Comex supplies ROLEX Hyperbaric Chamber for DSSD testing

[Welshwatchman]

Did you know that Comex supplied the hyperbaric chamber that Rolex uses to test every DSSD produced?

The chambr is a highly engineered steel tank which replicates the pressure experienced at 4,875 metres, some 975 metres over the rated capability of the DSSD.

This equates to 4 tons of water pressure on the crystal !

The key technology Rolex have developed to withstand such pressures is of course the Ring Lock System. The ring is made from stainless steel alloyed with nitrogen and is placed between the sapphire crystal and the case back to withstands the incredible pressure generated at such a depth.

The DSSDs are placed into the chamber in batches of ten and subjected to extensive testing for 90 minutes before being pronounced fit for purpose. Here's me thinking that they just stuck them in a Hoover washer dryer for 10 minutes.

Below is a picture of the purpose built chamber. Note the DSSDs in their test trays.

[Tony-GB]

That is fantastic Paul.

So there is already a Comex connection to the DS, so possibly a limited version in the future...?

[Tools]

Yes...that's all fine and dandy.............

But, heaven forbid that you should ever put your precious in a common dishwasher !!



............

[Timber Loftis]

I'm disappointed, I think they should drop them all down the Marianas Trench in batches of 10 for testing.

[Xenophon]

4875 metres. That's a scary pressure. I wouldn't like to be in the same room as that machine when it's cranked up.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Tony-GB

That is fantastic Paul.

So there is already a Comex connection to the DS, so possibly a limited version in the future...?

It is certain that new Comex employees will be issued DSSD watches but they are not letting on whether the special COMEX dial inscription will be retained.

I'm guessing yes. If not now then soon and no doubt they will attract telephone number prices when they are eventually moved on by the retiring owner.

[SDDS]

very nice post..thanx for sharing

[Chris B]

Great info Paul

That contraption reminds me of that 'big bang' thingy those boffins were messing about with a few months ago, bet it'd have worked if they'd have used that baby & spinal tapped it up to 11

[dkpw]

OK - I'll admit it, my appreciation of this watch has just increased. That is a highly impressive testing set up and Rolex and Comex are to be commended for ensuring a quality product does what it says.

Would I buy one? No - it's too expensive.
Would I wear one? No - it's far too large and misproportioned.

Fantastic revelation though!

[DRAWTOOL]

COMEX SHMOMEX. When I was in show buisness at OI we called them Brand X.

[smallcandle]

Pretty cool stuff! Makes me have an even greater appreciation for mine as I sit here and stare at it lovingly.

[jmagic]

thanks for sharing the pic

[watchdawg]

Still there is not an answer to that age old question, "Can I wear my watch in the shower"?






Sorry just had to add.

[Jack Sparrow]

That is so awesome...
I want a DSSD in the worst way.

[onkyo]

Excellent post Paul.

Great pic..... love Comex.

[NYC6]

Incredible! Does every Deep Sea made get this testing done?

[Whiskey]

Actually, this is NOT a new revelation.

Rolex always had mentioned that Comex was involved in the creation of the SDDS and this was confirmed in the April 2009 issue of WatchTime which did their cover-story on the SDDS.

I guess you guys haven't been paying attention.

Nice photo though. I was wondering what the pressure-chamber would look like and how they tested the watches.

Originally I thought it was just one watch at a time, not 10.

[Atomant]

wow, i want a dssd now.

[Raam]

wow! thks for sharing..;)

should have COMEX on the dial for these DSSDs for what they been thru.

[Gil F.]

I wonder if they will use the same machine to pressure test the DSSD after it comes in for a service. Very cool post! Thanks!

[Andad]

That looks a bit more substantial than the little glass jar that sucks at minus one atmosphere.

Thank's for the info Paul.

[mck22]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Incredible! Does every Deep Sea made get this testing done?

I believe so.

[Hamish]

Cool, I want one........

[33JS]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

It is certain that new Comex employees will be issued DSSD watches but they are not letting on whether the special COMEX dial inscription will be retained.

I'm guessing yes. If not now then soon and no doubt they will attract telephone number prices when they are eventually moved on by the retiring owner.

Hey Paul,

Just wondering why would Comex issue new employees with SDDS's? The original ones were, IIRC, only issued as 'long-service' awards and not to all employees.

I suppose I've never really understood the fascination most people have with the Comex's outside of very serious collectors who want to collect all variants and people who actually have links with Comex themselves.....

I've never hankered after a Comex Rolex, but probably have closer (though limited) links with Comex than over 99% of Rolex wearers.

[argee1977]

That's great news, i'm going for a little dip at 4500 metres this afternoon and was worried the DSSD wouldn't handle it

[SeamasterGMT]

Good post. Thanks.

Any chance of a high res pic?

[Bisquitlips]

Good stuff!

[Dubai]

Originally Posted by Atomant

wow, i want a dssd now.

x2

[migboy]

great!!!