There was a time when Rolex categorized watches into two main segments. Watches with a case size of 36mm-40mm for the sports models and 36mm or less for the non-sports models. However, with time things have definitely changed. Today, the biggest watch size of a Rolex is 44mm. You can browse through The Luxury Hut’s vast collection to shop Rolex watches from a small 28mm to a generous 44mm.
We have seen over the years that the sizes have only grown bigger and bigger. Hence, we’ve settled for the fact that ‘44mm’ is not an oversized but a standard large Rolex. That’s the beauty of this Swiss manufacturer, isn’t it? There’s something for everyone. You can see the big 44mm size in the brand’s two most significant collections:
- Deepsea Sea-Dweller
- Yacht-Master II
This blog is for you if you are interested in the ‘Bigger’ Rolex watches. Keep reading to find out interesting details about the curious 44mm size.
BIGGEST ROLEX WATCH SIZE
Rolex’s biggest case size, 44mm, began in 2007 and is available in the Deepsea and Yacht-Master II collections. This is a new addition to the brand’s catalog, and before 2007 the largest Rolex was available in 40mm. So the increase to 44mm was quite a strike!
After 44mm, the largest Rolex size is 43mm, which you can find exclusively in the latest Sea-Dweller timepieces. There are also 41mm available in Datejust, Submariner, and Oyster Perpetual, and 42mm in Explorer II and Sky-Dweller Rolex watches.
Let’s discuss the two ‘BIG’ collections now.
1. ROLEX YACHT-MASTER II
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Production Year: 2007
- Case: Gold (White, Yellow &Everose)
- Bezel: Blue Ceramic, Platinum, or Bidirectional Rotating Ring Command
- Dial: White
- Movement: Calibre 4161 or 4160
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Bracelet: Oyster
- References: 116680, 116689, 116681, 116688
DETAILS
Not often do we see luxury watch brands releasing an entirely new model. But it’s Rolex we’re talking about here. In 2007, the Swiss manufacturer did just that with the launch of the oversized Yacht-Master II in 44mm. The style and the functionality of the Yacht-Master II are very different from the Yacht-Master that came out in 1992.
The 44mm variant is not just bigger in size but hosts even larger complications. Rolex created the Yacht-Master II for the sailors; hence, the timepieces come with a regatta chronograph allowing the wearer to sync up with the official race start time. This will enable them to know when to begin exactly.
The cutting-edge mechanical preciseness of this model is impressive. Rolex has made 4 references to the Yacht-Master II with Bidirectional Rotating bezels. Furthermore, the striking Ring Command bezels have an embellishment of ‘Yacht-Master II’, making them appear decorative.
As the Ring Command bezels interact with the movement inside, the wearer can easily turn the bezel to set the timer. The Yacht-Master II watches have Calibre 4160, but with the 2013 Yacht-Master II release, the brand switched to Calibre 4161.
Coming to the dials in 2017, Rolex gave a refreshing update by replacing the straight hands with Mercedes’s hands. Moreover, the square lume markers at 6 and 12 o’clock became rectangular and triangular, respectively.
2. ROLEX DEEPSEA SEA-DWELLER
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Production Year: 2008
- Case: Oystersteel
- Bezel: Unidirectional Black Cerachrom with 60-Minute Graduations
- Dial: D-Blue or Black
- Movement: Calibre 3235 or 3135
- Water Resistance: 3900 meters
- Bracelet: Oyster
- References: 126660, 116660, 136660
DETAILS
When everyone was starting to settle with the 44mm case size of the Yacht-Master II, the Swiss beauty surprised everyone with the Deepsea in 2008with 44mm case sizes in 904L stainless steel. Rolex was a master in creating high-end diving watches with the Sea-Dweller and Submariner collections. This time the brand decided to take things a notch higher with the Deepsea model.
The watch’s Ringlock architecture allows the new Deepsea Sea-Dweller to withstand high pressures at 3900 meters below sea level. The Ringlock comprises three main elements:
- Domed sapphire crystal with 5.5mm thickness and no Cyclops lens over the date
- Titanium case back that is secured with a steel screw-down ring
- Nitrogen-alloyed steel ring jammed between the crystal and the case back
The new model has no helium escape valve to release the accumulated gasses but a Unidirectional black cerachrom with a 0-60 timing bezel and a sturdy Oyster bracelet with a Glidelock clasp system.
The first Sea-Dweller variant had a black dial with Mercedes hands and luminous hour markers. In 2014, Rolex introduced another special variant in the D-Blue dial to pay tribute to James Cameron. Since then, the Sea-Dweller has been available in both D-Blue and Black dials.
Coming to 2022, Rolex has recently released a new Deepsea Reference 136660 with minimal updates that focus on highlighting the minute details. Ref. 136660 has a slimmer bezel, and the sapphire crystal is sloped to house the lower height of the bezel. Moreover, the date window is larger by 8%.
FINAL WORDS
Generally and historically, Rolex has always preferred 40mm and below for most of the timepieces. But with time, the brand has increased the case sizes across various collections like the Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, and now the Yacht-Master II and Sea-Dweller.
So, if you feel whether or not the 44mm is too big for you, we have a simple answer. If the 44mm size fits well on your wrist, it’s not too big! Everyone cannot carry the big 44mm, but there’s no denying that the size can look fantastic on larger wrists. Hence, the decision is completely yours to take!
If a 44mm Rolex size piques your interest, we suggest trying out a few timepieces physically before deciding what is too big or too small for you. Sometimes what you see is way different from what it actually is.
You can check out The Luxury Hut’s wide collection of Rolex watches of all sizes and try it on your wrist to select the perfect one! As a reputed luxury watch shop in London, the experts will help you pick the right one at the best price.
