rolex yacht master vs sky dweller

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Rolex Sky-Dweller vs Yachtmaster 2, Which Should I Buy?

We are getting complicated with this comparison…and by that, we mean Rolex’s two most complicated watches, ever – The Rolex Sky-Dweller and Yachtmaster 2.

In this Rolex Sky-Dweller vs Yachtmaster 2 match up, we will be comparing both watches on the following aspects: 

Design & Versatility 

Complications & movement, prestige & recognition, resale value.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller and Yachtmaster 2 share a few commonalities. Both are Rolex’s newest line of watches (Yachtmaster in 1992 and Sky-Dweller in 2012), they have a Command Bezel, and they are two of Rolex’s largest, most complicated, high-end luxury watches. On the other hand, they are very different watches…

So, interested buyers often ask, “which is better (or which should I get), the Rolex Sky-Dweller or the Yachtmaster 2?”

We are here to compare and contrast, so you can make an informed decision and choose the watch that best suits you. 

SKY-DWELLER vs YACHTMASTER 2

Let’s just jump right into this, starting with the most perceivable aspect of this Rolex watch comparison. 

As with all Rolex watches, the Sky-Dweller and Yachtmaster 2 were designed with a purpose in mind. The Yachtmaster for those who traverse the seas and the Sky-Dweller for frequent travelers of the sky.

Let’s talk about each individually to keep things organized….

Yachtmaster 2’s Design

The Yachtmaster was designed for competitive sailors. Of course, this iconic timepiece is also worn by watch enthusiasts who have no interest in sailing yachts.

The Yachtmaster 2 offers brilliant contrast, with its snow white dial, sea-blue hands and accents, and the blue cerachrom bezel with numerals that match the metal of the watch. The contrast and distinct design of the dial make legibility a breeze and it gives the Yachtmaster 2 a one-of-a-kind sporty look.

You can get the Yachtmaster 2 in yellow gold, stainless steel or two tone rose gold and steel (as seen in this comparison). All have a blue bezel, but the gold and two tone versions have gold numerals on the bezel and the stainless steel has a white-ish silver color, as to match the metal of the case and bracelet. 

The Yachtmaster 2 has an Oystercase and Oysterbracelet. Rolex’s most iconic case and bracelet styling for their sports watches. However, with the Yachtmaster 2, you are looking at a supersized version. The case measures in at a loud and proud 44mm. As with all of Rolex’s standard Oystercases, it offers 100 meters of water resistance. Remember, this is a boat racing watch, not a diver. That said, 100 meters is more than enough for casual divers and the sailors who like to spend time in the water as much as they do floating on top.

The last point of the design we want to discuss is the finishing, which is absolutely superb. It uses a gloss finish for the case and center links of the bracelet, and the outer links are satin finished. It adds to the beauty and contrast of this wonderful stand-out sports watch…The cerachrom bezel is scratch resistant, so for those who are highly active, don’t worry about scratching the bezel on this one. 

Yachtmaster 2 Versatility 

The Yachtmaster 2 is a sports watch through and through. Although it can surely be worn dressed up and dressed down, it is in best form outside in the summer’s sun. 

Overall, it is a sporty, distinct, and dare we say, quirky watch that pops like no other in the Rolex sports watch line up. Can it be worn daily and with any outfit? Absolutely. But in our opinion, it’s best suited in a casual setting. 

Sky-Dweller Design

The Sky-Dweller was designed with the traveler in mind. For those who are often changing time zones, this is the ultimate watch to keep track of time.

Now, you might be thinking “doesn’t the GMT Master II do the same thing?”. It does, but what sets the Sky-Dweller apart is that it displays both time zones simultaneously and in real time. 

When first looking at the Sky-Dweller, you might mistake it for the Day-Date because of the monochromatic appearance and the fluted bezel. However, with closer inspection, it is clearly unique. The dial has a large disc above the 6, equally large hour batons, and the size of the watch is much greater with its 42mm case. Overall, the dial was really well done, as it provides a lot of information without any clutter. We will get into this in the complications comparison further below. 

As this watch is not a chronograph, it, of course, doesn’t have pushers, just a crown. It gives the watch a clean and dressy feel. Albeit, it is still a sports watch at heart. 

One thing that isn’t discernible when looking at the stainless steel versions of the Sky-Dweller is that the fluted bezel is actually made from solid gold. Thus, the stainless steel Sky-Dwellers are in fact Rolesors (Rolex patented name for their stainless steel/gold watches).

The Sky-Dweller comes in various versions. You have the all yellow gold, all rose gold, all white gold, two-tone gold and steel, and stainless steel with a white gold bezel. All stainless steel versions have a stainless steel case and bracelet and a white gold bezel . There are no 100% steel versions. But fore the purpose of simplicity, we will still refer to them simply as steel Sky-Dwellers. As for dials, there’s a variety of colors, from black and white to brown and blue. Although you will be hard pressed to find the stainless steel with a blue dial version, as everyone wants that sunburst blue dial. It’s absolutely gorgeous on the classic sporty white metal. 

In this comparison, you are looking at the steel with white gold bezel and white dial version, reference 326934 .

Lastly, the finishing is tremendously stunning. When you hold it in your hand and see it on your wrist, you will immediately understand the importance of a finely done finishing. It has a high polished case and center links, and the outer links are satin finished. It creates beautiful contrast within the same metal color. 

Sky-Dweller Versatility 

The Sky-Dweller is a sports watch that doubles as a dress watch. That said, it definitely has a more dressy feel to it thanks to the fluted bezel. 

In our opinion, the Sky-Dweller has more every day and every occasion appeal. It can be worn dressed up and dressed down to perfection. 

You can wear this with jeans and a t-shirt just as well as with a suit and tie. So, if you are someone who suits up or goes business-fresh during the week and then lays back on the weekend, the Sky-Dweller is the watch for you. It can be put to use at all times and whenever you want – stunning 24/7, 365. 

Now, let’s compare the complications and movements of the Sky-Dweller and Yachtmaster 2 , the two most complicated watches in Rolex’s catalog. 

Yachtmaster 2 Complications

The Yachtmaster 2 is a chronograph movement with a programmable timer that counts down ten minutes. Why 10 minutes? Well, it is a regatta timer, made for yacht racing! Although it’s a very niche complication, it is unique and useful for it can be found in many ways. You can set the countdown at any minute from 1-10. 

Now, unlike most chronographs, the Yachtmaster 2’s chronograph is controlled by the bidirectional bezel and the chrono pushers and crown. The bezel essentially allows you to change the pushers/crown function from controlling the countdown timer to the regular time of the watch. All in all, it is extremely easy to use and allows for rapid setting, which is often needed during race time. 

Yachtmaster 2 Movement

The Yachtmaster 2 is powered by a Rolex calibre 4161 movement. It has 72 hour power reserve and is COSC certified.

The 4161 is a Rolex patented movement that Rolex stated took 35,000 hours to develop. One of the patented functions contains 360 components, so you can understand why it was such a time-consuming process.

All that said, it is still not as complicated as the Sky-Dweller.

Sky-Dweller Complications

The Sky-Dweller technically has three complications, but essentially it is four as the bezel is a rotatable command bezel, meaning it is part of the movement and it controls the setting of the complications. 

The obvious complication is the date display. There’s not much to speak on this one. However, the other two complications are wonderfully innovative.

It has a GMT (or dual-time zone) complication which is displayed via the ring at the lower half of the dial. The second timezone uses a 24 hour display. The disc rotates with the time, so the red arrow pointing down is the time in the second time zone. 

Then, it has an entirely unique annual calendar complication. It is not noticeable if you don’t know what you are looking at, but once you do, with one glance you will know the month. The annual calendar is spread across the perimeter of the dial. Here’s how it works…

As there are 12 months in the year and there are 12 hour markers on a watch’s dial, Rolex inventively decided to use the hour markers as a way to indicate the month of the year. So, just above each hour marker is a little square space. You’ll notice one is red, the red one indicates the month. So for the watch featured in this comparison, the red marker is at the 1 o’clock, which means it is January. With each month, the red marker moves to the next marker. Incredibly complicated to create but wonderfully simple to use. 

Sky-Dweller Movement

At the heart of the Sky-Dweller beats the Rolex calibre 9001 movement. One of the most complicated movements Rolex ever created. It was made solely for the Sky-Dweller. The 9001 movement has a 72 hour power reserve like the Yachtmaster 2, and it beats at a 28,800hz frequency. As with all Rolex perpetual movements, it is COSC certified. Exquisitely accurate and undeniably reliable. 

As the Yachtmaster 2 has been around longer, it surely has more recognition. Moreover, the Yachtmaster 2 is much more distinct in design, so it is immediately identifiable. 

Conversely, the Sky-Dweller is the newest model Rolex has introduced, and it is often mistaken for a Day-Date. Nevertheless, any true watch aficionado knows a Sky-Dweller when they see one.

In terms of prestige, both watches have equal prestige in the watch collector community. After all, they are two of Rolex’s most expensive and most complicated sports watches. And they are both stunning.

The choice between the two usually comes down to preference and style. One is dressier and one is sportier, so both have their place in anyone’s watch box.

We would like to note that the Sky-Dweller is a guaranteed classic in the making. As a matter of fact, it was an instant classic. The demand for the Sky-Dweller makes this clear.

As for the Yachtmaster 2 , it is as iconic as any popular Rolex collection. 

As with any Rolex collection, some versions/references have more demand than others.

With the Sky-Dweller, it is the Steel Sunburst Blue Dial . If you want one new, you can expect to wait a year or so, unless you get super lucky. This has caused many buyers to look to the second-hand market, where they find the price significantly higher for the sunburst blue dial reference.

With the Yachtmaster 2, the situation is similar. The steel version is the most popular. However, we don’t see people waiting as long for the steel Yachtmaster 2. 

All in all, the Sky-Dweller seems to be more in demand right now. Currently, you are more likely to see a Sky-Dweller on the wrist of a celebrity than a Yachtmaster 2. Why? Because it is new and different. People want different. 

That said, you won’t have to look far to find a Yachtmaster 2 on the wrist of a famous person. People love big and noticeable, and Yachtmaster 2 provides that. 

To enter into the Yachtmaster 2 club, you will be paying a minimum of $16,000 for a new Yachtmaster 2. On the second hand market, you can find them for as low as $15-16,000 . This is for the steel versions, of course.

The price for the steel Sky-Dweller is around $17,000. The gold versions are around $48,000. On the second hand market, the steel blue dial Sky-Dweller is selling for around $25,000.

The above tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the resale value of the two. 

Now, we aren’t suggesting you look at the resale value when making a watch purchase. You should buy a watch you like, not because you want to sell it later on! Moreover, Rolex in general has the best resale value of any watch brand.

That being said, it doesn’t hurt to consider resale value. Especially if you like switching up watches after some time.

In any case, the Sky-Dweller has a better resale value. If we are talking the blue dial Sky-Dweller, you should be able to sell it for more than you bought it, pending it’s in good condition.

The Yachtmaster 2 should land you about the same price or a little less than what you bought it for. The Yachtmaster will appreciate in value as time goes on, though. 

How long this will remain true, we can’t be sure. The demand for certain references is ever-changing. Some references and models have proven to be consistent. The perfect example of this is the steel Daytona. 

VERDICT OF ROLEX SKY-DWELLER VS YACHTMASTER 2

Our final verdict is that both watches are worthy of purchasing. It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a watch that is more sporty and durable, go for the Yachtmaster 2. If you want a watch that is the perfect combination of sporty and dressy, go for the Sky-Dweller. Think about your style. If you like to be the center of attention, the Yachtmaster 2 seems to fit that motive. However, if you like a more classy, high-end, versatile look, the Sky-Dweller provides that kind of wrist presence. 

Now, if you can get both, we say definitely get both. They are equally unique watches and they work for different occasions. The Sky-Dweller and Yachtmaster 2 should be part of every true watch collectors watch box, at least at some point in time. If you don’t want to cough up too much money at one time, get the one you desire more and keep your sight on getting the other in the near future. But, if you are willing to get both at the same time, it makes sense to do so as you can probably bargain a better deal when you buy two watches…when you are shopping the second hand market that is. 

Shop Pre-owned Sky-Dweller’s  Shop Pre-owned Yachtmaster 2’s

Wondering if the second hand market is right for you? Here are the pros and cons of buying pre-owned . 

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Hands-On: Rolex Sky-Dweller Watches Updated For 2023

Launched over a decade ago, the Sky-Dweller is a fascinating, albeit compromised Rolex watch worthy of attention. In typical Rolex style, the Rolex Sky-Dweller watches updated for 2023 carry over just about everything that has made the collection great while introducing minute and not-so-minute improvements and modifications.

As a start, here are a few points to remember about this steadily expanding watch collection. The Sky-Dweller is the most complicated Rolex watch in production today, thanks to its combination of an annual calendar complication with instantaneous displays that jump at midnight, two time zones, and a Ring Command system that enables the rotating bezel to act as a crown function selector. The Sky-Dweller is also among the biggest, widest, thickest, and heaviest Rolex watches ever made, and we have sampled all three of its new-for-2023 model variations: The White Rolesor version with Oystersteel case, bracelet, and 18k white gold bezel; the “baller” all-gold-everything 18k Everose variant; and the solid 18k white gold piece matched to a lightweight, “high-performance” Oysterflex bracelet. Let us discover which combination of materials best suits this “elegant and trusted companion for world travelers,” as Rolex puts it.

For almost 80 years, since the first all-gold Datejust debuted in 1945, it has been difficult to overstate the presence of an all-gold Rolex watch. Over that time the Day-Date, Submariner, and, much more recently, the Yacht-Master II have perpetuated a legacy of “holier than thou” wrist-bling through ever larger and bolder cases, bracelets, and dials. The Sky-Dweller doubled down on this when it debuted in 2012 in nothing else but solid gold, or be it exclusively with leather straps. Measuring 42mm wide, and 13.8mm thick, the Sky-Dweller is one of the largest Rolex watches, and also a medium-large watch in the greater scheme of things that wears larger than that 42mm figure would suggest. Notably, this effect is further emphasized by the turning of the large watch trend, which is to say that despite its elegant and un-sporty design, the Sky-Dweller is not a discreet watch by any stretch of the imagination, and especially not in yellow or 18k Everose gold.

If you want a solid 18k gold bracelet on your Sky-Dweller, as it stands, you have limited options as only the Oyster three-piece link style is available (the five-piece link Jubilee only comes in steel on the Sky-Dweller) and you can only have 18k Everose gold or 18k yellow gold as there is no Oyster bracelet in white gold or platinum. This is odd because the GMT-Master II does come with an 18k yellow gold Jubilee, and the Sky-Dweller is available on an Oystersteel Jubilee, so it might be a matter of time before a gold Jubilee bracelet option joins the Sky-Dweller collection. This is important because, with the wide, flat(-ish) links of the Oyster bracelet, the gold Sky-Dweller is an absolute beast of a watch that is as heavy on the wrist as it is on the eyes.

Introducing changes that can be measured in fractions of a millimeter is this new-for-2023 model you see above, called Rolex Sky-Dweller reference 336935. Until now, there used to be a difference in the lug width measurement of various Sky-Dweller watches, as the first gold models on an Oyster bracelet had a 21mm lug width, while those sold on a leather strap had a 22mm opening. The larger width was taken over by the Rolesor (two-tone) versions in 2017, and it is now, in 2023, that the yellow gold and Everose gold Oyster bracelet-equipped versions adopt this wider, 22mm lug design.

In parallel with this move, the center links of the gold Oyster bracelets of the Sky-Dweller watches have 0.5mm wider center links. Such a move makes the watch head optically smaller, which is not a bad thing given the high volume of the Sky-Dweller. The lug-to-lug measurement has been increased by 0.3mm, hinting at a slightly redesigned lug and case profile. Also new here is the dial Rolex refers to as “Blue-Green,” not to be confused with the Bright Blue dial on the Oystersteel-cased reference 336934 that actually costs a bit less than a third(!) of this all-gold model.

