From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight on: the Largest Rolex watches. A
guide to Rolex watches larger than 40 millimeters.
Rolex watches stay true to their designs for decades; but they also never fall behind when
it comes to watch trends.
As “oversized” watches infiltrated the market, and the average watch size gradually
increased, Rolex successfully adapted.
Rolex continued to produce classics like the Datejust and the Submariner in traditional
sizes of 36 and 40 millimeters…
all while developing larger designs like the Yacht-Master II, Explorer II, and Datejust
41.
If you’re in the market for a larger timepiece, here’s a quick guide to Rolex’s larger
models.
Let’s start with the largest case size to date – the 44 millimeter Rolex Yacht-Master
II.
When it was launched in 2007, it was truly a different breed. Big and bold, it paved
the way for Rolex to create larger watches.
Not only was it much larger than the traditional Rolex, it was also technically unique and
complex.
The Yacht-Master II is a flyback, regatta timer, specifically created for timing countdown
intervals of one to ten minutes.
The Yacht-Master II debuted Rolex’s Ring Command Bezel system, which allows the wearer
to set the countdown using the bezel — a feature that would also later be used in
the Rolex Sky-Dweller.
Today, the Yacht-Master II range is available in 18k yellow gold, 18k Everose gold and stainless
steel, 18k white gold with platinum, and stainless steel.
With its design, material, and size, it’s not a subtle Rolex watch by any means!
Launched in 2008, the Rolex Seadweller Deepsea is still the largest watch in the Rolex portfolio.
While it has the same case size as the Yacht-Master II, it has a much thicker Oyster case, offering
maximum presence on the wrist.
The ultra thick Oyster case has a purpose – to accomodate the Ringlock System – a
central ring that supports its extra-thick sapphire crystal and titanium caseback.
All these features give the Deepsea an amazing water resistance of 3,900 meters or up to
12,800 feet.
The standard Sea-dweller meanwhile, Rolex’s saturation dive watch, also upgraded its case
from 40 to 43 millimeters in 2017.
Additionally, while previous versions of the Sea-Dweller have traditionally had flat crystals,
the latest generation adds Rolex’s iconic Cyclops magnification lens to the surface
of the crystal.
This move further distinguishes it from Rolex’s classic dive watch, the Submariner, and also
provides another option for those who want larger dive watches.
At 42 millimeters, we have the Rolex Explorer II.
First launched in 1971, the Explorer II has seen many iterations since. To celebrate its
40th anniversary in 2011, Rolex introduced a revamped version of their robust dual-time
sports watch.
From 40 millimeters, the Explorer II was enlarged to a 42 millimeter case – and the new size
also came with corresponding updates.
A Maxi Dial with larger hand and lume plots for greater legibility, a synthetic sapphire
crystal…
and of course, the return of the bright orange 24-hour hand, a distinguishing feature of
the original Rolex Explorer II.
The now generously sized Explorer II comes in either a sleek black or fresh white dial,
whose larger face and bigger details make for a legible daily sports watch.
Also measuring 42 millimeters is Rolex’s most complex dress watch – the dual time,
annual calendar Rolex Sky-Dweller.
With these features, the Sky-Dweller can simultaneously show the local time, a second time zone, the
month, and the date.
The generous case size allows the Sky-Dweller to display all these on an organized dial.
For years, Rolex has provided the dual time zone functionality with the GMT-Master. What
sets the Sky-Dweller apart, aside from the annual calendar complication, are its design
cues.
The GMT-Master is decidedly more sporty and in line with Rolex’s tool watches, while
the Sky-Dweller is a dressy design, taking its cues from the Datejust and Day-Date.
And finally, we have the Rolex Datejust 41, the larger version of the classic Rolex Datejust.
Launched in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was exclusively offered with a 36 millimeter case for over
60 years. This changed in 2009 when Rolex expanded the Datejust line, with the Datejust
II, which measured 41 millimeters.
The Datejust II was discontinued in 2016, and was replaced with the current Datejust
41.
While it kept the larger case size, Rolex made the Datejust 41 more refined, with a
slimmer case, thinner bezel, and leaner lugs.
It also comes with a new generation movement, the caliber 3235 (three two three five), which
extends its power reserve to 70 hours.
All in all, the Datejust 41 keeps the classic look of the Datejust, but with features to
match the trends of the modern times.
From classically proportioned watches, to larger and more complicated styles, Rolex
has a wide range of sizes to suit different tastes.
Which of the larger Rolex watches do you like best? Tell us in the comments section.
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