On Holden’s list, Eventually For Sure
Rolex Sky-Dweller 42
The Rolex Sky-Dweller 42 (336938) is a complication watch from Rolex: a 42 mm 18k yellow gold throughout case, 13.8 mm thick, with an automatic 9002 movement and 100 m water resistance.
Its lug-to-lug length is unknown, so wrist fit can only be judged from the 42 mm case width.
Research found it at $60,100–61,400 list in the US (checked August 2026), $63,423 on the street (May 2026) and about $48,000–110,000 used (May 2026).
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rolex |
| Reference | 336938 |
| Category | Complication |
| Production | Current |
| Case and size [2] | |
| Case diameter | 42 mm |
| Lug to lug | Unknown |
| Thickness | 13.8 mm |
| Lug width | Unknown |
| Case material | 18k yellow gold throughout |
| Crystal | Sapphire, anti-reflective coating, Cyclops date lens |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Movement [2] | |
| Movement | 9002, automatic |
| Power reserve | 72 hours |
| Accuracy | -2/+2 s/day after casing |
| Bracelet [2][3] | |
| Bracelet or strap | Choice of 18k yellow-gold Jubilee (brushed/polished) or Oyster bracelet |
| Clasp | Folding Oysterclasp |
| Price and warranty (US) [2][4][3][5] | |
| List price (US) | $60,100–$61,400 depending on dial (The Watchology 2026); WatchCharts cites $57,200 US retail (2026-05) — conflicting figures, likely… |
| Street price (US) | $63,423 (WatchCharts market value, +10.9% over retail) (May 2026) |
| Used price (US) | Dealer asks observed roughly $48,000–$110,000 across conditions/dials (eBay/dealer aggregate via search); WatchCharts $63,423 is the… (May 2026) |
| Warranty | 5 years international (standard current Rolex guarantee; confirmed on official-retailer Land-Dweller page — Inference for this reference) |
Will it fit?
The research didn’t find a sourced lug-to-lug length for this watch, so the fit can’t be estimated here. If you can measure one, try it in the wrist-fit tool.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- Rolex's most complicated current watch: instantaneous annual calendar plus dual time, all managed through the clever Ring Command bezel
- Calibre 9002 at -2/+2 s/day with 72 h reserve
- Full-gold construction with genuine presence
- Practical complication set for an actual traveler
Weaknesses
- $57-63k acquisition is an enormous outlay dominated by gold content and brand, not mechanism
- 13.8 mm thick and 42 mm in heavy gold — a statement wear, not a daily
- Slow resale (162-day median) means poor exit liquidity
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 7.5 |
| Value at a realistic price | 3.0 |
| Long-term ownership | 8.5 |
| Movement and engineering | 9.2 |
| Wearability and proportions | 5.5 |
| Versatility and durability | 4.0 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 8.2 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other complication watches on his list.
Sources
- Rolex Sky-Dweller 18 kt yellow gold — official product pages (m336938-0001/-0004/-0005/-0007/-0008) rolex.com · read August 26, 2026
- Just Because: The Heavy-Hitter Known As The Rolex Sky-Dweller 336938 monochrome-watches.com · read August 26, 2026
- Rolex Sky-Dweller Buying Guide 2026: References & Prices thewatchology.com · read August 26, 2026
- Rolex 336938 Price as of May 2026 watchcharts.com · read August 26, 2026
- Rolex Land-Dweller 40 M127334-0001 — Official Rolex Retailer product page londonjewelers.com · read August 26, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.