything I'd change.

[Alpino]

.

SkyDweller have already been upgraded last year in 2023. New 9002 caliber.

[londondude]

I think the issue is not the size but the thickness. If it came down to around 12 it would be perfection. I understand the trend for smaller watches but at the same time people are getting taller and bigger all the time so I don’t find it too big and it definitely won’t be too big going forward.

[Harry-57]

I've just realised I'm wearing mine and didn't take it off last night. I don't own a more comfortable watch. They can do what they like with it because I already have mine.

A 1-2mm reduction in diameter doesn't sound like much but the second time zone function would be reduced correspondingly, although for some owners it wouldn't be an issue if it's more about how it looks than what it does. I think it's the thickness that tips it. It won't suit some people but then again does any watch of any size suit everyone?

The new movement was no small undertaking. What else needs to change? How much has the size and appearance of the GMT Master, DD, DJ or Sub changed this century? Not much because Rolex nailed it out of the gate, as they did with the Sky Dweller.

[PenDelicate]

Originally Posted by art1810

Sky Dweller II

+ date complication

+ replace gold bezel with platinum bezel, because platinum is vastly harder than gold and therefore platinum is better suited for a control bezel

Isn't platinum softer than 18k gold?

https://www.moissaniteco.com/vickers-hardness-scale

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by Alpino

.

SkyDweller have already been upgraded last year in 2023. New 9002 caliber.

This. They were 326xxx models and now they're 336xxx models (which you can tell apart easily by the dial with Rolex crowns in between Swiss and made. I don't see them updating it anymore any time soon.

[drrd]

There were posts a while back about a patent for the (probably) upcoming new Yacht Master II. It seemed that Rolex might have done away with the need for a ring command bezel and the countdown timer and chronograph functioned from button pushes instead.

Maybe they’ll do the same with the SkyDweller at some point.

Once you notice the extra complication and 2mm is all sat up top you can’t unsee it.

Even the thicker SeaDweller case is balanced in this respect.

[Vince_76]

Originally Posted by PenDelicate

Isn't platinum softer than 18k gold?

https://www.moissaniteco.com/vickers-hardness-scale

It is not

https://reflectivejewelry.com/ethica...gagement-rings

[D_Rolex]

I would love to see a slimmer case… but still maintain the 42MM diameter.


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[B2 Stealth]

Perfection--love mine as is!

[KatGirl]

I think Rolex designed it the the best they could, in order to fit everything together and make it look balanced. The height is probably necessary for the movement. I doubt they will change it. Having seen it up close, It looks, fits, and feels fine on the wrist. When I tried it on, I didn’t notice the thickness.



Kat


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[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by superpop

I think if they could have made it thinner they probably would have. Manufacturing technology has probably not changed so dramatically in this space over the past 12 years to the point that they could do some radical redesign to the movement to make it substantially thinner while maintaining the same level of reliability and durability. Just a guess on my part but I think it is the size it will be for the foreseeable future.

This. The movement was updated since introduction and apparently to get all the functions they wanted the thickness didn’t change.
I can appreciate the Skydweller but it’s never been on my want list.

[Torshalla]

I love it as it is.
Then again I have long arms so the size works for me :)


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[gt0279a]

The Sky-Dweller is a DJ on steroids like how the Sea Dweller is to the Submariner.

The movement technology behind it is cool, but honestly would make more sense in a non-dress watch style aesthetic.

I doubt they would make it smaller. Just buy a DJ if you like the look.

[omar-rye]

I expect they would discontinue it rather than make significant changes that could undermine the appeal of the current reference, based on my understanding of Rolex's ethos.