Also new is the Sky-Dweller reference 336934, a watch in White Rolesor, which is Rolex-speak for a watch that uses Oystersteel for most all of its exterior and 18k white gold for certain parts such as the bezel, center links, and crown — but it is just the bezel that is in 18k gold when it comes to the Sky-Dweller. Nuanced changes here include the aforementioned 0.3mm added to the lug-to-lug which aligns with what we saw with the 2023 redesign of the Rolex Daytona, where the steel version adopted longer lugs ( to its detriment, we thought ). Difficult to spot, but also new is a thinner seconds hand — which is as minute an alteration as they get, again, in typical Rolex fashion — and the fluted edge of the crown also appears to be thinner, symbolizing Rolex’s quiet efforts to make the Sky-Dweller a bit more gracious.

If you can’t live without a Sky-Dweller in 18k white gold, you can only have it on an Oysterflex “high-performance elastomer” strap. There is no solid 18k white gold bracelet available, so as to better optically differentiate white gold from White Rolesor. Oysterflex-equipped Rolex watches could often be ranked among the weaker value propositions from Rolex today, as they are just $8,000 less expensive than those on a solid gold bracelet, which is not much of a premium to pay for a full-gold Rolex compared to one on a strap — but hey, kudos to Hublot for establishing such a strong market for rubber strap-equipped solid gold watches.

A closer look at the dial reveals a telling little detail: The Rolex crown is now present at 6 o’clock (twice, in favor of symmetry) which on a Rolex watch means that a new-generation movement has been installed in the watch. In 2023, the Sky-Dweller debuts the 9002 caliber, a development on the 9001 that has powered it for over a decade. Modifications include the incorporation of the nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement into its design, which is a high-efficiency, Rolex-developed escapement that has played a significant role in bringing some of its two-day power reserve watches up to three days. Strangely, the Sky-Dweller sticks with the three-day autonomy that it has had since 2012, and so it is the stronger anti-magnetic properties and the greater efficiency of the escapement (and hence yet greater accuracy over a depleting power reserve) that owners might take advantage of.

In conclusion, the Sky-Dweller quickly (by Rolex standards) grew into a versatile collection not just in terms of design and choice of materials, but also in terms of value proposition. The Rolex Sky-Dweller in White Rolesor (Ref. 336934) is priced at $15,650 USD and it is a ton (almost literally) of watch for that money. Presenting an annual calendar with a peripheral layout for the month and the added horological flex of instantaneous displays together with a second time zone, the addictively tactile Ring Command system, a 72-hour, 4 Hertz, remarkably accurate movement, and Rolex build quality, is an extremely strong proposition for just under $16,000. The Rolex Sky-Dweller wrapped fully in 18k Everose gold (Ref. 336935) is priced at $50,900 USD , demanding the stratospheric (and ever-growing, still) premium that an all-gold Rolex tends to have, but in return delivering the power-factor anyone who buys a colored gold Rolex is after. Last, the Rolex Sky-Dweller in white gold on an Oysterflex strap (Ref. 336239) is $42,700 USD representing the worst value-for-money here, which isn’t shocking from products designed to cater to those who want the latest trending luxury product — which the 18k gold Rolex (or Patek Philippe, for that matter) on a rubber strap definitely is. You can learn more at the brand’s website.

Mastering the Rolex Sky Dweller

In the past half-century, since it launched its GMT-Master, Rolex has brought out just two new complications : the Rolex Yacht-Master II, in 2007, with a countdown yacht timer, and the Rolex Sky-Dweller , equipped with both a second time zone and an annual calendar, in 2012. In this feature we explain how the Sky-Dweller, and its innovative movement, works.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller contains the in-house Caliber 9001. The second time zone is indicated by an off-center, rotating 24-hour disk. Local time, indicated by the center- mounted hands, can be adjusted quickly when you change time zones by setting the hour hand forward or backward in one-hour increments. The minutes, seconds, and second-time-zone indicators are not affected during this operation.

The calendar mechanism, which changes instantaneously (an annual calendar automatically differentiates between months of 30 days and 31 days, and need be adjusted just once per year, at the end of February) is relatively simple, Rolex says: the company has added just two gear ratios and four gear wheels to its existing instantaneous date calendar. As Rolex explains it, “The mechanism is designed around a fixed planetary gear wheel at the center of the movement. A satellite wheel engages with the planetary wheel and rotates, orbiting the planetary wheel in one month, driven by the date disk. The satellite wheel is fitted with four fingers for the four 30-day months (April, June, September and November). Click on watch photos for larger images.

Click here to watch the Rolex Sky-Dweller video…

“The gear ratio between the satellite wheel and the planetary wheel is calculated in such a way that at the end of each 30-day month – and only in these months – one of the satellite’s fingers receives an additional impulse from the date-change mechanism. This makes the calendar disk jump two days (from the 30th to the first) within a few milliseconds to display the correct date.” Rolex has dubbed the mechanism “Saros,” a Greek word that refers to the approximately 18-year cycle that can be used to predict when eclipses will occur. Rolex chose the name because it brings to mind the revolutions of the Earth and moon, which are like the motion of the satellite wheel (the Earth) with its four fingers (the moon). The Rolex Sky-Dweller calendar has an unusual month display. The hour numerals correspond to the 12 months of the year. Next to each numeral is a window. The window for the current month (e.g., “IIII” for April,) is black; the other 11 windows are white. (On the brown-dial model, the correct month is indicated by a white window for better contrast.)

To set the watch, you use both the bezel and the crown . First you rotate the bezel to one of three positions to select which of three functions — date, local time or home (24-hour) time – you want to set. Then, using the crown, you set the function, going either forward or backward. Rolex says, “The heart of the mechanism is a double cam and levers that engage various gear trains inside the movement according to the function selected. One of these cams is activated by pulling out the winding crown; the other is driven by rotating the bezel [Rolex calls it a “Ring Command Bezel”] to activate setting wheels located in the middle case of the watch.” Caliber 9001, which has bi-directional winding is, like all Rolex calibers, certified by COSC . It has a stop seconds function and a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement has 380 components and is protected by seven patents, four of them new.The case is 42 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 100 meters. The Rolex Sky-Dweller comes in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, on matching bracelets or leather straps, and in a version with case and bracelet made of Rolex’s proprietary Everose gold. Prices range from $38,150 to $48,850.

This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated with new text and art.

I want to have information of only Rolex watches new and old

I only whish the yellow gold model had roman numerals iam waiting to get it

Nice but not my favourite Rolex.

This watch was designed by a gentleman while sitting under the ugly tree,much like every Rolex watch ever made.What about some genuine creativity. John Landy

J E A L O U S.

Innovative? Yes. Ugly & overpriced? Yes. Sky Dweller is another model that the market accepted lukewarmly. It seems that Rolex has lost its knack with certain lines.

Design likes are subjective and many may agree with you. One thing undeniable is the typical Rolex architecture in design of a watch with an advanced movement which subtly provides dual time zone performance along with a full calendar needing to be adjusted once every five ur years with its chronometer movement. This watch is not often in stock at jewelry stores as there is significant demand for the production.

Is it a Vacheron Constantin or Patek’s?…No. It is defineately Rolex styling and a typical Rolex movement, designed to last generations.

Seriously considering the yellow gold model of Sky Dweller. Love the watch and its features but already have two Rolex watches recently purchased. Date Just II looks a lot like the Sky Dweller, even to the Champaign dial. We’ll see…

The case is 42 mm in diameter and water resistant to 100 meters. —- WRONG! water PROOF….***

We agree that the Rolex Sky Dweller is the most intricate and amazingly innovative automatic winding watch in the marketplace today!

I love my yellow gold model. It has become one of my favorite time pieces.

If only rolex had not overlaped the lower numerals with the 24hr disc this watch would have been perfect.

I agree with Anand.

I also agree with Anand. With the additional comment that it looks strikingly similar to the Date Just. They must be thinking what works for one model will work for another. –Chris

After the Explorer II, this is probably the best looking Rolex out there. Love the white gold version. If only I had enough time (read: money).

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The Skydweller Is the Most Bonkers Watch Rolex Makes

It looks like no other timepiece from the brand. And it functions differently, too.

By Zen Love

Welcome to Watches You Should Know , a biweekly column highlighting important or little-known watches with interesting backstories and unexpected influence. This week: the Rolex Sky Dweller.

Underpinning almost every swanky or blinged-out Rolex is a tool-watch ethos. That means traits like practical design, legibility, robust build, automatic winding and, for the most part, simple functionality. It’s a formula that works exceedingly well and results in conservative watches that rarely require substantial updates. This is exactly why the the Sky Dweller stands out: it’s the brand’s most complicated watch and, frankly, it’s pretty funky for a Rolex.

Aside from the time and date, most complicated Rolex watches might feature a single additional complication such as a GMT or chronograph . You’ll even find a moon phase in the Cellini collection. Introduced in 2012, the Sky Dweller, on the other hand, features not only two complications, including a GMT and the rather involved annual calendar , but also unique ways of displaying information and controlling its functions.

The annual calendar tracks the month and date, differentiating between months with 30 and 31 days and only needing adjustment once a year, on March 1st. Rolex’s 9001 movement inside accomplishes this with only four additional gears on top of the existing architecture that displays the date — a solution that, by its very simplicity, helps keep the movement nice and robust. The display is equally unique, with an unobtrusive window next to each hour that symbolizes one of the twelve months of the year. For example, the window next to three o’clock will appear black or red (depending on the model) to indicate the month of March.

This is pretty complicated and unconventional for Rolex, but in addition to that is an off-center 24-hour ring to indicate a second time zone. This is a healthy amount of displayed information, and it’s all controlled by a traditional crown — but with a twist, so to speak. The crown is used in concert with the bezel in a system the brand calls Ring Command. In this system, the bezel is used to select a mode (e.g., one of the functions), and the information is then set via the crown.

In the second position (the first is neutral) you can move the main hour hand back and forth in hour intervals independently from the minute hand. The next position moves the minute hand, main hour hand and the 24-hour disc. It might sound a bit confusing, but it becomes intuitive as soon as you use it once or twice, and is in fact a pretty elegant and innovative solution — not to mention handy for traveling. Finally the last position controlled by the bezel lets you set the calendar information (in both directions, it should be noted, unlike many common and lesser watch movements).

Echoing its dive-watch cousin, Rolex’s Sea Dweller , the Sky Dweller’s name tells you right away that it’s a watch for pilots or travelers. While Rolex also serves those general demographics with its GMT Master II and Air King, the Sky Dweller is meant for another level of globetrotter: the one flying first-class. Like certain other Rolex collections, the Sky Dweller isn’t available in an all-steel model. The closest you’ll get is the most affordable configuration with a 42mm steel case and bracelet but a bezel in white gold.

That’s where the collection starts, at $14,800, reaching cruising altitude in full precious metals at almost $50,000. This is unambiguously a prestige statement watch that stands out even among Rolex’s collections, and it almost feels out of character for the careful and calculated brand. But like any Rolex watch, it’s got decent water resistance (100m), a solid base movement — and is made to be worn.

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Rolex reach for the skies with the Sky-Dweller

Editor’s pick: The Rolex Sky-Dweller is, along with the Yacht-Master II, the most complex offering in the brand’s current catalogue. Two time zones, an elegant calendar and a very, very cool bezel make for a serious piece of watchmaking. Add in the simplified dials and Rolesor cases of this latest batch and it’s a watch that’s stratospheric. 

For years, the Sky-Dweller has been one of the most interesting and least understood modern Rolex es. It’s one of the most complicated watches in their lineup, as a luxury traveller’s watch, and is the patrician elder brother of the tool-like GMT-Master II. This niche proposition, along with its solid gold offering, always made it something of an outsider Rolex. Until now.

In some ways the case of the Sky-Dweller remains identical to the version released in 2012, but viewed a different way, the changes to the big 42mm case represent the single biggest shift to the model, which has seen it rocket to the top of many a fan’s list. It’s all about the material. For the first five years of its life, the Sky-Dweller existed only in precious metals: white, yellow or Everose gold. Not only did this place the watch into a premium price bracket, but it was also every inch the solid gold Rolex — unavoidably so with that large, fluted bezel. But as Baselworld 2017 rolled around and the Rolesor Sky-Dwellers were unveiled, the proposition suddenly changed. Fifty grand plus suddenly came down to around twenty, bringing the Sky-Dweller within reach of a whole lot more people. Rolex released two Rolesor versions — yellow gold with a precious bezel and centre bracelet links, or a white gold option where only the bezel is made from the precious metal.

Aside from the case, the other major change to the Sky-Dweller is the design of the dial. And not just that stellar starburst blue option. Gone are the radial Arabic or Roman numerals, replaced with elongated applied batons, filled with Chromalight. This one change makes a huge difference to the simplicity of the dial. That and the fact that the second time zone disc is now colour matched to the dial rather than contrasting. Aside from these cosmetic upgrades, the Sky-Dweller’s dial is still the same legible design that smartly packs a lot of information into a small space. The most obvious feature is the second time zone, displayed via an off-centre 24-hour display. There’s also a dual calendar, with the date displayed under the traditional Cyclops and the month subtly indicated by a red marker at the outer edge of the hour markers. Every time I see this month implementation, I’m beguiled by its simplicity, and it still confounds me that it’s not a more popular style of calendar (Rolex is the only volume brand who use it, to my knowledge).

It might be too much to say that this simplified, somewhat sportier dial is an improvement on the dial of the all-gold model, as that watch has a different personality to the Rolesor. But I am quite confident in saying that this new dial will appeal to a wider audience. Extra points for the cutouts on the hands so as to always allow maximum legibility of the home-time dial.

The movement

The most impressive part of the Sky-Dweller is the movement. Not just because the Calibre 9001 is a highly complicated, modern movement with a mighty 72 hours of power reserve and protected by seven patents. No, it stands out because of how you interact with the various functions. You see that pretty fluted gold bezel? That’s not a regular bezel, it’s actually quite an ingenious piece of user-friendly engineering called the Ring Command. Twist it to the left and you’ll notice it has three distinct positions. Change the position of this bezel, and the crown changes a different complication. The third position (hard left) allows you to change the home time, the second position changes local time, and the first position allows you to change the annual calendar.

It’s an innovative, over-engineered and user-friendly solution to a problem you never knew you had. Just the sort of innovation that Rolex excels at.

The bracelet

No surprises here. Of course the Sky-Dweller ships on the Oyster bracelet. Now, if you opted for the white gold Rolesor version, the bracelet is solid 904L steel. If yellow gold is more your jam, you get polished yellow gold centre links. Solid and supremely comfortable, thanks in part to the easily adjusted Oysterclasp, which gives you around 5mm of flex room to ensure maximum comfort.

On the wrist

The large case size and that light-flinging fluted bezel make the Sky-Dweller an attention-drawing watch, and the fact that it’s not solid gold only reduces the bling-factor so much but, honestly, you’ve just got to embrace it. Aside from that, it’s the typical flawless Rolex experience.

The verdict

The Sky-Dweller has always been a great watch, and now, with its smartly redesigned dial and more accessible case material, it’s just a little bit greater.

Talking point

Let me show you my Ring Command Bezel …

Who’s it for?

There’s no doubt that the Sky-Dweller is one of 2017’s ‘it’ Rolexes, along with the Sea-Dweller. But if you prefer brains over brawn, the Sky-Dweller might just be the one for you.

What would we change?

Watches like this always make me regret including the “what would we change” part of the review. Everything here is so considered and so thought through that there’s really not much to say. However, I included it, so there’s no getting around it. If it were up to me I’d love it in a slightly smaller case. Failing that, a bezel that’s a tad less extravagantly fluted would be right up my alley.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller Australian pricing

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller in white gold Rolesor, $18,250; in yellow gold Rolesor, $21,700

Images by Jason Reekie and Marcus Flack.

How it Works: The Rolex Sky-Dweller

Launched in 2012, Rolex’s Sky-Dweller is the brand’s most recent all-new release. It is also, by some distance, the most complicated model in their portfolio. Of course, it doesn’t have that much in the way of competition.

Rolex has built its reputation, and cemented its place at the very top of the horological tree, with watches that are at once enduringly stylish yet technically simple. Until very recently, the Daytona was about as convoluted as they got, or needed to.

But as a way to silence those critics who have long bemoaned the manufacture’s lack of functionality, Rolex’s last two major introductions have taken the company down previously unexplored paths. The model that came before the Sky-Dweller was the Yacht-Master II from 2007, a regatta timer and the only chronograph in the world with a mechanical memory.

As impressive an achievement as the YM II is though, the Sky-Dweller’s combination of GMT function and the first annual calendar Rolex has ever produced takes the prize for most complex watch and the one with the best day-to-day utility.

Photo credit: @rolexskydweller

The Sky-Dweller

On the run-up to its unveiling, the only detail known about the Sky-Dweller was its name. Obviously destined to be an aviation-themed creation, it had most fans imagining a tougher, more professional version of the GMT-Master II—sort of like a Sea-Dweller to the GMT’s Submariner.

What arrived instead was more akin to a Day-Date, a dress piece but with a whole host of extra bells and whistles that elevated it straight to flagship status.

It also introduced a novel approach to presenting the dual time feature and a deceptively simple display for its calendar. Even more formidable, it did it all without needing to resort to extra pushers on the case which would have spoiled its sophisticated profile.

Instead, it relinquished control to a very special type of bezel.

The Ring Command Bezel

Rotating bezels have been used at Rolex since the mid-1930s, first found on the ultra rare Zerographe. After that, the Turn-O-Graph (otherwise known in the U.S. as the Thunderbird) became the first serially produced model to have one. But of course it became a distinguishing hallmark of the company in the 1950s, when turnable surrounds were fitted to two of watchmaking’s most abiding icons, the Submariner and the GMT-Master.

However, whereas those were used merely to show elapsed minutes or a second time zone, on the Sky-Dweller, the bezel is linked directly to the movement and winding crown, and becomes an integral part of the watch’s capabilities.

It was a similar story on the Yacht-Master II, the model that brought us the first generation of what Rolex dub, the Ring Command Bezel.

On that piece, the bezel is little more than an analogue on/off switch, while on the Sky-Dweller it acts as a function selector, with each quarter turn unlocking a different action.

The first counter-clockwise position gives access to the date. Turning the crown forwards or backwards changes the day of the month in the three o’clock window, and is also used to adjust the annual calendar. Another click to the left and you control the Quickset main hour hand, which jumps in one hour increments. And in the final position, spinning the crown rotates the GMT disc, allowing you to set a reference time as you travel.

Photo credit: @d.gerontopoulos_watchmaking

The Cal. 9001

The real power behind all the abilities lies in the movement. The Cal. 9001, engineered specifically for the Sky-Dweller, contains some 380 separate parts, making it Rolex’s most component-heavy caliber ever. It is also their second most highly jeweled, with 40, and it has been issued with 7 patents.

Of that colossal parts count, sixty are used for the bezel alone.

The Ring Command module contains a vertically-mounted barrel arbor with switch elements at either end which open up the various operations as the bezel is rotated. A double cam and lever arrangement engages the necessary gear trains at the heart of the movement; pulling out the winding crown activates one cam and the other is driven by the bezel itself, which triggers setting wheels inside the mechanism.

All of the operations can be performed in any order, and either forwards or backwards, with no constraints.

As an example of micromechanics, it is hard to beat, especially considering the size of the Cal. 9001. Measuring just 33mm in diameter, it also manages to pack in a 72-hour power reserve and maintain to within Rolex’s own stringent demands for accuracy of -2/+2 seconds a day.

Photo credit: @watchhabit

The Annual Calendar

For their first foray into the annual calendar complication, Rolex stuck to their basic overriding philosophy of keeping things as simple as possible.

The brand invented the instantaneous date change function in 1945 with the Datejust, and have stayed with the basics of that system here.

The annual calendar, what Rolex have called SAROS after an astronomical term used to predict solar and lunar eclipses, is able to differentiate between the months with 30 and 31 days in them. Therefore, it only needs to be manually adjusted once a year, on the 1st of March, due to February’s 28 or 29 day duration.

To do so has required just four additional gear wheels on top of the traditional date complication. The SAROS is set up so that at the end of a month with only 30 days in it, the date change mechanism provides an extra impulse to the satellite wheel, causing the numbered calendar disc to jump two spaces instead of one, bringing the counter back round to the 1st of the month again.

Twelve small apertures running around the perimeter of the dial, one above each corresponding hour marker, indicate which month it is. Eleven remain blank, while the current month is filled in with a contrasting color. So, a shaded space above the numeral four tells us it’s April, above the five denotes May, etc.

As for the GMT display, that too is a huge departure from the traditional extra hour hand marking out the time on an engraved bezel.

On the Sky-Dweller, an off-centered disc is printed with a 24-hour scale, and a small inverted triangle above it points to the reference time. It is the one visual element of the watch that caused the most controversy on its release, but what was once a challenging aesthetic seems to have matured with age—helped along by a series of more conservative and monochromatic color schemes being made available.

A New Direction?

Without the ability to predict what Rolex has in store for us in the future, it is impossible to know whether the Sky-Dweller is the start of a whole new breed of complicated watches, or whether it is something they created almost just to prove to the doubters they could.

What is sure is that it is an incredible example of engineering virtuosity that manages to provide a massive amount of information in an elegantly tasteful way.

It is also a real traveler’s watch. The winding crown is notoriously the weakest part of any mechanical timepiece. By confining it to only two positions, one for winding and the other for setting all the functions, the Sky-Dweller has an inherent strength that means it can survive the knocks that are an inescapable part of international globetrotting.

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Rolex Sky-Dweller vs. Rolex GMT-Master II: Best Travel Watch?

When you think of dual time zone Rolex watches, you probably think of the GMT-Master II and the Explorer II. These mechanically identical Rolexes use a 24-hour hand to track a second time zone. The primary difference lies in their bezels: the GMT-Master II’s rotating 24-hour bezel allows for tracking of a third time zone. This is not the case with the Explorer II, nor with the Rolex Sky-Dweller . Unlike the GMT-Master II or Explorer II, the Sky-Dweller displays a second time zone via a rotating 24-hour ring on the dial. It also has an annual calendar complication, making it Rolex’s most complicated watch. How does the Rolex Sky-Dweller – a new-age mechanical outlier with elegant styling – compare to the GMT-Master II – Rolex’s tried-and-true sports watch with mid-century roots? Which dual time zone Rolex is the better travel companion?

Rolex Sky-Dweller

Image Source: royalarcade.london

The Sky-Dweller is a unique watch. At 42mm in diameter, 51m lug-to-lug, and 14mm thick, it’s not for the faint of wrist. Much of this size comes from the caliber 9002 and accompanying dial space required to read out its complications. Around the outermost perimeter of the dial, a minutes track is interrupted not by hour indices, but “Saros” annual calendar windows. The 12 hour indices are paired with windows corresponding to each month (1 for Jan, 2 for Feb, etc.). At any given time, eleven of these windows are white, while one is red: demarcating the current month. This splash of red matches the arrow above the 24-hour timezone ring. The off-center ring is the defining characteristic of the Sky-Dweller: a unique way of showing its second time zone. At 3 o’clock, we see a date window magnified by a cyclops lens .

Image Source: teddybaldassarre.com

From a distance, you might mistake the Sky-Dweller for a Day-Date. They both have Rolex’s signature polished fluted bezel. However, unlike the Day-Date (or Datejust), the Sky-Dweller’s fluted bezel has a mechanical purpose. To set the month, date, local time, and reference time, you have to rotate the bezel between four fixed positions. Rolex calls this their Ring Command system, appearing only on the Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master II . This is a quirky mechanism; not everyone wants to fiddle with their watch this much. That said, enthusiasts are more than happy to. 

Rolex GMT-Master II

Image Source: watchesbytimepiece.com

The Rolex GMT-Master II has the same general design as its predecessor from 1954 . Since then, there’s been one major development: the GMT-Master II has an independently-adjustable local hour hand, allowing for tracking of three time zones (and easier setting). Compared to the Sky-Dweller, the GMT-Master II is very straightforward. You have your local time, 24-hour time, and a rotating 24-hour bezel. This is the GMT watch that all other GMT watches emulate: dual time zone functionality in its purest form. The GMT-Master’s utilitarian philosophy extends to its build and case design. At 40mm in diameter, 48m lug-to-lug, and 12mm thick, the GMT-Master II is a bit more svelte than the Sky-Dweller, despite presenting as robust and somewhat chunky thanks to its Maxi case (2005 - today). Like all mid-century Rolexes, this is a tool watch that’s built to last: no frills, everything in its place. 

