Rolex Deepsea Challenge Incoming: Thoughts & Specs

Hey guys, as I mentioned in my earlier threads, I liked this new release a LOT. I had a long-term appreciation for the crazy 1960 Deepsea Special, and the 2012 Deepsea Challenge, and used to think their coolness is just off the charts!!  When Rolex announced this model a few weeks ago with a vintage-inspired super-duper-matte dial, domed crystal and no date, I knew I was in trouble! Well, I’m happy to say that it finally came home with me. 😃 

My first Rolex diver after >12 years of collecting Rolex! 🤗  

I’m adding some pics, thoughts and observations. Thanks for looking!

1. First, we must take a look at its predecessors –

I recall back in 2012, after the JC dive, collectors on different watch fora were speculating a production model. It was not available until now, the 10th anniversary of the JC dive!

2. Presentation box – 

Note the markings on the inner lid, as well as the “Oyster L MT” text on the sleeve. These are the correct box and sleeve for this watch. If you are getting a DSC, do not accept any other box/sleeve!

3. Watch dial – 

Notable features are the no-date matte black dial, flat “S”, and the pronounced Ring Lock. I haven’t seen this degree of “matte-ness” in any modern Rolex, including DSSDs, SDs, Explorers (both I, II; previous generation), Milgauss, Air King etc. etc.

4. Full Ocean Depth (FOD) rating – 36O9Oft =11OOOm

[Fun Fact: Rolex uses the term “abyssal” multiple times in the brochure of this watch as well as in the promotional video. In Oceanographic terms, the Abyssal Zone refers to 4,000 to 6,000 meters of depth. This watch can go all the way down to the so-called “Hadal zone”, which describes depths more than 6000 m. From Wikipedia, “The name refers to Hades, the ancient Greek god of the underworld.”]

5. Magnificent curves of the Oyster case – Note that the lugs are narrow, resulting in a nice sensuous case profile. You can also see that the outer edge of the lugs is chamfered.

The entire sports lineup of Rolex is built on the waterproof “oyster” concept. This is THE ULTIMATE OYSTER CASE, which even the mighty Mariana Trench cannot breach!!!!

For us land-dwellers it is difficult to fathom how intense the pressure can be at these depths. Look at what happens to a massive steel ball under a relatively “meager” pressure of 2000m:

Now imagine 5 times that pressure, and the oyster case above isn’t even going to break a sweat!!!!

6. Crown – The crown is very large and easy to grasp. While locking the crown, you need to push it quite a bit towards the case, more than other Rolexes, before it catches the thread. Could be due to thicker O-ring, or thicker case in general. Note the dot-dash-dot symbol on the crown. Also, only the crown guards are polished, the rest of the case side is brushed.

7. HEV – For those days when you are not in the mood to go all the way down and only want to explore the shallower depths 😀😀😀… Note that only the valve is polished, the rest is brushed.

8. Domed sapphire –  Thickness of the sapphire is 9.5 mm!!! As a reference, JLC Master Ultra Thin Jubilee has a case thickness of ~4.05 mm. DSC crystal thickness itself is more than double of that!!

Can’t tell if they used AR coating on the underside of the crystal, but it is VERY legible, and seems to be showing less reflections compared to DSSD.

Comparison of crystal thickness – DSSD (5.5 mm) vs. DSC (9.5 mm):

9. Caseback engravings indicating the dates of the historic dives in the Mariana Trench –

10. Size, wearability and comfort –

Dimensions are VERY reasonable considering that it is one of the MOST EXTREME watches ever made, and it HAS TO BE BIG simply to maintain structural rigidity at that insane pressure (see its historical ancestors above). It was designed for that function, and that function only! Pure Form Follows Function design!

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, despite its big size, it is EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE to wear, provided IT IS PROPERLY FITTED FOR YOUR WRIST. It is also light, thanks to the Ti construction. Rolex did a FANTASTIC job making it wearable and comfortable! 

Thanks for reading this far! I will conclude with some wrist shots!!! 🤗 🙂

This is how it looks on my friend’s wrist, which is a little bigger than mine but not by much: