Rolex and James Cameron unveil the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge
Rolex and James Cameron nod to the filmmaker’s 2012 descent into the Mariana Trench in the new Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge

Rolex has collaborated with filmmaker James Cameron on the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, a divers’ watch in RLX titanium guaranteed to a depth of 11,000m.
The watch was inspired by an experimental piece that accompanied Cameron on his journey into the Mariana Trench on 26 March 2012, a 10,908m descent that saw the watch attached to the manipulator arm of Cameron’s submarine
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge
The new watch is capable of surviving similarly challenging environments with innovative and functional design elements. Surplus gas can effortlessly escape from the watch thanks to a helium escape valve, while a Ringlock system – a patented design of the case architecture – lets the watch withstand extreme pressure. Crafted from RLX titanium, a grade-five titanium alloy celebrated for its exceptional robustness and lightness, the timepiece is both technically impressive and comfortable to wear.
Slimmed-down proportions make the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge suitable for daily wear. An elegant crystal silhouette lends the watch a neat form, while extension systems on the bracelet mean the watch can be worn over a diving suit up to 7mm thick.
Filmmaker James Cameron, an Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge on his wrist, posing with a model of the bathyscaphe Trieste (right). ©Rolex/Duncan Cole
Engraving on the case back pays tribute to the two experimental dives that inspired the watch: the 1960 voyage of oceanographer Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh on the Trieste; and James Cameron’s solo 2012 journey.
While both expeditions were accompanied by experimental Rolex watches, this new piece hones the original design, at 30 per cent lighter and capable of withstanding everything from open-water diving to submersible dives and hyperbaric chambers.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressing
Part of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
By Orla Brennan
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationship
Announcing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
By Hugo Macdonald
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craft
The heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
By Cristina Kiran Piotti
-
Every new Rolex watch unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025
Our editors are on the ground at the biggest trade show in the horological calendar, where key industry players take the stage. Here, we spotlight Rolex as it reveals its new wave of watches
By Anna Solomon
-
Rolex and Wallpaper* present the first authorised history of the Submariner watch
Rolex and Wallpaper* partner to publish ‘Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch that Unlocked the Deep’, written by Nicholas Foulkes. The launch includes a silk-bound limited edition, available now
By Hannah Silver
-
Gold watches for 2025 and beyond
Gold watches from H Moser & Cie, Fears and Patek Philippe are on our radar for 2025
By Josh Sims
-
All the Rolex watches launched at Watches and Wonders 2024
This year, Rolex watches marry past design codes with modern technology
By Hannah Silver
-
2023 Rolex Awards for Enterprise: five laureates announced
Meet the 2023 Rolex Awards for Enterprise laureates, all improving our knowledge of the world in ways that protect the environment, humans and animals
By Hannah Silver
-
LVMH Watch Week 2024 set the watch trends for the year ahead
LVMH Watch Week 2024 set an optimistic tone – here are the watches to look out for this year
By Thor Svaboe
-
Rolex wins Best Pop Art in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2024
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch rejoices in colour
By Hannah Silver
-
Space Age watches born of 1960s futurism are out of this world
The brands and designers whose Space Age watches drew on references from Barbarella to the Lava lamp
By James Gurney