My thoughts on the Skydweller

[guffyboy92]

Hi TRF,

I'm a relatively new member on the forum, but have lurked for quite some time, and have also been in the watch game for almost half my life (which isn't as long as it sounds as I'm a young man, but you get the picture haha). I wanted to talk a little bit about the Rolex Skydweller, a watch that I've always found to be a very fascinating, beautiful, albeit polarizing piece from Rolex. It's a bit lengthy, but I guess I have an extending opinion on the piece

I'll start by saying that I am in fact a happy owner of stainless Sky which I purchased not too long ago, so if I sound biased, it may be because I am haha! From what I've seen on the forum (and in the watch community as a whole), the Skydweller is far from being unanimously loved in the same way that say a Daytona or a GMT is; the label lukewarm comes to mind when I see the sentiments on the Sky. I always found it quite interesting that the Sky wasn't as well received and loved as I personally felt it should have been. Without delving into it's aesthetic, from a technological, horological perspective, I think the watch is fabulous. In my opinion, Rolex has been primarily a case maker for the majority it's life, especially since most of their focus of innovation has been on the evolution of their historic sports watches. While these are fantastic, robust pieces; from a watch making perspective the brand hadn't really been doing much in terms of high horology in the same vain as say Patek (I know they're in a different league, but just for the sake of comparison).

When the Sky was introduced back in the early 2010's, I thought that the ingenious mechanism by way of the ring command bezel was a brilliantly intuitive way to operate the watch. The WIS in me LOVED the fact that finally Rolex had introduced a modern watch with a complication via the annual calendar! And of course, the GMT function is the most useful complication a watch can have IMO (To quote John Mayer, it's the world's first app lmao).

You'd think that having two awesome complications in an indestructible Rolex case would be a runaway hit. However, it seemed that most people didn't feel the same way, and it reflected in the sale of the PM Sky Dweller. From what I've heard, it was a flop for the brand and they can now be had at below MSRP. Good for buyers, but quite a shame that their first new model (and a flagship model at that) in a long time tanked. I'm not entirely sure why; perhaps people didn't like how it looked, the GMT ring throwing off the symmetry of the dial, the size. Maybe people didn't like how it didn't have pedigree as a model in the same way their established sports watches had. Who knows. I still wanted one haha!

Fast forward to 2017, the Stainless Sky was introduced, and I knew from the moment I heard about it, I wanted one. Blue, black, white; I really didn't care which. For me it was a chance to own Rolex's brilliant new complication, in classic Rolex styling: Steel, Oyster, boom. So I hunted for one and in December of 2017, I decided to pull the trigger on a beautiful white dialled one. The blue and black were nice, but I've always loved white dials on Rolexes. When it arrived, it was love at first sight. I played with the ring command bezel for a couple of hours like a kid playing with a new toy on Christmas morning! Everything worked so seamless and perfect; like a well oiled rifle. It felt luxurious with the high polish and white gold bezel, but also very utilitarian and robust with the solid bezel clicks and indestructible bracelet

It seemed the the stainless steel variant was significantly more well received than the PM models; the waiting list for it whilst not being as long as a Daytona was still up to a year at most AD's I'd seen. However, like the PM models, it's still a watch that divides. It seems that many people on the forum still seem to think that the Sky isn't a real Rolex, that it's aesthetically unpleasing, cluttered, chunky, I've seen many adjectives haha. I suppose I can understand why plenty wouldn't like it. Sure it is technically one of the heaviest hitters in Rolex's line up in terms of price, certainly in terms of complication. However, from owning the watch, I can somewhat agree with the sentiment that it doesn't feel like a "true' Rolex. It isn't exactly a tool watch; it feels a little too precious for that despite being a steel oyster. It definitely doesn't have the recognizability of other Rolexes; I was having dinner with a couple of buddies, and my friend's Ceramic sub was getting more ogling and attention than my Sky, despite it being maybe half the price.

That being said. I love the Skydweller. I love it in all it all it's iterations. PM and strap, full PM, Stainless; all of it to me is awesome. I love the fact that despite the fact that it may not be quintessentially Rolex, it is representative of the brand's innovative capabilities. The Skydweller proves to me that they aren't one trick ponies, constantly making small updates to popular models here and there. What they did with the Skydweller is move slowly into the realm of haute horology, which I love. Before being a watch investor/speculator, I am a watch lover. I love complications, I love innovative design, and I value evolving through the inside rather than just the outside shell. Will my watch hold it's value over the years? Who knows. It might... it might now. But that doesn't really bother me right now. Right now I love how the light refracts off of the white gold bezel like a precious jewel. I love how it can take a beating if it needs to, yet can tell me such complicated information with just the click of a bezel.

