The return of the Rolex Yacht-Master II, a new release for the 100th anniversary of the Oyster case, and the discontinuation of the Rolex GMT-Master II with the Pepsi bezel.
From April 14 to 20, the annual watch salon Watches & Wonders takes place in Geneva. Rolex presented a series of new models at the salon to mark the 100th anniversary of watches with the Oyster case.
Rolex Daytona Ref. 126502
The new Rolex Daytona features several new design touches. This is a model in a Rolesium configuration, i.e., a combination of steel and platinum. The middle part of the 40mm case and bracelet are made of steel. The back ring and bezel rim are made of platinum. The bezel itself is made of gray Cerachrom ceramic enriched with tungsten carbide. The tachymetric scale on the bezel is styled after early Daytona models.
The highlight of these watches is the Grand Feu enamel dial. The enamel is first applied to ceramic plates, which are then fired and mounted on a brass base. Under the sapphire crystal back, the familiar Rolex caliber 4131 with a 3-day power reserve is visible. The estimated price of the model is $57,800.
Rolex Yacht-Master II
After being discontinued in 2024, the Rolex Yacht-Master II has unexpectedly returned to Rolex's catalog. It's the same yacht chronograph with a countdown function, now also featuring a 60-minute diver's bezel.
An important design update is the relocation of the countdown scale from the bezel to the inner bezel ring. When the function is activated, the hands move counterclockwise. The countdown interval can be programmed using the top side button (one press - 1 step of the minute hand). The lower button starts the countdown.
The watch comes in a 44 x 13.90 mm case made of Oystersteel or 18-carat yellow gold. The new model is equipped with an extended Oyster bracelet. The estimated price of the model is CHF 18,100 for the steel version and CHF 51,500 for the gold version.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Jubilee Dial
A series of new models in which Rolex revived a dial popular in the 1970s. The bright dial with the repeated "Rolex" inscription is featured on the Oyster Perpetual models in 41, 36, and 31 mm cases. The watches come in 10 different color combinations. For each model, 10 different lacquer colors are applied to the dial one after the other to ensure pattern accuracy.
Models in this series are priced the same as their standard Oyster Perpetual counterparts: the 31 mm case version costs $6,300, the 36 mm version is $6,750, and the estimated price for the 41 mm case model is $7,050.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 "Oyster 100" Ref. 134303
A restrained novelty for the 100th anniversary of the Oyster case. The watch features a 41 x 11.6 mm case made of steel and yellow gold. The smoky gray dial with a sunray finish creates a soft contrast for the hands and luminescent hour markers made of yellow gold.
Instead of the traditional "Swiss Made" inscription at the bottom of the dial, there is a reference to the current anniversary. Another nod to the special nature of this model is the "Rolex" inscription and the 5-minute markers on the minute scale in the brand's signature green color. Unlike standard two-tone models, the bracelet here is more restrained, i.e., entirely steel. The estimated price of the model is $9,650.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 28 and Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34
These novelties are the first models from the current generation of Oyster Perpetual with gold cases, as well as the first models in the collection with hour markers made of natural stone. The Oyster Perpetual 28 features a yellow gold case and a green lacquered dial. The hour markers here are made of heliotrope. This model also exists in versions with a black dial, a white mother-of-pearl dial, and a turquoise dial (with diamonds on the bezel).
The Oyster Perpetual 34 is presented in a rose gold case with a blue lacquered dial. Blue dumortierite is used for the hour markers. The watches are also available with black and brown dials and with a mother-of-pearl dial inlaid with diamonds. Part of the hour markers and hands in both models are filled with Rolex Chromalight blue luminescent material. The case thickness is slightly over 10 mm.
The estimated price of the watches is $30,000 for the green dial version and $38,100 for the blue dial variant.
Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334
A new model with a stunning green dial that attracts attention with its striking gradient. The base of the dial is treated with green lacquer, and the ombre gradient effect is created using circular spray of black lacquer.
The Oystersteel case is equipped with a fluted bezel made of white gold. The case dimensions are 41 x 11.60 mm. Inside is the automatic caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve. The estimated price of the model is $11,650.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235 JG
A model with a case made of the new 18-carat Jubilee Gold alloy, which Rolex produces in-house. The watch is equipped with a President bracelet with a concealed Crownclasp featuring a micro-adjustment mechanism. To reduce wear, the bracelet links have ceramic inserts. The estimated price of the model is $62,700.
Discontinuation of GMT-Master II "Pepsi" and Submariner Date "Cookie Monster"
Long-rumored news has been officially confirmed. Rolex has discontinued the GMT-Master II "Pepsi" models: Ref. 126710BLR in a steel case and Ref. 126719BLRO in a white gold case. Both were equipped with a red-blue Cerachrom bezel.
At the time of discontinuation, the watches were sold at $11,800 for the steel version with an Oyster bracelet, $12,000 for the steel model with a Jubilee bracelet, $50,700 for the white gold version with a blue dial, and $53,100 for the white gold version with a meteorite dial. While the white gold models were sold on the secondary market at prices close to retail, the steel models fetched at least double the official retail price.