The Rolex Deepsea, a titan of the watchmaking world, has captivated divers and collectors alike with its robust build, impressive depth rating, and striking aesthetics. While the core design remains consistent, subtle yet significant changes have occurred over the years, particularly between the 2017 and 2018 models. This article delves into a detailed comparison of these two iterations, highlighting the key differences and helping you understand the nuances of this iconic timepiece. We’ll also explore the broader market landscape, looking at pricing and availability for various Deepsea and Sea-Dweller models.
Understanding the Rolex Deepsea Lineage:
Before diving into the specifics of the 2017 and 2018 models, it’s crucial to understand the Deepsea's history. The Deepsea's lineage is deeply rooted in Rolex's pioneering spirit in professional diving watches. The Sea-Dweller, with its helium escape valve, paved the way for the Deepsea, which pushed the boundaries even further with its extreme depth rating of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). The Deepsea's substantial case size, robust construction, and impressive water resistance make it a truly exceptional instrument for professional diving.
The watch's iconic blue dial, often referred to as "D-Blue," further enhances its allure. This gradient dial, transitioning from dark blue at the edges to a lighter shade near the center, is a signature feature of the Deepsea and adds to its unique character.
Rolex Deepsea Blue 2017 vs. 2018: Subtle but Significant Changes:
While the naked eye might not immediately spot the differences between a 2017 and 2018 Rolex Deepsea Blue, closer inspection reveals subtle yet important distinctions, primarily focused on the movement and potentially minor variations in the dial and hands.
1. Movement:
The most significant difference, though not always visually apparent, lies within the watch's heart: the movement. While both models likely employed a caliber within the 3135 family (the exact caliber designation might vary slightly depending on specific serial numbers), subtle refinements and improvements might have been introduced in the 2018 model. These refinements could include enhanced efficiency, improved accuracy, or adjustments to the shock resistance. Without access to the specific movement details of individual watches, this remains a subtle point of differentiation.
2. Dial and Hands:
Variations in the dial and hands between 2017 and 2018 models are less consistently reported and often fall within the realm of minor manufacturing tolerances. Some collectors have noted potential differences in the shade of blue on the dial, the intensity of the lume (Chromalight), or even minute variations in the hand shapes. However, these differences are often subjective and difficult to definitively confirm without side-by-side comparison of specific watches.
3. Case and Bracelet:
The case and bracelet should remain largely consistent between the two years. The signature 44mm Oyster case, renowned for its robustness and water resistance, would be the same. The Oyster bracelet, with its solid links and Oysterlock clasp, also remains a defining characteristic of the Deepsea. Any variations here would likely be minor and fall within the expected manufacturing tolerances.
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