New Release
Rogi provides an exclusive look at Rolex's 2017 Baselworld collection during an event at Howard Fine Jewellers in Ottawa. This report offers hands-on impressions of key new releases, including the Sea-Dweller and the stainless steel Sky-Dweller. His detailed observations on wrist presence and dial variations offer valuable insights for collectors considering these models.
Hello Purist Friends 
I had the pleasure of being invited
to a special event at Howard Fine Jewellers and Custom Designers here in the nation’s capital, Ottawa 😊 They are an Authorized Rolex Dealer and have
a Rolex Service Center on site.
The event highlighted all the new pieces that Rolex unveiled at Basel 2017. I was itching to get my hands on the Sea-Dweller and the Stainless Steel Sky-Dweller. Upon arriving we were greeted by Mr. Howard and his team.
Although there were refreshments provided, being a Purist I had to do my duty for the forum 😉 (granted my fortitude could not have held out any longer after arriving in store 😃 )
and when my guest (my mum, big thanks mum for attending with me 😊 ) and I arrived at the new time pieces, we were aided by Jessica, who kindly held them while I took ample amounts of eye candy shots.
1. The
White dial Sky-Dweller (I hope you enjoy these shots M4 😊
and thank you for alerting me to this piece)
I was so transfixed by the blue dial Stainless Sky-Dweller that I completely missed the white dial, until M4 posted on the forum. I can safely tell you that it is wonderful in person, depending on the light the white dial comes off more as cream and complements the red nicely.
Clasp:
2. Yacht-Master II – this is the standout piece from Basel 2017 in my opinion. Although the Stainless Steel is a welcome addition to the line, the two tone really stood out for me.
4. Cellini Moonphase – The 18k Everose Gold doesn’t really enjoy being photographed but the combination of the meteorite moonphase and blue enamel along with its high gloss finish give it that out of this world class.
5. Rolex
Daytona- 18k with Oysterflex bracelet. This turned out to be an interesting
combination and looks great in person.
6. Rolex
Datejust - Blue dial with Diamonds. 
7. Rolex
Datejust – White Dial 
8. Rolex
Datjust – I’ll just have to quote that wonderful Bond movie, they should
call this piece “Diamonds are Forever” and as I’ve found today, they aren’t just
a girls best friend. I absolutely loved this piece.
9. I think this is what you’ve all been waiting for, the 50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller. This watch has raised a lot of talk on the forums and having now seen it in person, I really enjoy the look and feel of this timepiece. It is just thick enough, Rolex have finally added a wider bracelet for such a big piece that contours around your wrist comfortably.
I had the pleasure to take a “selfie” with Mr. Howard, he
has been a wonderful host and he and his team made us feel welcome and we
thoroughly enjoyed the event.
Thank you to Mr. Howard, Ms. Stephanie, Ms. Molly and Ms. Jessica and the rest of the team.
P.S. We love and appreciate the gift
I really like the cream dial Sky Dweller.
I am having mixed feelings about the red sea dweller. Something is throwing me off. Thanks Bill
How did it feel on your wrist? Was it heavy? It's certainly not svelte. Cheers, John
The Sea-Dweller feels right on the wrist, its hard to explain but I couldn't believe this big piece would have that kind of wrist presence and still maintain a safe wrist weight. The proportions make it feel lighter than it is, I'd say Medium to Medium-Heavy in weight. If the Explorer II and Submariner were a 4/10 on the weight scale, Deep Sea 8 to 9/10 the Sea-Dweller felt like a 5 to 6/10 on the wrist. Although It didn't feel top heavy to me (which is how the Deep Sea felt when I had an opport
There is a watch which I am thinking about for 2 years, now. The Yachtmaster II. I wonder if I don't prefer it with the former hands, though, but since it is recently available in steel... I find it quite cool with this blue bezel. Didn't you see the Air King from past year? Best, Nicolas
. . . thank you for the follow-up on the Sky Dweller. It definitely has some appeal to me. I had been under the false impression that Rolex had a down year in 2017, but your photo line-up has me thinking otherwise. The new Sea Dweller is a beast! Wow, that's a chunk of metal. Thanks again, Rogi. M4
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