James Cameron’s Rolex Watches

Director James Cameron has set many records in his 37-year career. Known for directing science fiction and epic films, he’s best remembered for directing Titanic, which holds the record for most Oscars won by a film; and Avatar, the second highest-grossing film of all t.mes .

In addition to filmmaking, James is also passionate about sea exploration and environmentalism and has made notable documentaries with National Geographic.

His profound desire for adventures — from exploring the deepest seas to conquering the heights of Hollywood — makes him a perfect Rolex ambassador. Check out the stories behind James Cameron’s Rolex watches.

Even before becoming a Rolex ambassador, James has already been sporting a Rolex. His Rolex Submariner has been a steady companion for 30 years. James has been a passionate scuba diver and free diver since his 20s, and always knew he wanted the best watch for his diving adventures. In 1986, following the success of his film Aliens, he finally bought the Rolex Submariner he’d always wanted.

James has worn the same Rolex Submariner to his expeditions on the MIR Submersibles, on thirty-three dives to the Titanic wreck, on set while filming movies, and even on the Oscars stage to receive the record 11 Oscars for Titanic. Photo from Rolex on instagrams

In 2012, James worked with Rolex (among other companies) on a mission to explore the deepest depths of the ocean – the Mariana Trench. This endeavor required the creation of a new submersible vessel eventually called the Deepsea Challenger, which was used to dive 11,000 meters deep into the Pacific Ocean.

James piloted the vessel himself; and recorded the experience to aid scientific exploration. While manning the machine, he was wearing the previous generation Rolex Seadweller Deepsea (ref. 116660).

Built for extreme depth resistance, the Rolex Seadweller Deepsea comes in a 44mm case, with a Ring Lock System and a Triplock screw-down crown. The triple waterproof protection makes it notably water resistant up to 12,800 feet, making it the ideal tool watch for professional divers. Video from Rolex on youtubes

James’ submersible, the Deepsea Challenger, was itself carrying Rolex watches. The prototype or experimental watches, called Deepsea Challenge, was created by Rolex especially for the expedition and were attached to the exterior of the submersible. The watches kept perfect t.mes throughout the nearly 7-hour expedition and emerged in working condition. Photos from Rolex and Video from Rolex on youtubes

Two years after the success of the expedition, Rolex did something very “un-Rolex” – they released a special version of a watch mid-year (and not during Baselworld), in honor of James Cameron and the successful Deepsea Challenge.

Based on the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 116660, the Rolex Deepsea D-Blue was given a unique dial in reference to the successful event. A gradient blue to black dial echoed the changing colors of the deep, while the “DEEPSEA” text was done in the same shade of green as the Deepsea Challenger vessel.

It is also popularly known in watch circles as “the James Cameron” Rolex, an enduring reminder of the director and explorer’s historic solo dive. Rolex has said that it was the first of its kind – and possibly the last – to be designed for an event and for a personality. Video from GQ on youtubes