Which Rolex Watches Are Waterproof?

Rolex watches have come to symbolize a merging of luxury and  innovation. Instead of the need to delicately handle and only rarely wear a Rolex watch, Rolex has created their products to be resilient and strong, while keeping that degree of luxury that has come to be expected.

One of these innovative technologies is a high resistance to water pressure. Over years of developing wrist watch models, Rolex can claim rightly that all their wrist watches are waterproof and resistant up to the global recommended standards of all water pressure ratings.  A few are particularly designed for use by deep sea divers and can stay water-resistant approximately 1000 meters (3,281 ft). Regardless of this astonishing feat, Rolex continues to improve new innovations to improve their watch’s water and pressure resistance.

Waterproof Rolex watches

Except for the Rolex Cellini series, all Rolex wrist watches are made to handle water pressure to low levels of 100 meters or 328 feet. Rolex diving wrist watches are graded as much as 4000 meters or 12,000 feet – a depth far beyond what is survivable by any person. Rolex views these water depth designations conservative as their watches are created to resist much more than stated.

Water Resistance Designations

Rolex has measured water resistance designations due to the distinction between static against dynamic water pressure. Water resistant rankings are based upon a lab pressure test that’s similar to a swimmer or diver staying still in this pressure level; though many water-based pursuits require movement and other ecological changes.

A watch for a jet or water skier needs a much higher rating as a result of the elevated pressure when the watch hits the water for speed. This is especially true for watches employed in the bath with little effective pressure; a watch within this setting can make use of a reduced water resistance rating.

Below are three popular Rolex wrist watch models that are a symbol of the brand’s luxury, as well as maintaining the waterproof standards that watch wearers have come to know and love.

The Rolex Sea-Dweller

The Sea-Dweller incorporates a helium escape valve for usage when decompressing in a pressurized habitat. This model has an assured waterproof depth of 1,220 meters (4,000 ft).

The Rolex Deep Sea Dweller

Sea-Dweller was made obsolete by the Deep Sea Sea-Dweller in late 2008. The DeepSea consists of a 44 mm case that ensures a depth of 3,900 meters (12,800 ft) (ref. 116660).

The Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is probably the most popular versions of all time by Rolex. It was initially created by Rolex for scuba diving with a high resistance to water. It is waterproof to an optimal depth of 300 m (1000 ft). Much earlier models were slimmer and resistant to 200 meters (660 ft).

When using a repairman or serviceman, be sure they have the right equipment to properly test that your watch has a good seal and is water tight.  Here is what a machine looks like.