Sky-Dweller: The celebrity Rolex from space
Materials such as steel, gold and silver or platinum are not really unusual for a Rolex. But did you know that the Swiss watch manufacturer even processes rare metal from outer space? More specifically, the material is called Gibeon meteorite and adorns, among other things, the Rolex Sky-Dweller Meteorite dial, which represents something like the zenith in watch collector's sky. Other manufacturers also have models with meteorite in their range. Find out what this rare material is all about and why timepieces with meteorite dials are very popular with celebrities and investors.
Gibeon meteorite in watchmaking
The size of a meteorite ranges from dust grains to small asteroids. Meteorites become also known as “space rock”. However, this title is somewhat misleading, as they can consist not only of rock, but also of metal (nickel-iron) or a mixture of rock and metal.
The Gibeon meteorite is named after where it was found in Namibia. As early as 1836, fragments of an iron meteorite were found near the city of Gibeon, which, according to current knowledge, struck more than a million years ago. The age of origin of the meteorite itself is stated to be over four billion years. It is used in watchmaking because Gibeon has a crystal structure that appears after polishing and etching.
There is no doubt that the material is rare - but not utopian expensive: A troy ounce of Gibeon meteorite can be bought for less than 100 euros. But watches with a dial made from space material are increasingly finding (prominent) fans. No wonder, because a piece of rock from the universe, which is as unique as a fingerprint, tells history and awakens emotions. And the resulting dials also “shine” with a silvery-metallic surface and a characteristic structure that is reminiscent of interlocking splinters.
By the way, the list of watch manufacturers that process meteorite goes beyond Rolex. For example, Omega has the “Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite” in the program, which is an excellent fit for the brand. Because the company has a long “space history.” Omega was appointed the sole supplier of watches to NASA's manned space program in 1965. On July 21, 1969, two astronauts made history when they set foot on the lunar surface for the first time. They wore an Omega Speedmaster, which, thanks to the “Speedmaster Moonwatch” model, can still be purchased by “earthlings” today.
More Meteorite models Other manufacturers include the “Hybris Artistica Calibre 176 Meteorites” from Jaeger-LeCoultre, the “DB28XP Meteorite” from De Bethune, the “Arceau L'Heure de la Lune” from Hermès for around 23,000 euros or the “Altiplano” from Piaget for just under 30,000 euros.
Rolex “above ground” popular meteorite versions
In search of exceptional and exclusive materials, Rolex has incorporated fragments of rare meteorites into the production of its watches. Rolex pioneered the use of meteorite shards for distinctive dials and combined them with other precious metals such as 18k gold or 950 platinum to create exceptional and collectible watch editions.
Above all, Rolex impresses with a range of Meteorite models that perfectly reflect the brand image. Because Rolex has always been known for Use of rare and/or expensive materials.
For example, the “Chromalight display” — a luminous substance consisting of aluminum, strontium, dysprosium and europium compounds, which store the energy of the ambient light and can gradually emit it again as soon as it disappears. The material was presented in 2008 and offers optimal and long-lasting readability in deep darkness.
The “Everose Gold” presented in 2005 is also something special. The metal is characterised by its exceptional shine and exceptional durability. The exact composition of Everose gold remains a secret, but Rolex communicates that the metal contains at least 75 percent gold, 20 percent copper, palladium and indium.
It is therefore obvious that Rolex was also the first manufacturer to use meteorite discs to develop unique dials and combine them with other rare metals such as 18-carat gold or 950 platinum. Each dial is made from a layer of Gibeon meteorite, which is then glued on and treated with an acid wash process to highlight the natural crystalline pattern.
Some of the major Rolex meteorite models include:
- Cosmograph Daytona Meteorite Dial
The”Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Meteorite Dial” is available with a meteorite dial and optionally in white gold, yellow gold or Everose. All models are priced at around 100,000 euros.
- Pepsi GMT Master II
At Baselworld 2019, Rolex presented a new ultra-premium version of the reference 126719 BLRO “Pepsi” GMT-Master II, which is made entirely of 18 carat white gold and features an eye-catching meteorite dial.
- Sky-Dweller Meteorite
Rolex launched the Sky-Dweller in 2012. Since then, it has impressed watch collectors and celebrities all over the world, as it combines two of the most functional complications of watchmaking — the annual calendar and GMT — in a highly intuitive way.
In addition to its impressive technology, the Sky-Dweller has also won fans with its sporty and elegant design. Due to its size and dual time function, it has become a favorite of many world-traveling athletes and stars. Especially in the meteorite version...
Rolex Sky-Dweller: favorite of celebrities and investors
Until Baselworld 2017, the Sky-Dweller was only available in yellow, white or Everose gold. The Sky-Dweller made of stainless steel with an 18-carat white gold bezel and the Sky-Dweller made of two-tone steel and 18k yellow gold were added later.
The Sky-Dweller is particularly popular with NBA and NFL athletes such as LeBron James due to the functionalities already mentioned, the distinctive design and the high (prestigious) price starting at around 50,000 euros.
But there is still an increase: The extremely rare Rolex Sky Dweller Meteorite, which of Rapper Drake wore. This heavy Sky-Dweller features an 18-carat white gold case, a meteorite dial and almost entirely set with diamonds — a true rapper timepiece.
Of course, such an exclusive watch with a top-class fan base is not cheap. Diamond Watches London has estimated the price of the diamond-studded Sky-Dweller at around 468,000 dollars - but the true value may be far higher.
Their “heavenly origin” gives meteorite timepieces beauty, a metallic-crystalline sheen and above all: uniqueness. That is why Rolex models with meteorite dials are so sought after by celebrities, collectors and investors. FINEXITY has nevertheless succeeded in adding a rare Rolex Sky-Dweller Meteorite “Boutique Edition” to its portfolio, in which investors can invest from as little as 500 euros and benefit from potential price increases.
