Deepsea Challenge

Oyster, 50 mm, RLX titanium

RLX titanium is a grade 5 titanium alloy selected by Rolex for its weightlessness and resistance to deformation and corrosion. Although insensitive to abyssal pressure, the experimental watch that accompanied James Cameron in the Mariana Trench still posed a wearability problem due to its weight, as it was made of 904L steel.

The use of RLX titanium to create the case and bracelet of the Deepsea Challenge considerably lightened its weight: it is 30 per cent lighter than the experimental watch that inspired it. The watch also features a particularly visible grain in the satin finish on the bracelet and the case – with the exception of the crown guard. In order to highlight the curved profile of the lugs, the top edges have been chamfered and polished.

The innovative Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock extension systems require no tools for use. Made of RLX titanium, the Deepsea Challenge’s Oyster bracelet is equipped with both the Fliplock extension link and the Rolex Glidelock system.

Made of RLX titanium, the Deepsea Challenge’s Oyster bracelet is equipped with both the Fliplock extension link and the Rolex Glidelock system. Thanks to the combination of these two extension systems, the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit up to 7 mm thick.