The Sky-Dweller is the most complicated watch Rolex makes in regular production. It shows a second time zone on a rotating 24-hour disc and has an annual calendar that needs correcting only once a year, at the end of February. It is 42 mm across, launched in 2012, and is built for people who travel. We have 159 Sky-Dwellers in stock, from $15,620.
By the numbers: Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult estimate Rolex's 2023 sales at CHF 10.1 billion, a retail market share of just over 30% and more than the next five luxury watch brands combined. Rolex does not publish its own figures, so these are analysts' estimates (swissinfo.ch, 14 March 2024).
How it works
- Second time zone. The off-center disc on the dial shows home time on a 24-hour scale, read at the fixed red triangle. The main hands show local time.
- Annual calendar ("Saros"). The watch knows which months have 30 and 31 days. The current month is shown by a small colored window beside one of the twelve hour markers: the window at 3 o'clock means March.
- Ring Command bezel. Turning the fluted bezel selects what the crown sets: the date, local time or home time. There are no pushers; everything is done through the crown.
The references
| Version | Material | Bracelet |
|---|---|---|
| Steel with white gold bezel ("White Rolesor") | Oystersteel case, 18 ct white gold fluted bezel | Oyster or Jubilee |
| Two-tone ("Yellow Rolesor") | Steel and yellow gold | Oyster or Jubilee |
| Full gold | Yellow, white or Everose gold | Oyster bracelet or Oysterflex strap |
The steel and white gold version is the one most buyers want, especially with a blue dial. References beginning 326 are the earlier generation (calibre 9001); references beginning 336, introduced in 2023, carry the updated calibre 9002. Both have a power reserve of about 72 hours and are water resistant to 100 m.
What it costs
In our stock, Sky-Dwellers start at $15,620, and a typical one costs $33,395. Full gold versions are at the top of the range. Dial color matters: blue and mint green dials on steel command the highest premiums.
What to check when buying
- Reference and generation: 326 or 336, and whether the watch has an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.
- Calendar function: the month window and date should change correctly, and the bezel should click cleanly between its positions.
- Box and papers: on a watch at this price they matter for resale. See why box and papers matter.
- Size: at 42 mm and about 14 mm thick it is a large watch. If you are unsure, read how to choose your watch size.
Shop the Rolex Sky-Dweller. Every watch is checked by our specialist before it ships and carries our 24-month warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rolex Sky-Dweller for?
Travel. It shows local time and home time together and has an annual calendar, so the date only needs correcting once a year.
How do you set a Sky-Dweller?
Turn the fluted bezel to select the function (date, local time or home time), then set it with the crown. The bezel has three positions.
Is there a steel Sky-Dweller?
The case and bracelet can be steel, but the fluted bezel is always gold. The "steel" Sky-Dweller is steel with a white gold bezel.
Is the Sky-Dweller waterproof?
It is water resistant to 100 m, which covers swimming. It is not a dive watch.
