AN OWNER’S VIEW: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller
Sivakumar Sathiamoorthy, an avid ESCAPEMENT reader, provides an honest review of his blue dial Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, presented on a Jubilee bracelet (Reference 326934). The current model is Reference 336934.
The Thinking Man’s Rolex
After purchasing a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R in 2015 and then a bi-metallic Daytona in 2019, I felt ready to make another horological acquisition and thought another Rolex would be a shrewd choice. However, in 2020, COVID-19 struck. At that time, there was strong global interest in watches, partly due to the lockdowns, which made Rolex models difficult to obtain. However, undeterred, I extensively researched Rolex watches, keen that my chosen model be both functional and attractive.
On first seeing the blue-dial Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller in Oystersteel and white gold, I knew it was the one for me. It is one of the most complicated Rolex models, displaying a second time zone as well as featuring an annual calendar. I like the heft of the watch, its dimensions, legibility and its impressive build quality. Furthermore, I find the bright blue dial to be very attractive and the perfect accompaniment to a white or blue shirt.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller remains a comparatively rare breed, seldom seen in the wild. Perhaps, it’s the complexity of its dial that puts some buyers off, pushing them into the arms of a Submariner or Daytona, but personally speaking, I’ve never struggled to read the Sky-Dweller’s indications.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller launched in 2012
When it was launched in 2012, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller was a wholly new model and, as such, it lacked the heritage of the iconic Submariner and legendary Daytona. However, what the Sky-Dweller lacked in heritage, it more than made up for with its complications.
The Sky-Dweller employs an ingenious means of displaying the annual calendar and second time zone using square apertures positioned adjacent to the hour markers and an off-centre disc, biased towards 6 o’clock. Both complications prove intuitive to use. Despite being a totally new model when it was released back in 2012, the Sky-Dweller clearly belonged to the Rolex family. For instance, the model’s fluted bezel has been a feature of the Datejust, the Day-Date and Turn-O-Graph watches for many years. Likewise, the famous cyclops date window is also found on several models, including the Submariner. The hour and minute hands and the Jubilee bracelet are further signature details the Sky-Dweller shares with its siblings.
The evolution of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky–Dweller
In 2017, the design of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller evolved. The hours were indicated with rectangular indexes, the brand introduced the Rolesor steel/gold models and the hue of the 24-hour disc matched the colour of the dial. The resultant aesthetic proved cleaner, simpler to read and more attractive.
The biggest changes came in 2021 when the watch was offered with a Jubilee bracelet, heightening the sense of luxury and making the model suitable for any occasion. At the time, the prestigious marque also released some very interesting dial colours such as bright blue and green, two eye-catching hues, supplementing the existing all-white and black options.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller – fluted bezel ring commander
What is unique about the Sky-Dweller is its lustrous white gold fluted bezel. Not only is it a signature Rolex design feature, but it also serves as a rotatable ring command system which, together with the crown, allows the wearer to set and adjust the functions easily. The bezel is turned counterclockwise to choose, notch by notch, the annual calendar month and date mode, the second time zone and primary time modes. The crown at 3 o’clock is used to adjust the date, month and time.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller – dial
The annual calendar complication shows the correct date through the year. In other words, it allows the wearer to use the watch without adjusting the date at the end of a 30-day month. Only one adjustment is needed on 1st March, as February only has 28 or 29 days. The date is connected to the local time and automatically changes according to the traveller’s local time zone.
The annual calendar display uses the Rolex patented Saros annual calendar system. A deep red rectangle next to an hour marker indicates the prevailing month. For example, if there is a deep red rectangle next to the 7 o’clock hour marker, it means that the current month is July.
The second time zone is displayed cleverly using an off-centre 24-hour carousel disc. A fixed red inverted triangle acts as a pointer to indicate the second time zone hour. The inverted triangle (index) is another subtle Rolex design feature and is also used on the Explorer and Submariner models. The recessed second time zone ring provides visual impact and aids readability.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller – presence and style
Given the numerous complications on the dial, the 42 mm case diameter makes sense as it affords each indication sufficient room to be easily read. Indeed, as a middle-aged man, I have no problems reading the various dial indications, including the second time zone. There is a reassuring heft to the watch that confers a sense of value and the dimensions endow the Rolex Sky-Dweller with much wrist presence, but rest assured the watch doesn’t feel too heavy or cumbersome. Personally, I think it’s perfect.
The Jubilee bracelet features a folding Oysterclasp and an Easylink comfort extension system.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller – 9002 calibre
The Calibre 9001 was created in 2012 by Rolex to power the Sky-Dweller. In 2017, the movement was upgraded with the release of the 9002 calibre, which powers my watch. The 9002 is an automatic COSC-certified movement, has a 72-hour power reserve and proffers +2/-2 sec/day accuracy. The paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and the Paraflex shock absorber ensure the watch withstands the adverse influences of magnetism, temperature fluctuations and minor impacts.
Conclusion
Having owned my Rolex Sky-Dweller for almost three years, I can say, in all honesty, I have no regrets. It took me a while to get used to adjusting the watch and mastering its complications, but once I had surmounted these challenges, I soon appreciated the usefulness of the annual calendar complication. The second time zone also proves simple to read. As I amass more watches and my passion for horology grows exponentially, I continue to research future potential purchases – don’t be surprised to read about them on ESCAPEMENT!
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller
- Reference: 326934 (discontinued). The current model is Reference 336934.
- Case: diameter 42 mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front, solid caseback.
- Functions: ‘Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. 24-hour display on off-centre disc. Second time zone. Instantaneous annual calendar at 3 o’clock and rapid-setting of the date. Month display via 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial. Stop-seconds for precise time setting’
- Movement: Rolex 9002 calibre, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), power reserve approximately 72 hours
- Strap: Oystersteel jubilee bracelet fitted with folding Oysterclasp and Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Price: £14,950 (RRP as of 27.7.2026) – note price for Reference 336934