The launch of Rolex’s novelties is perhaps one of the most keenly anticipated events in the horological calendar. There are no certainly no exceptions this year.
Press Release with commentary in italics. Images courtesy of Rolex.
In this year’s Watches & Wonders 2024, Rolex launched a few new additions to its repertoire. This includes a new addition to the ever-popular GMT Master II line-up, as well as a new dial for the stunning Perpetual 1908. The other classics – such as Day-Date, Daytona, and Sky-Dweller had some minor makeovers as well. And of course, we have a bold take of the Rolex Deepsea – this time, cased in solid gold.
Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II
The new GMT-Master II features a Cerachrom bezel insert, this time with a more subdued shade of grey and black. This is perhaps a nice touch for collectors who want something that is more subtle, considering that the marque no longer offers the GMT-Master II with a full-black bezel insert for the Oystersteel model.
Of course, many collectors were anticipating the relaunch of the iconic “Coke” bezel, which features the black and red bezel insert. Well, better luck next year, we reckon…
Press Release
For the first time, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in Oystersteel is presented with a Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic. Introduced to the range in 2023, this muted colour contrast subtly evokes the alternation of day and night. The metal used to create this new version also celebrates the identity of the model which, at its launch, was only available in steel.
Two new versions are offered, combining discretion and functionality: one with an Oyster bracelet, the other with a Jubilee bracelet.
The black lacquer dial bears the inscription ‘GMT-Master II’ in green. This colour also features on the 24-hour hand which, like a beam of light, calls attention to our connection with the world. Displaying much more than just an alternative time zone, the hand points to another location that resonates with the wearer – a reminder of the emotions that accompany each traveller.
Perpetual 1908
The new variant of the Perpetual 1908 is easily our favourite novelty from Rolex in this year’s Watches & Wonders 2024. We were big fans of the collection when it was launched last year, and Rolex had outdone themselves this year with this variant – featuring its signature ice-blue dial, with guilloché, no less.
There is just something about the Perpetual 1908, and the new guilloché dial certainly takes the watch to a whole new level in terms of finesse and finishing. This is easily one of the nicest Rolex watches that we have ever seen in recent times (together with the exquisite Cellini Moonphase), and we can only hope that Rolex will continue to create dress watches that are as beautiful as this.
Press Release
The Perpetual 1908 is now available in 950 platinum with an ice blue dial, a hue that is reserved exclusively for Rolex watches in this prestigious metal. On this guilloché dial with a rice-grain motif, light bounces off the raised pattern, producing a variety of reflections with every movement of the wrist.
This new watch affirms its unique identity with elegance and finesse. The motif on the dial is created via guillochage, or engine turning – a technique that uses a turning tool to sculpt a geometric pattern into a surface. The decoration alludes to traditional watch-making, yet the rosette-like design, centred on the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, gives this watch exceptional personality.
A watch of rare distinction, the new 1908 is a visual masterpiece, as demonstrated by the scintillating dial
and delicate craftsmanship in even the tiniest details, from the dial design to the fine fluting of the bezel, and the filet sauté with guilloché crimped pattern around the minute track.
Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea
The new Deepsea is perhaps one of the most controversial and polarising pieces amongst the novelties in Watches & Wonders 2024. The Deepsea, as a chunky 44mm watch with a thickness of 17.7mm, is already a behemoth. The new variant, featuring a solid gold case and bracelet, will definitely help the owner to tone his or her arm since this massive timepiece is going to weigh a ton on the wrist.
Admittedly, this watch is going to get its fair share of fans and critics. However, as the adage goes, there is always something for everyone. And to the critics who say that Rolex always takes the safe and conservative approach with their watches – the new Deepsea in solid gold had just slammed that statement to the ground, six feet under.
Press Release
The first Rolex deep-sea divers’ watch in 18 ct yellow gold, the new Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea is decked in blue and features an as-yet-unseen combination of materials: gold is paired with elements in ceramic and RLX titanium on a timepiece that exemplifies Rolex expertise in materials and colours.
