Rolex Rolex Deepsea vs Rolex Sky-Dweller
Ref. M136660-0005 vs Ref. 336934
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea and Rolex Sky-Dweller both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Rolex Deepsea as a dive watch and the Rolex Sky-Dweller as a complication. At $15,200 and $17,150 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Rolex Deepsea
Rolex
Sky-Dweller
At retail, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea is listed at $15,200 while the Rolex Sky-Dweller comes in at $17,150. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea saves you $1,950 (13% less), a meaningful difference for most buyers. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Rolex Deepsea trades around $16,500 and the Rolex Sky-Dweller around $19,000, a difference of $2,500 favoring the Rolex Rolex Deepsea. Trading at 9% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Rolex Sky-Dweller commands an even stronger market premium of +10.8%, holding steady. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 5/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Rolex Deepsea | Rolex Sky-Dweller |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 44mm | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 17.7mm | 14.1mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Oystersteel and 18ct white gold |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | 18ct white gold, fluted, with Ring Command bezel |
| Crystal | Sapphire, 5.5mm thick | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 3900m / 12800ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3235 | Rolex calibre 9001 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 72 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Jubilee, five-piece links |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Fliplock extension and Glidelock extension system | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 22mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Rolex Deepsea leads in water resistance (3900m / 12800ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Sky-Dweller offers longer power reserve at 72 hours, and the Rolex Rolex Deepsea uses Oystersteel while the Rolex Sky-Dweller opts for Oystersteel and 18ct white gold. With 8 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea costs $375 versus $452 for the Rolex Sky-Dweller. For water resistance, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Rolex Deepsea if you value a lower entry price, serious diving capabilities. Go with the Rolex Sky-Dweller if you prioritize better value retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea or the Rolex Sky-Dweller?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea is more accessible, priced at $15,200 compared to $17,150.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Sky-Dweller currently trades at 10.8% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Rolex Deepsea and Rolex Sky-Dweller compare in size?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea measures 44mm in diameter and 17.7mm thick, while the Rolex Sky-Dweller is 42mm by 14.1mm. Water resistance differs too: 3900m / 12800ft versus 100m / 330ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea uses the Rolex calibre 3235 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Sky-Dweller runs on the Rolex calibre 9001 offering 72 hours of power reserve.