Apart from the Rolex Perpetual 1908 that we discussed in a previous article, several other models were unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023. The brand is taking up some of its emblematic pieces by offering them new elements that are as creative as they are innovative. Let’s take a look at these new icons together.
Lightness and robustness for the Rolex Yacht-Master 42
Intended for lovers of sailing and other nautical activities, theOyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 gets some updates. We discover it for the first time in a version with an RLX titanium case on an Oyster bracelet. FYI, RLX titanium is a grade 5 titanium alloy specially selected by Rolex, combining lightness and high resistance.
This novelty with a contemporary design retains the allure of the base model, in particular the bidirectional rotating bezel graduated to 60 minutes with Cerachrom disc in matte black ceramic, raised polished numerals and graduations. Black also for the dial, which is sober and clear, with large indexes and hands whose luminescent material (highly readable Chromalight) stands out perfectly against the dark tint of the background. At 3 o’clock, the date window is surmounted by a magnifying glass.
The Oyster bracelet of this new Yacht-Master 42 has an Oysterlock safety clasp with folding clasp to prevent accidental opening. It has the Easylink extension and incorporates ceramic inserts inside its links to optimize the fluidity of movement of the wrist.
This tool watch features the Manufacture caliber 3235, a movement that enables it to offer hours/minutes/seconds functions, instantaneous date with rapid correction, and stop seconds for precise time setting. All for a power reserve of 70 hours. Finally, it is water resistant to 100 m and has Superlative Chronometer certification.
Price: €13,900
Pop colors for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Creative, artistic,Oyster Perpetual (31 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm) is available with a new dial adorned with multicolored bubbles outlined in black. Pink, blue, yellow, coral red, green: Rolex surprises us with this aesthetic choice and these pop colors that definitely change more classic pieces. The watch retains its sporty chic look, to which is added something light, festive and optimistic.
For the structure, the brand keeps the case and bracelet in Oystersteel steel, in a very simple design creating a harmonious whole with the colorful dial.
On the mechanical side, theOyster Perpetual 31 mm is equipped with the caliber 2232 (55 hours of power reserve), while the 36 and 41 mm models are rather equipped with the caliber 3230 (70 hours of power reserve). These two movements entirely developed by Rolex were presented for the first time in 2020. They incorporate some of the most recent innovations of the brand, in particular the Paraflex shock absorbers.
Price: from €5,550 to €6,350 (depending on diameter)
Precious fronts for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36
Gemstone dial
The news Oyster Perpetual Day‑Date 36 offer sublime fine stone dials. The glittering green of aventurine, the sweet orange of carnelian and the refreshing blue of turquoise are all summer tones that enhance these models and catch the eye. They are complemented by gold Roman numerals and indexes set with diamonds, with an additional day aperture at 12 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. The set is framed by a bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Each of these models includes a three-link President bracelet and an 18-carat yellow, white or Everose gold case.
At the heart of these timepieces, the caliber 3255 offers an accuracy of –2/+2 seconds per day and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.
Price upon request
Jigsaw dial
Another one Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 is also available in a more playful version. Here, the day and date displays leave the numerals aside to prefer words at 12 o’clock (Love, Happiness, Peace, Faith, Gratitude, Eternity, Hope) and the symbols that go with them at 3 o’clock, such as a heart for “Love”.
Here the dial is not plain but is inspired by a puzzle, with brightly colored pieces obtained by champlevé enamelling. The whole creates a daring, original, almost childish face, which makes you want to smile and which stands out from the House’s usually more classic creations.
Price upon request
New versions for the Cosmograph Daytona
The iconic Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona known for its style drawn from motor racing circuits, celebrates its 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, its dial slightly modifies its display with resized indexes and revisited counter discs, as well as new color combinations for more marked contrasts. The structure also evolves with an updated Oyster case.
For these new versions, Rolex presents:
- A 950 platinum model with transparent back, ice blue dial, Cerachrom bezel and brown counters, Oyster bracelet.
- An 18-carat yellow gold model with golden dial, Cerachrom bezel and black counters, black Oysterflex bracelet.
- An Everose gold model with black dial, Sundust counters, Everose gold bezel.
All are powered by caliber 4131 (evolution of 4130) comprising several innovations such as a Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers.
Price: from €14,950
High-flying variations for the Sky-Dweller
The range of watches Sky Dweller enriched with new models aimed mainly at frequent travellers. Two are offered a new case in 18-carat white gold with a black or mint green dial, a third exhibits an Everose gold structure associated with a blue-green dial. Each of these pieces has a dual time display (two time zones), the Saros annual calendar patented by Rolex, as well as a fluted Ring Command bezel for easy selection and adjustment of the various functions.
The three news Sky Dweller carry on board the caliber 9002 (successor to the caliber 9001), which incorporates the same developments as the caliber 4131 of the last Cosmograph Daytona.
Price: from €14,900 to €40,700
Precious marriage of gold and black for the GMT-Master II
The watch GMT‑Master II is on display in two new versions: one in 18-carat yellow gold and the other in yellow Rolesor, both featuring a bidirectional rotating bezel with a two-tone Cerachrom insert in black ceramic with golden 24-hour graduations. A combination of rich and elegant shades, which evokes the alternation between light and dark.
Like the other models, it allows you to read the time of two time zones simultaneously thanks to the triangular-tipped 24-hour hand, which is here in 18-carat yellow gold, just like the indexes and the three other hands. Again, the contrast between the yellow warmth of the precious metal and the black of the dial is quite fascinating.
Price: from €15,700 to €31,100
Even more size for the Explorer 40
There Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40 expands its case to 40 mm in diameter. This new model thus offers even better readability and retains all the advantages that make this watch one of the brand’s great references.
Sober, robust and corrosion-resistant, this timepiece features an Oystersteel structure with an elegant black lacquered dial whose numerals, indexes and hands are coated with blue Chromalight luminescent material.
Price: €7,550