Final Thoughts

Image Source: facebook.com

The Sky-Dweller and GMT-Master II share a lot of characteristics: dual time zone functionality, cyclops date windows, and 100 meters of water resistance, to name a few. However, these are fundamentally different watches in their design philosophy, mechanics, and user experience. The GMT-Master II is a purpose-built tool watch; it tells two (or three) time zones, and will continue to do so past your lifetime. It’s easy to set, easy to read, and has nearly 70 years of field testing under its belt. The Sky-Dweller is a young, stylized, complicated watch that appeals to a smaller enthusiast demographic. Its fluted Ring Command bezel and annual calendar are in direct opposition to the GMT-Master II’s straightforward identity. Which is the better travel companion? That all depends on the wearer. Which one do you like more? Do you care about the annual calendar? Do you want a tool watch? A fluted bezel? These watches are so different that it’s hard to imagine someone being stuck between them. In all likelihood, one of them appeals more to you than the other. Which one do you choose?

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New watches 2023

With its latest creations, Rolex demonstrates its perpetual pursuit of excellence. An ever-present challenge manifested in the brand’s ambition to perfect every component, question every method, and master every aspect of watchmaking expertise. The watches unveiled illustrate a desire to reinvent while preserving a sense of continuity, to innovate while being mindful of tradition, and to leverage technology in daring to create. It is through such efforts – bolstered by the ‘superlative’ vision that permeates the entire creation process down to the finest detail – that exemplary timepieces are formed, and prevail. Watches that, with time, become icons.

OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA

The emblematic style and technical performance of the Cosmograph Daytona have cemented its iconic status well beyond the motor racing circuits. To mark the 60th anniversary of the watch, Rolex ensures the legend lives on by revisiting the entire range.

PERPETUAL 1908

Elegant, classic and decidedly contemporary, the 1908 immortalizes Rolex’s age-long daring spirit. Its conception is the result of the brand’s comprehensive in-house expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence.

OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER 42

Light and robust, the new Yacht-Master 42, in RLX titanium, is the ally of those who revel in freedom. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it delivers exceptional performance.

OYSTER PERPETUAL SKY-DWELLER

With its two time zones and annual Saros calendar, the Sky-Dweller is an elegant and trusted companion for world travellers. The range has been updated with numerous enhancements illustrating the role that excellence plays even in the tiniest details.

OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II

The GMT-Master II is available this year in two new versions – yellow Rolesor and 18 ct yellow gold – with a Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic, an entirely new colour combination.

OYSTER PERPETUAL EXPLORER 40

The Explorer range is expanded with the arrival of a new 40 mm model. Offering enhanced legibility, this timepiece carries all the qualities that have made the Explorer – one of the brand’s first Professional watches – a reference throughout the decades. Simple, robust and corrosion resistant, the new Explorer 40 is crafted from Oystersteel, a Rolex proprietary alloy.

OYSTER PERPETUAL

Alive with colour, vitality and positivity, the new dials of the Oyster Perpetual in 31 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm are dotted with many-coloured bubbles that joyfully reunite the five hues introduced to the range in 2020.

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 36

The new Day-Date 36 welcomes dials made of decorative stone in shimmering tones that evoke the atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast. 

With these versions of the Day-Date 36, Rolex brings an unexpected creative twist to one of its iconic models. By displaying a new emotion each day, the watch brings an element of spontaneity into the wearers’ daily life and allows them to invest the reading of time with their changing mood.

Yacht-Master II

Created for competition

The Yacht-Master II is the only chronograph in the world featuring a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory. An essential tool for skippers to gauge their best course of action.

Ring Command system

Rolex achieved perfection when it turned its attention to redefining the purpose and functionality of the bezel. Typically, a bezel operates independently from the internal mechanism; however, the Ring Command bezel in the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph operates in conjunction with it.

As a mechanical component linked to the movement, the bezel literally acts as the key to the programmable countdown, allowing it to be set and synchronised to the sequence of race start times. Complex in design, but simple in use, it is functionally beautiful.

The countdown’s sophisticated functions were designed to be easily set and operated. The preliminary programming of up to 10 minutes is accessed, and then locked, via the rotatable bezel thanks to Ring Command, a patented system of interaction between the bezel, the winding crown and the movement, developed by Rolex. A technical feat made possible by the brand’s in-house mastery of the entire watch design and manufacturing process, from the case to the movement.

A distinctive aesthetic

The Yacht-Master II’s countdown can be programmed for a duration of between 1 and 10 minutes. The programming is memorized by the mechanism so that at a reset it returns to the previous setting. Once launched, the countdown can be synchronized on the fly to match the official race countdown.

On the right-hand side of the middle case, the Yacht-Master II sports two countdown pushers, specially designed to suggest winches, the manual winding gear on a sail boat. The Yacht-Master II is always fitted on an Oyster bracelet with a Oysterlock safety clasp, equipped with an Easylink comfort extension link.

The Yacht-Master II measures 44 mm in diameter, its large size contributing to the optimal legibility of the dial in all conditions.

Cerachrom bezel insert

The blue monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert of the Yacht-Master II is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, seawater or water that is chlorinated. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. The numerals and inscriptions are moulded in the ceramic and coloured with gold or platinum using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process.

Oyster bracelet

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology, designed to be both robust and comfortable. It is equipped with an Oysterlock folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening and the Easylink comfort extension link, also exclusive to Rolex. This ingenious system allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance.

Complex in design, but simple in use, the Ring Command bezel is functionally beautiful.

Calibre 4161 Superlative movement

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4161, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Its architecture, manufacturing quality and innovative features make it exceptionally precise and reliable. This abundance of Rolex technology includes a patented function – a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory – and comprises some 360 components. Some of them are made by UV-LiGA, a micromanufacturing technology entirely mastered in-house by Rolex.

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Best Rooftop Bars (Restaurants) in Moscow

These are 7 Best Rooftop Bars in Moscow

We are looking for the best rooftop bars Moscow’s. Another winter is in the books and Moscow’s citizens are looking to spend as much time outdoors as possible. In this period Moscow transforms itself into an outdoor city filled with trendy destinations to enjoy long days and cool nights. Indeed, as the sky in Moscow is one of the most astonishing that I’ve ever seen, summer here is all about rooftop terraces with fantastic views.

Here is a selection of the coolest bars and restaurants on top of Moscow’s sprawling buildings.

Strelka Bar:

Strelka is definitely a summer must and it’s one of my favorite. It’s located in the center of Bolotny Island, right opposite the Christ the Savior Cathedral. Food and drinks are great, guests can choose from an extensive cocktail list and an international menu. There’s a beautiful spacious terrace with an amazing view that overlooks the Moscow river. Yes, you can find terraces much higher up but if you prefer a more charming riverside view to a skyline – this is the one for you.

Bersenevskaya Emb., 14/5A. Metro Kropotinskaya Tel.+7 (495) 771 74 16

Time Out Bar:

Update: according to a Google search of this establishment, this place is closed to this day (23.09.2021)

Amazing city view from 2 open terraces located atop the tower of the Hotel Peking. Visitors with the patience to wait in line for the lift up to the 12th floor of the Hotel Peking are in store for a magical evening in front of the gleaming Moscow lights. Open daily from 6pm to 6am, the place offers the possibility to watch breathtaking sunsets and dawn. Excellent cocktails and a lively night club at night.

Ulitsa Bolshaya-Sadovaya 5/1. Pekin Hotel, 13th floor. Metro Mayakovskaya. Tel. (495) 229-0180

Located in the center of Moscow, on the roof of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, O2 lounge has one of the best view over the Red Square and the Kremlin. Innovative cocktails and creative sushi dishes make O2 a Moscow city summer hot spot. But i’ll warn you: Prices are exactly what you would expect in a hotel called the Ritz located within walking distance of the Kremlin.

Tverskaya Ulitsa 3, Floor 12 at the Ritz-Carlton. Metro Okhotny Ryad. Tel. 495-225-8888. 

