Soichiro Matsuzaki, publisher of the watch magazine Chronos Japan and CEO of the publishing company that publishes this magazine, will be reviewing the mint green dial model of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller Ref. 336934, which was released in 2023. As someone who has been buying Rolex watches for a long time, what are Matsuzaki's thoughts on the watch's merits and concerns?
Photographs & Text by Soichiro Matsuzaki
[Article published on January 18, 2025]
I've been buying Rolexes because I love green.
I've loved the color green since I was a child.
The first green watch he bought was a Rolex Submariner Date, Ref. 16610LV, nicknamed "Kermit." Since then, he has continued to buy Rolex watches with green as their corporate color whenever he has the opportunity, both in Japan and overseas.
My love for Rolex led me to start publishing the Japanese edition of Chronos, and even used green paper bags for shipping the books. I still use these bags 20 years after the magazine was founded, but they don't carry Rolex advertisements. I'm sure our magazine did something wrong to Rolex in the past.
Borrowing and wearing a Sky-Dweller with a mint green dial
Since last month, I've been asking a friend who loves watches to lend me a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller (hereafter referred to as Sky-Dweller), Ref. 336934, a complicated watch. This watch, with its mint green dial and Oyster bracelet, is "second only to the Daytona in popularity," according to my friend, but I think a Jubilee bracelet would have been better, as it would have given it a more mature look.
Automatic winding (Cal. 9002). 40 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel x 18K white gold case (diameter 42mm, thickness 13.8mm). Water resistant to 100m.
Perhaps because I've been wearing a 40mm diameter, 12.5mm thick Submariner since last fall, my first impression of the Sky-Dweller on my wrist was that it was "big" and "thick." With a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 13.8mm, this model seems larger and thicker than its specs suggest.
The Sky-Dweller was released in 2012. Designed "for the global traveler," it was Rolex's first complicated model, featuring an annual calendar and dual-time function. When it was first released, it was only available in three 18K gold cases: white, Everose, and yellow. However, in 2017, the long-awaited stainless steel case was released. That year, I ordered a stainless steel Sky-Dweller with a black dial from a famous department store in Tokyo, and it was happily available for purchase. However, I was daunted by its size and thickness, and ended up stepping on the order. Yes, I canceled it.
Sparkle to satisfy your vanity...but are you a bit concerned about the weight?
In 2025, eight years after the cancellation, a friend has lent me this Sky-Dweller, using the bait of some "high-quality yakitori." I really love the gorgeous design of the stainless steel case with an 18K white gold bezel. The way the fluted bezel, which is wider than that of the Datejust, reflects light with a sparkle that more than satisfies my vanity.
The problem is the weight of the watch. The bracelet is sturdy and reliable, but the head is heavy when worn. This weight feels heavier than a Panerai with a 44mm case. However, the patented Easylink system allows you to adjust the bracelet size by about 5mm at the buckle without using tools. Therefore, even if the weight is a concern, you can adjust it to fit your wrist perfectly and enjoy a comfortable fit.
Satisfied with excellent practicality
The Rolex movement, certified as a Superlative Chronometer, boasts incredible accuracy of ±2 seconds when casing, and even now, more than two months after borrowing it, it feels impeccable. The date display, hidden by a Cyclops lens at 3 o'clock, changes with a click within 20 seconds of midnight. While not as instantaneous as A. Lange & Söhne's, it's still a fantastic function. The power reserve is approximately 72 hours. These are more than modern specifications.
Additionally, Rolex's unique annual calendar mechanism, the Saros system, and the Ring Command system, which controls the dual time function, are incredibly easy to use. I was confused when I first read the manual, but once I got used to it, it's an easy system to understand. The key is that the bezel moves to the left in three stages. Rotating the bezel switches the crown's "setting mode." This system is both convenient and fun, like playing with a toy.
The setup method is available on the official Rolex website. The only drawback is that it is difficult to find a visually easy-to-understand operation manual video on this website.https://www.rolex.com/ja/watches/sky-dweller/featuresIf you scroll down, you'll find it at the bottom. However, there are many videos on YouTube on how to operate the Sky-Dweller uploaded by various channels, so it's easy to refer to them.
To briefly explain how to operate it, first undo the screw-down crown lock and pull it out one notch. The second hand will stop because it has a second hand stop function. Then turn the bezel three steps to the left. If you turn the crown in this state, the 24-hour home time disc will move in tandem with the minute hand, so you can set the current hour to the triangle mark located below the "ROLEX" logo and the minute to the minute using the minute hand. If you're particular about time, you'll want to adjust the time down to the second while looking at the radio-controlled watch. That's what I do.
To set the local time at your destination, move the bezel one step to the right and turn the crown. The hour hand will then move independently, allowing you to set the time to your current location. There are no time limits for the hour hand, so you can freely set the local time at any time while on an airplane.
To set the month and date, which are important for setting the annual calendar, turn the bezel one more notch to the right and then turn the crown to adjust the date and month. Once you've finished, return the bezel to its original (neutral) position and screw the crown back in.
In other words, if you want to adjust the time to your destination while on an airplane, simply turn the bezel two steps to the left to operate the hour hand, and then return the bezel to the 12 o'clock position when you're done. Even if you forget to return the bezel to the neutral position, as long as the crown is screwed in, there will be no malfunction, so you can rest assured.
The redesigned Sky-Dweller
It should also be noted that the current Sky-Dweller will undergo a model change in 2023.
The movement used in this model is the Caliber 9002, an evolution of the Caliber 9001 that first appeared in 2012. It is a new model announced in 2023. It uses a blue Parachrom balance spring that is resistant to magnetism and thermal changes, and has been slightly modified to include a high-performance Paraflex shock absorber, improving shock resistance.
One change from the previous model is the addition of two crown marks printed between "Swiss" and "Made" at 6 o'clock on the dial, but these are difficult to read with farsightedness.
A must-buy annual calendar
This is a review of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller Ref. 336934 with a mint green dial. This model is a must-buy as it features an annual calendar.
Patek Philippe is famous for patenting the annual calendar in 1996. The company's 2006 "Annual Calendar" Ref. 5396, featuring a day-date display and moon phase, has a 38.5mm case diameter, 11.2mm thickness, and is water-resistant to 30m. It retails for ¥9,120,000 (tax included) for the 18K rose gold model. The Sky-Dweller, on the other hand, has a 42mm case diameter and 13.8mm thickness. While the impression will vary depending on the wearer's build, this size lends it a sporty feel distinct from Patek Philippe watches. For those seeking a stainless steel annual calendar model, this watch's ¥2,442,000 (tax included) retail price is a realistic choice. Currently, only Rolex offers a sporty-looking annual calendar.