Anyways, TL;DR: The Sky isn't for everyone. It's not quintessentially Rolex, the aesthetic might not be for everyone, some think it looks like a datejust. It isn't a sure fire investment piece like a Daytona. It is, however, a watch lovers dream, and if you love watches for the love of the art of watch making, then this is the best Rolex you can get to satisfy that.

Anyways enough from me, I'm going to get back to playing with the Bezel

[G'ed]

Great post for very great watch.

[sarjoo]

Great post, enjoyed reading your thoughts and seeing the lovely photo. I am personally a big fan of the Sky Dweller in SS. If only I can get my hands on one some day.

As for your comment "It definitely doesn't have the recognizability of other Rolexes" I am a little surprised, as for me it has two very distinct Rolex features in the fluted bezel and the cyclops. From a distance away those two things alone on a persons watch can easily identify a watch as a Rolex, to me. Not sure what others thoughts are on that.

Anyway, lovely watch enjoy!

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by sarjoo

great post, enjoyed reading your thoughts and seeing the lovely photo.

As for your comment "it definitely doesn't have the recognizability of other rolexes" i am a little surprised, as for me it has two very distinct rolex features in the fluted bezel and the cyclops. From a distance away those two things alone on a persons watch can easily identify a watch as a rolex, to me.

+1

[jstan9]

You'd think that having two awesome complications in an indestructible Rolex case would be a runaway hit. However, it seemed that most people didn't feel the same way, and it reflected in the sale of the PM Sky Dweller. From what I've heard, it was a flop for the brand and they can now be had at below MSRP. Good for buyers, but quite a shame that their first new model (and a flagship model at that) in a long time tanked. I'm not entirely sure why; perhaps people didn't like how it looked, the GMT ring throwing off the symmetry of the dial, the size. Maybe people didn't like how it didn't have pedigree as a model in the same way their established sports watches had. Who knows. I still wanted one haha!

What an amazing write up. Thank you!

I love the Skydweller but the first offerings were way out of my price range (the blnr was a bargain in comparison and with the rotating bezel, offered (to me) a more useful gmt complication).

The other issue for me is size. I have small wrists and my 40mm Batman is the largest watch I can wear without looking ostentatiously big. That puts this amazing watch, along with the explorer II out of my league at over 40mm each.

Also, the first gen Skydweller looked awkward with the huge Roman numerals and contrasty gmt rings. I think Rolex fixed these aesthetic problems rather well because your model is a masterpiece. I think the white, blue, and black-dialed versions are among the most beautiful references in the Rolex catalog. Absolutely stunning.

So glad you enjoy it so much. That’s the point of these amazing machines, right? Wear it in good health and thanks again!

[abozz]

Wonderful post and wristwatch! Thanks

[tyler1980]

great looking watch

[HL65]

Congrats and welcome to the club! It's a great watch and for me most bang for the buck of pretty much any watch! You get a lot for $14,400!

[maton12]

Don't know how the Sky Dweller complication is cheaper than a YMII

Love the white dial, and was hoping for some romans in the future - or will Rolex just keep it in PM?

Great looking watch and enjoyed reading your thoughts

[HL65]

Originally Posted by maton12

Don't know how the Sky Dweller complication is cheaper than a YMII

Love the white dial, and was hoping for some romans in the future - or will Rolex just keep it in PM?

Great looking watch and enjoyed reading your thoughts

They aren't keeping it even for PM so don't think they will reintroduce it for SS. It is all batons now at least at the moment.

[mountainjogger]

Great review. Thanks!!!

[sun-dail]

Great review, thanks for sharing

[1William]

Nice watch.

[Racerdj]

Great write up! It's a fantastic model.

[JohnnyRol]

Great post. Big fan myself

[Rolexavidfan]

Nice write up on the SkyDweller SS and great pics by the way.