Kalina Bar:

Cosy and classy, Kalina Bar is located on 21st floor of Lotte Business Center. The place will have you going back and forth between two views of Moscow’s skyline. From one of the restaurant’s balcony you have an outstanding view of the skyscrapers of Moscow-City, Moscow State University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From the other side of the bar you can see the Kremlin cathedrals and Christ the Savior Cathedral. With a high class lounge feel, Kalina is a perfect summer destination for a date, business dinner or a friends night out.

Novinsky Bulvar 8. 21St floor. Metro Smolenskaya. Tel. 495-229-55-19

Sky Lounge:

One of the best panoramic restaurant/bars in Moscow. The 22nd-floor establishment offers its guests an excellent view of Moscow State University, Gorky park, Sparrow Hills and Moscow-city, with exquisite cuisine and relaxing atmosphere. From the balcony you can also look upwards at the gold brain-like sculpture that crowns the tower. Sunset here is unforgettable.

Leninsky Prospekt 32A. 22nd floor at the Academy of Sciences. Metro Leninsky Prospekt. Tel. 495-781-5775

The 60th floor of the sleek Federation Tower is home to Bar Sixty, the higher restaurant in Europe. The interior design is classy and the view on the city is simply priceless. Make sure you arrive early to get the best tables and then watch Moscow turn from light to dark blue with lots of bright lights. Great atmosphere, good food, amazing cocktails.

Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya 12. Metro Mezhdunarodnaya. Tel. 495-653-8369.

Mercedes Bar:

Mercedes Bar is located at the 31st-floor of the Radisson Royal Hotel (one of Stalin’s “Seven Sisters”). There you can have a unique view on the skyscrapers of Moscow City, which are located exactly in front of the hotel. Creative and exquisites cocktails.

Kutuzovsky prospect 2/1. Floor 31 Radisson Royal Hotel. Metro Kievskaya. Tel. 495-229-8309

This blog was brought to you by Matilde, currently styding Russian at Liden and Denz

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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Is the Rolex Sky-Dweller a GMT Watch?

Starting with the GMT-Master watch in the fifties and followed by the second generation of the Explorer II in the eighties, Rolex has been producing GMT watches for more than half of the company’s history. But what about the newer Rolex Sky-Dweller watch annual calendar watch that displays dual time zones? Is the Rolex Sky-Dweller a GMT watch? Let’s find out.

Dual Time Watches vs. GMT Watches

Although the terms ‘dual time watches’ and ‘GMT watches’ are often used interchangeably, it’s important to point out their differences. As its name implies, dual time watches are timepieces that indicate two time zones. The second time zone can be displayed on a 12-hour scale, typically paired with an A.M./P.M. indicator,  like on the Rolex Cellini Dual Time watch. The second time zone can also be displayed on a 24-hour scale, forfeiting the need for a day/night indicator such as on the Rolex GMT-Master watch.

Therefore, while all GMT watches are dual time watches not all dual time watches are GMT watches. What defines a GMT watch is the use of a 24-hour scale to display the second time zone. “GMT” refers to Greenwich Mean Time, which was once the primary time standard for aviators, now replaced by Coordinated Universal Time (or UTC).

Taking it a step further, “true” GMT watches are characterized by an independent 12-hour hand that jumps back and forth so it can be set to a new local time without disturbing the rest of the watch. This type of watch is particularly practical for frequent travelers, who can always have the 24-hour hand pointing to a reference time of their choice (home time, UTC, secondary office location, etc.) and easily jump the 12-hour hand to their current local time zone whenever they land in a new destination.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller

If we look closely at the dial of the Rolex Sky-Dweller, we see that the second time zone is indicated via a 24-hour off-centered disc. That disc rotates while a fixed inverted red triangle points to the hour in the second time zone. Additionally, the hour hand can be adjusted in one-hour increments both forward and backward, without affecting the other hands or the reference time disc.

So, yes, the Rolex Sky-Dweller is a GMT watch – a “true” GMT watch, in fact.

In addition to is dual time capabilities, the Sky-Dweller is also an annual calendar that displays the date through a window at 3 o’clock and the month via a dozen apertures adjacent to the hour markers. The clever annual calendar complication means that the watch can differentiate between months with 30 or 31 days and requires only one date adjustment per year, when the month changes from February to March.

Another notable technical feature of the Sky-Dweller is its fluted bezel, which is not just decorative but an integral part of the watch’s functionality. It is linked directly to the Sky-Dweller’s internal movement, and allows the wearer to choose which function will be set through the crown by simply turning the bezel.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller is available in yellow gold, Everose gold, white gold, two-tone yellow gold and steel (Yellow Rolesor), and stainless steel with a white gold bezel (White Rolesor). The watches sport 42mm cases and Oyster bracelets; however, some of the full gold editions offer the option of a leather strap with a matching gold clasp.

Along with being one of the most strikingly designed Rolex watches available today, the Sky-Dweller is also one of the brand’s most technically complex. Yet, despite its high-degree of technical functionality and the significant amount of information it presents, the innovative month display and off-centered GMT disc allow it to have a remarkably clean and uncluttered dial. Far less tool-like than the GMT-Master, but even more capable, the Rolex Sky-Dweller’s GMT functionality coupled with its annual calendar complication makes it the ultimate luxury traveler’s watch.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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• Payware Airports and Scenery Reviews

Scenery Review : Moscow City XP by Drzewiecki Design

• drzewiecki design

By Stephen September 24, 2016 in Payware Airports and Scenery Reviews

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You fly for hours, anticipating your arrival, wanting to take in the area and the views of another country far away from your departure airport. The airport and the area you leave from is detailed and visually full, and you know you have a great airport scenery waiting for you at the other end of the flight, then when you arrive...

...  Nothing, but flat plain emptiness and the same boring standard X-Plane basic scenery, worse there is no OSM (Open Street Map) data in the tile either, so there is no road or autogen detailing in there as well, just well nothing.

When Drzewiecki Design released their UUEE Sheremetyevo Airport XP , I loved it because it was like a visitor from the Cold War past, the Soviet era, and it was also great scenery and great choice of a destination to fly to from any of the capitals of Europe...  but that was it, just this great airport in the middle of nothingness, bland....   zero ville.

Now Drzewiecki Design has released "Moscow City"  a scenery package to compliment their UUEE Sheremetyevo, and boy how much a difference this release has done to this totally boring area.

To get the full first impression effect I flew JARDesign's A320neo from EFHK Vatnaa, Helsinki to UUEE Sheremetyevo which is flight Finnair AY153 which is a daily 9.25am service.

First Impressions

I was surprised to start picking up scenery still quite away out from central Moscow, as I approached my 6000ft transition altitude. Here there was buildings and houses and the physical visual notes you were arriving somewhere.

Looking hard at the horizon through the A320's windows and you could see the iconic silhouette of Moscow city.

The scenery provides lite versions of all Moscow's Airports, this is UUWW Vnukovo, which was easily recognisable as you flew over. As you fly closer to the centre of the city the density of the objects below becomes quite heavy as the landscape fills in. You have all kinds of infrastructure including, blocks of flats, tower blocks, factories, housing, skyscrapers and almost everything that makes up an urban landscape, in all there is 2000 custom-made buildings that makes up this impressive scenery.

A note here in that you don't get that rolling as you move feeling effect where as it just suddenly appears in front of you and then quickly disappears behind as soon as you have flown out over the area. There is a slight effect of that as there has to be, but only in the far distance and as you can see from the images the views in every direction are widespread and visually it is very good to excellent.

The "Seven Sisters" or "Stalinist skyscrapers" built from 1947 to 1953 are all in the scenery with their "Wedding Cake" architecture or officially  Russian Baroque               - Gothic style. Most famous is the Moscow State University, front and centre of the image below.

Central Moscow is excellent and extremely realistic, and you really need a travel guide to pick out the landmarks and detail, but it is hard to miss the Red Kremlin complex  and St Peter's square from the air.  Both sides of the aircraft is visually full until you have crossed right over the city.

I am not a fan of the generated 3d OSM scenery, but this is very good in blending in perfectly with the X-Plane default scenery and giving you a smooth transition from country to urban and back again with great realism.

Over the city and turning north towards Sheremetyevo, another Moscow airport UUMU Chkalovsky is represented on the turn.