The compression ring is made from blue ceramic, a technical innovation that marks a new way of integrating this material into the watch case. This Cerachrom ring, which is decorated with a circular satin finish, forms part of the Ringlock system, a case architecture that enables the watch to withstand the colossal pressure of the abyss. The helium escape valve, which works to protect the integrity of the watch during decompression, is manufactured from RLX titanium, as is the case back.
The uniformity of colour between the dial, bezel insert and compression ring is a triumph, accentuated by the 18 ct yellow gold of the case and the Oyster bracelet.
Precious and technical. Majestic and innovative. A bright watch for the dark abyss. This new version of the Rolex Deepsea is engineered to shine into the ocean depths.
Oyster Perpetual Day-Date
Press Release
Dials that are ombré, coloured blue-green, or in pearlized white mother-of-pearl. Faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted hour markers. A bezel set with trapeze-cut diamonds. The new versions of the Day-Date express the brand’s enduring desire for rare and wide-ranging expertise to be found in even the smallest details. Colours, materials, motifs, hour markers – each element contributes to the harmony of the new combinations.
Two new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 are being unveiled.
The first, in 18 ct Everose gold, introduces a slate ombré dial. This design offers a delicate transition between light at the centre of the dial and darkness around the edge – a symphony of shade that is brought to life by a particularly precise manufacturing process.
The second version, in 18 ct white gold, features a pearlized white mother-of-pearl dial: a first for the Day-Date 40. Rare and refined, this mother-of-pearl shines with a striking variety of iridescent reflections. Its irregular, voluminous texture evokes tiny overlapping clouds that play with the light, creating a sense of shimmer that is enhanced by the 10 baguette-cut diamond hour markers.
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 is also released in two new versions.
The first, in 18 ct yellow gold, has a white lacquer dial with faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted index hour markers. These smooth, shiny hour markers, which were previously exclusive to the Day-Date 40, stand out for their pure and expressive design.
The Day-Date 36 is also presented in 18 ct Everose gold with a blue-green dial. New for the range, this deep, intense colour is illuminated by a bezel set with 60 trapeze-cut diamonds. It is the first time that this type of bezel has featured on an 18 ct gold version of the watch.
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
Press Release
Rolex presents two new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona whose dials contrast white and black natural mother-of-pearl and a bezel set with diamonds. These reinterpretations of the iconic watch achieve the perfect balance of precision and preciousness. A subtle interplay of hues reflects wide-ranging expertise, from gem-setting to the art of dial making. The watches write another chapter in the legendary story of a model known for a wealth of variations, summoning the potential in each of us for perpetual reinvention.
Made from 18 ct white gold, these timepieces display two colours of natural mother-of-pearl on the dial. The dial is white with black counters on the first watch; a colour combination that is reversed on the second. The strength of the contrast, the intensity of the colours and the depth of the reflections are the result of a particularly stringent material selection process. Both varieties of mother-of-pearl are handled with the greatest care by the brand’s artisans.
The two new timepieces incorporate a bezel adorned with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds and are fitted with a bracelet to match the colour of the counters: an Oysterflex bracelet for the watch with black counters and an Oyster bracelet for the version with white counters.
Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller
Press Release
Sophisticated, technical and distinguished, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller in 18 ct Everose or yellow gold is now available with a Jubilee bracelet. Designed to enable tireless travellers to rapidly find their bearings, the Sky-Dweller reaffirms its elegance and is a delight to the senses.
By alternating the size and finish of the links – with smaller, polished centre links and larger, satin-finished
outer links – the Jubilee bracelet in 18 ct gold stands out for its wealth of reflections and harmonious forms.
Paired with a slate dial on the version in 18 ct Everose gold and with an intense white dial on the watch in 18 ct yellow gold, this bracelet is also appreciated for the ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links, which enhance its longevity and its flexibility on the wrist.