I must admit that I’m one of the probable many that didn’t like the SkyDweller when it first came out in PM few years back. I got the opportunity to try it out in my local AD and was totally disappointed. My reasons are an assortment of negativity:

1. Too heavy in PM
2. Too large for my small wrist
3. Too unbalanced due to the GMT hour inside
4. Too ugly with the Roman marker
5. Too expensive for a PM model

I believe the said SkyDweller SS has definitely evolved into a timepiece that is drawing many admiration due to the following:

1. Weight in SS is now way better than PM
2. Baton marker has made the watch “handsome” in looks
3. Price is now “more reasonable” than the PM model

I am now in the hunt for a blue dial and indeed it is a timepiece that deserve the high horological respect similar to its counterparts from other brands,


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[Thewallin]

Fantastic post about a slightly odd but extremely cool Rolex.

Of course I am biased as I picked up a blue one last week :)

Here it is with it’s friend Pam 722.




Again, great post!

[watchwatcher]

Congrats...great watch.

[mahefa]

Thank you for the post, was nice to read.

[HogwldFLTR]

Nice write-up; likely could have used a few bit less introspective humor exclamations but other that that it's a pretty accurate review of the SkyD. I'm always amazed by those who claim it is odd looking. They're also those who say it doesn't differentiate itself enough from the DJIIs. These are very different povs on the same model. I guess they're not worried about it differentiating itself from the Day Dates.

I'm also amused by the number of antagonistic reviews which remark that they have no use for a watch which displays the month and clearly have no idea about what a annual calendar involves.

I'm one of those who have a diminutive 6.5 inch wrist. I find the watch marginally acceptable in size for me. It is the limit of Rolex size which I can tolerate. Given the still current popularity of larger sized watches I find it looks great on the wrist but oversized in photos as the perspective is hard to catch correctly and still show details of the watch.

At any rate, nice write-up!!! I'm glad you are enjoying it. I personally think it is the greatest, most useful watch currently made by Rolex bar none. For me your write-up is preaching to the converted!!! Welcome to the forum; I hope to see more posts from you!

[Gazza67]

A very nice write up for a very nice watch...
I have to agree with some others though; it’s most definitely quintessentially Rolex with its cyclops and fluted Bezel - Datejust’s big brother!

[marc12]

I always hated it until I got my blue steel, now I wear it every day and love it. I think what always threw me off was the two tone GMT ring, now that it is the the same color it works much more beautifully.
It's arguably the most complicated watch rolex makes and just fits perfect in any outfit.
I am trying to get the white face next.

[Stevec14]

That is a tremendous post for a lovely watch. I really like it. Unfortunately it’s a little bit too big for me.

Enjoy it. It looks great on you.

[Razorsedge1]

Good read. Enjoy!

[liuk3]

Nice write-up!

[Jtime]

Well said, and I too own a white dial SS SD. I may part ways with it soon, as there’s a few other pieces I want to add to the collection and something has to go at some point.

But I put it up for sale on TRF not too long ago, and despite the generous offers, I ultimately couldn’t part with it.

We will see if I can actually do it this time!

Great post, and look forward to reading more from you.

My only thought is why do so many refer to watches as investments? May they hold their value? Probably. Will some models go up in value? Quite possibly. Are watches an investing excercise? I think not, as they are a collection exercise, or a hobby.

Well done and look forward to your contributions on here


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[Bgator]

Great post. Thanks for sharing.

The Sky-Dweller is one of my favorites. And that white dial is gorgeous.


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[TonyD]

I am so torn with this watch. I've never been so 50/50 on a watch before.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the dial layout, the size, the complications the bezel, the whole package is just class and sophistication! It looks and feels great!

Then the pessimistic engineer part of my brain wants to reach out and strangle the Rolex designers for using the inner dial for a GMT hand and not a day wheel. Its a calendar watch with the date and month but no day? It seems crazy to me to.

But I still want one!!!!!

[diracpoint]

Originally Posted by TonyD

Then the pessimistic engineer part of my brain wants to reach out and strangle the Rolex designers for using the inner dial for a GMT hand and not a day wheel. Its a calendar watch with the date and month but no day? It seems crazy to me to.

But I still want one!!!!!

It is an annual calendar watch, and by definition, such watches are required to display the correct date through the year (except end of Feb.). Day indication is not required in an AC watch.

That's exactly what the Sky-d does.

You need the month indicator to be able to set the date correctly.

I think their goal was not to design a "full calendar", with date, day and month. Arguably, day indication is not that useful. And, they used that space for GMT, which is an useful complication for the travellers.

Essentially, it is a traveler's watch that shows the correct date through the year,

[Boothroyd]

It's a fantastic reference, IMHO. I was wondering if anyone knew the service cost on that model, given it's ring mechanism. My thought is it is probably in line with a Daytona at about $1000 US. Has anyone had one in for a service to comment?