Rolex launches new watches of novelties for 2021, and they are already creating a lot of buzz in the luxury watch world. In September 2020, Rolex expanded its Oyster Perpetual and Submariner line, focusing more on new dial variations and incorporating gems on ladies’ watches.
This year, the leading Swiss watchmaker has upgraded many of its mainstay collections, including brand new offerings to the Explorer and Daytona lineup. It is customary of Rolex to celebrate its creations’ centenaries in respective years. That said, the brand was not going to overlook the 50th anniversary of Explorer II.
Many people anticipated that Explorer II might receive an update this year. Rolex confirmed it on April 4, 2021, with the new releases at the Watches and Wonders. However, many may not have speculated that the brand new Explorer II model will now house an automatic Calibre 3285 dual-time movement.
Let’s explore the new Rolex watches that have already become some of the biggest watch news of the year.
Rolex Explorer II
Rolex unveiled a new Explorer II reference featuring a stainless steel case measuring 42mm in diameter and a matching steel bezel. The watch looks almost identical to its existing sibling, the Reference 16570.
- Besides the watch case, it features the same Polar dial style with a bold orange arrow hand and matte black surrounds on hour markers and hands.
- However, the new Explorer II 226570 now comes with an automatic dual-time Calibre 3238 movement and a redesigned bracelet.
Furthermore, Rolex has only refined the case to sport less chunky and slimmer lugs. The new lug design should not come as much surprise as the brand typically tends to slim down its newer models’ profile.
Rolex Explorer
Rolex adds a bi-tone Explorer for the first time to its iconic adventurer tool collection, and it is ideally the most unexpected Rolex release. The Reference 124273 comes in ‘Yellow Rolesor’ – a combination of 18ct yellow gold and 904L Oystersteel made in-house.
- The watch now features a polished yellow gold bezel, centre links and crown that offer a slightly more elegant design.
- The dial also flaunts yellow gold-edged hour markers and hands.
- Also, the Calibre 3230 automatic movement powers the watch.
However, this year, watches are trending more petite this year as Rolex unveils the Explorer 124273 with a gender-neutral 36mm case size.
Rolex also added a stainless steel Reference 124270 to the new generation of Explorer watches. Like the new Reference 124273, the stainless steel version also features a 36mm case and black dial.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
To date, Rolex has not discontinued any of its popular watch collections. Instead, the watchmaker has fiddled with different materials, dial tones and other components.
- Rolex has expanded one of its most iconic lineups, the Daytona, by adding new dial variations crafted of metallic meteorite.
- However, the watches are available in yellow, Everose and 18ct white gold and on Oysterflex rubber strap or precious metal bracelets.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona collection houses the in-house automatic Calibre 4130 chronograph.
Rolex Datejust 36
The new Rolex dial treatments integrated into the Datejust 36 line are already capturing collectors’ attention worldwide. Rolex offered two new dial styles to the Datejust 36 watches – one is a tropical palm motif and another is a fluted pattern inspired by the popular pie-dish Rolex bezel designs. Moreover, every dial style is offered in gold, silver and olive green.
Rolex Day-Date 36
Rolex upgraded and expanded its Day-Date 36 lineup in 2021 by adding gem-set models. Available in 18ct white, Everose or yellow gold, the new Day-Date 36 watches are adorned with diamonds and striking turquoise, burgundy or coral numerals. What boosts the appeal is the croc leather strap that matches the colour of hour markers.
Rolex Lady Datejust
Just wait to see the 2021 Lady Datejust this July in stores, embellished with 1,089 diamonds across its bezel, case, dial and even the yellow gold President bracelet.
Want to know how much your Rolex is worth? Fill up our online form and get a free accurate quote shortly. Or call on 0207 242 9160 now for an instant appraisal over the phone.