The city skyline is now easily visible on landing at Sheremetyevo, and that really helps in the arrival factor, more so in that the cities building infrastructure spread now comes up and around the airport to fill the gaps to the city itself, and making the original  Sheremetyevo scenery that was so open and lonely in the old X-Plane view is now a big part of the whole in this combination. No doubt it really brings this always good scenery now alive and very usable.

Sheremetyevo Airport

Before we move on to the city itself. It is important to note the area around UUEE Sheremetyevo itself.

Compare the large image above to the earlier image at the start of this review to see the amount of change there is around UUEE Sheremetyevo with the addition of this Moscow City package. The two sceneries are of course meant to be used together, and in reality it would look odd if you had Moscow City scenery installed without the Sheremetyevo scenery included to fill out the northern areas. A highlight is that both sceneries together form a single whole, as the areas between the airport and the central city area are well filled in and that gives you a huge area of coverage and the full visual aspect.

To get a closer lower look at the Moscow Center I commandeered Dreamfoil's lovely Bell 407.

There is a 4.000km² total area covered with this scenery here, and you have expect some sort of building replication to cover all that ground. There is of course but as well in the fact there is also enough variations as to not keep it all interesting and not obviously visually obvious.

The closer you go to the central area, the variations in the buildings change there in style and density as well. And then more of the iconic buildings start to appear as you get closer in again to the middle. The business district is excellent, with a lot of business towers and the more modern futuristic skyscraper architecture that stands out in every view point in eye scans across the city.

The more recent is in tune with the more older Stalinist era that makes up the Moscow skyline.

The Kremlin Complex and the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (St Basil's) is excellently represented and so is "Red Square"

There are Orthodox churches everywhere and all the big icons in the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Grand Arena of the Central Lenin Stadium, Otkrytive Arena and department stores, museums and power stations and more....

I did have issues with many buildings floating, including the Kremlin. I tried both "Runways follow terrain contours" on and off with no flattening of the objects and there is no information in the manual either on how to fix the problem.

Night lighting is very good, yes there is again a repeatable pattern to the majority of the hundreds of the apartment blocks that does stand out, but the more individual buildings do all have that personal touch and some buildings look really very good.

The highlight here is the business district which looks magnificent and is very realistic from any direction at night as is the lit Stadium.

Although away from the central area the Ostankino Tower that stands 540.1 metres (1,772 ft) tall, and is the tallest freestanding structure in Europe and it looks great at night and is a very good position indicator from the air from any direction.

Included Moscow Airports

As noted also included in the scenery are seven airports and several helipads.

UUWW Vnukovo

The futuristic Vnukovo International is very good for a lite version, with great terminals and lots of small detailing. Only thing missing is the static aircraft and a bit more ramp equipment, but otherwise it is highly usable.

UUDD Domodedovo

The oldest of Moscow's International airports is Domodedovo. Again it is quite devoid of static aircraft and I am not crazy about the blue terminal glass work, but it is still a very workable scenery to use and has a lot of well made objects.

UUBW Zhukovsky

Zhukovsky was a major aircraft testing facility since the  cold war years, with most of the major Russian Experimental Design Bureau's having facilities here. It is also now used by the Ministry of Emergency Situations! and cargo carriers. It was also used as a test site for the Soviet Buran  reusable Spacecraft because it has the world's second longest pubic runway at at 5,402 m (17,723 ft). Mostly it is a collection of very large hangars but has a lot of static aircraft in storage.

UUMO Ostafyevo International Business Airport

A former military airbase. Ostafyevo features a new modern glass terminal, and caters primarily to business aviation.

UUMU Chkalovsky

Chkalovsky is a military logistics airport that is famous for it's support for the Russian Space program and transport to Star City and the Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center. Yuri Gagarin left here on his final flight before crashing by the town of Kirzhach.

UUBM Myachkovo Airport

Myachkovo is a small General Aviation Airport that is owned by the Finpromko company. Cargo aircraft up to the size of the Ilyushin ll-76 freighter can also use the airport.

UUMB Kubinka

Kubinka has been a significant Russian military airbase and large airshows are held here to show off the Russian military might.

There is also provided UUU1 Kremlin Airport, within the Kremlin walls, but I couldn't get it to work? There are two pads in H1 and H2.

Your first thoughts after reviewing this excellent Moscow scenery is not with this actual package. You then wish that you could have this extensive scenery at London, Rome, Madrid, Berlin and the list could go on with any of your favorite European Cities, and don't count a load in the Middle East and Asia. But a London scenery like this would certainly be a godsend in our X-Plane world. Drzewiecki Design has already done Warsaw and Manhattan, so there is always hope.

It is not cheap either and you need to add in their UUEE Sheremetyevo scenery package on top of that as well. But you get an awful lot of ground covered here for your money, with the area covered here that is extensive...  huge and flying into Moscow will never be the same again.

A few areas to note in one that in my case a few of the buildings floated, the download is huge load at 1.4gb and this Russian area is not the best for navigation aids and programming FMS units as most waypoints are not recognised. Most of the airports ILS coordinates also have to checked and recalibrated (Drzewiecki Design do provide all the correct coordinates) so there is a little work to do to set up repeat services but the work is worth the results.

Not only is the actual Moscow city and all it's buildings supported, you also get seven (if lite versions) of Moscow's other airports included as well, but the framerate processing of all this huge amount of objects and scale is pretty good to excellent. Framerate does hurt more on a lower (helicopter) level and certainly you need a computer with a little extra power is in no doubt required, but overall for the size of the area the scenery is extremely efficient.

Yes I was impressed by this Moscow City Scenery, as this once very barren area of X-Plane is now a very attractive repeat destination as nothing can give you a greater fulfilment than seeing your destination appear in the distance and then give you a huge visual experience as you fly over and approach your destination.

Moscow City certainly delivers that and more...  Just more sceneries like this please!

Moscow City XP by Drzewiecki Design is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

• Extremely detailed model of Moscow metropolitan area in Russia
• Almost 2000 custom-made buildings and other objects, all high quality, FPS-friendly and with night textures
• Whole Moscow center done in 3D as well as all other important landmarks - museums, palaces, skyscrapers, towers, bridges, railway stations, Zara stores...
• Trains, ships, 3D people, cars, airport vehicles, static aircraft - anything you can imagine
• About 4000 sq.km of photoreal 0,5-1m/pix terrain with autogen
• Sceneries of all surrounding airports including UUWW Vnukovo, UUDD Domodedovo, UUBW Zhukovski, UUMO Ostafyevo, UUBM Myachkovo and UUMB Kubinka, with all airport buildings, detailed layouts, people, airport vehicles and more
• Very detailed Kremlin model with newly constructed heliport

Requirements

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Installation and documents:

Download for the Moscow City XP is 1.47gb and the unzipped file is deposited in the "Custom Scenery" as four files:

DDZ Moscow City XP (3.99gb) - Yes GIGABYTES!

DDZ Moscow City XP Layer 2 (30.20mb)

DDZ Moscow City XP Documents (1.0 mb)

ZZZ_DDZ Moscow City XP Terrain (20.10mb)

Installation for Windows comes with an .exe installer that deposits the files in the correct order required (however I still moved the ZZZ- folder to the bottom via the INI text install list.

Installation Instructions are provided for Mac and Linux

You need to check all airports ILS coordinates are correct, instructions are provided.

Documents: Two documents include

Moscow City XP MacLinuxinstall

Moscow City XP Manual (seven pages)

Review System Specifications:

Computer System : Windows  - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - GeForce GTX 980/SSE2 - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD 

Software :   - Windows 10 - X-Plane 10 Global ver 10.50

Addons : Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose  Soundlink Mini

Plugins: JARDesign Ground Handling Deluxe US$14.95 : WorldTraffic US$29.95

Scenery or Aircraft

- Airbus A320neo by JARDesign ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$59.95 : A320neo Sound Packs by Blue Sky Star Simulations ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$19.95

- Bell 407 by Dreamfoil Creations ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$34.95

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• 7 months later...

Thank you for this very thorough (as always) review. I just bought it (it's on sale) and have only one disappointment so far: Red Square has no ILS or any landing aids at all for that matter. And what a nightmare of an approach! Also I was hoping the package would include an add-on that gives my c172 a big cup holder for my Stoli. Otherwise the scenery is gorgeous. What a country!

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