Rolex and James Cameron unveil the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge
Rolex and James Cameron nod to the filmmaker’s 2012 descent into the Mariana Trench in the new Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge
Rolex has collaborated with filmmaker James Cameron on the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, a divers’ watch in RLX titanium guaranteed to a depth of 11,000m.
The watch was inspired by an experimental piece that accompanied Cameron on his journey into the Mariana Trench on 26 March 2012, a 10,908m descent that saw the watch attached to the manipulator arm of Cameron’s submarine
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge
The new watch is capable of surviving similarly challenging environments with innovative and functional design elements. Surplus gas can effortlessly escape from the watch thanks to a helium escape valve, while a Ringlock system – a patented design of the case architecture – lets the watch withstand extreme pressure. Crafted from RLX titanium, a grade-five titanium alloy celebrated for its exceptional robustness and lightness, the timepiece is both technically impressive and comfortable to wear.
Slimmed-down proportions make the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge suitable for daily wear. An elegant crystal silhouette lends the watch a neat form, while extension systems on the bracelet mean the watch can be worn over a diving suit up to 7mm thick.
Engraving on the case back pays tribute to the two experimental dives that inspired the watch: the 1960 voyage of oceanographer Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh on the Trieste; and James Cameron’s solo 2012 journey.
While both expeditions were accompanied by experimental Rolex watches, this new piece hones the original design, at 30 per cent lighter and capable of withstanding everything from open-water diving to submersible dives and hyperbaric chambers.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throws
Architectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
How to buy art: the accessible new market
Thanks to a growing pool of art advisers, digital intelligence and collector groups, buyers are better equipped than ever
By Annabel Keenan Published
-
The coolest design-led coffee shops in Seoul
Seoul counts more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the world – cut straight to our six must-visit spots
By Robert Schneider Published
-
Rolex and Wallpaper* present the first authorised history of the Submariner watch
Rolex and Wallpaper* partner to publish ‘Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch that Unlocked the Deep’, written by Nicholas Foulkes. The launch includes a silk-bound limited edition, available now
By Hannah Silver Published
-
All that glitters: five gold watches for 2024
Gold watches from Rolex, Tudor, Cartier, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin are on our radar for 2024, all part of a trend seen at the recent Watches and Wonders
By Thor Svaboe Published
-
All the Rolex watches launched at Watches and Wonders 2024
This year, Rolex watches marry past design codes with modern technology
By Hannah Silver Published
-
2023 Rolex Awards for Enterprise: five laureates announced
Meet the 2023 Rolex Awards for Enterprise laureates, all improving our knowledge of the world in ways that protect the environment, humans and animals
By Hannah Silver Published
-
LVMH Watch Week 2024 set the watch trends for the year ahead
LVMH Watch Week 2024 set an optimistic tone – here are the watches to look out for this year
By Thor Svaboe Published
-
Rolex wins Best Pop Art in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2024
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch rejoices in colour
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Space Age watches born of 1960s futurism are out of this world
The brands and designers whose Space Age watches drew on references from Barbarella to the Lava lamp
By James Gurney Published
-
Discover all the Rolex watches released at Watches and Wonders 2023
Rolex unveils bold new additions to its iconic watch families
By Hannah Silver Published