Watches and Wonders 2025: The Rolex Models Bowing Out This Year

When the Crown makes a cut, the world pays attention.

Watches and Wonders 2025 left the luxury watch world buzzing when, on one hand, Rolex introduced some groundbreaking innovations and, on the other, quietly discontinued several models from production. It has become a standard practice for brands to trim their catalogue every year, making way for fresh releases and removing old ones from the shelf.

As the spotlight shines on the latest launches, these discontinuations will most likely impact collectors, enthusiasts and investors. It will influence everything from long-term collectability to resale value.

Here’s a breakdown of the Rolex watches dropped from the catalogue at Watches and Wonders this year.

Oyster Perpetual ‘Celebration’ Dial Comes to a Close

Rolex discontinued the ‘Celebration’ dials for all its Oyster Perpetual watches. The Celebration dial has had a relatively brief production run since 2023. It represents one of Rolex’s most distinctive modern designs, merging all the colours from the OP collection into one not-very-Rolex dial.

Their playful departure from the brand’s conservative approach makes them ideal for long-term collectability. Now that they have been discontinued, the watches are already highly sought after and command high premiums on the secondary market.

Discontinued references in 2025:

• Oyster Perpetual 41, 124300-0008
• Oyster Perpetual 36, 126000-0009
• Oyster Perpetual 31, 277200-0010

More Discontinued Oyster Perpetual Dials

The Oyster Perpetual serves as one of Rolex’s most significant collections, so the discontinuations reflect a complete revamping of the brand’s visual approach to its entry-level sports watches.

Aside from the Celebration dial, the entire Rolex Oyster Perpetual catalogue has been shuffled, with some new dials being added and others dropped.

Discontinued references in 2025:

• 124200-0002
• 124200-0003
• 124200-0004
• 124300-0002
• 124300-0003
• 126000-0002
• 126000-0003
• 276200-0002
• 276200-0003
• 276200-0004
• 277200-0002
• 277200-0003
• 277200-0004

Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref: 124300 Joins the Discontinuation List

The Oyster Perpetual 41 was Rolex’s biggest entry-level model, offering prominent wrist presence without the hefty pricing of a professional model. Since its release, this model gained popularity for its balanced proportions, making its discontinuation particularly impactful for collectors who appreciated contemporary sizing.

Discontinued references in 2025:

• 124300-0001
• 124300-0002
• 124300-0003
• 124300-0005

The exit of the Datejust 31 with ‘Floral’ Motif Dial

The Datejust is Rolex’s most varied collection, with new variations introduced and older options discontinued every year. In 2025, the floral motif dials on the Datejust 31 lineup, which appeared in 2022, are discontinued, including the ones in full gold and two-tone (steel and gold) variants.

The floral motif dials were a distinct offering, defined by clean designs and subtle dimensionality. Overall, they were a unique offering in Rolex’s modern catalogue. They had a special appeal to collectors focused on artistic design elements, blending feminine elegance with the sporty character of the Datejust.

Discontinued references in 2025:

• 278241-0031
• 278241-0032
• 278271-0031
• 278271-0032
• 278273-0031
• 278273-0032
• 278274-0035
• 278274-0036
• 278275-0045
• 278278-0046
• 278341RBR-0031
• 278341RBR-0032
• 278381RBR-0031
• 278381RBR-0032
• 278285RBR-0036
• 278288RBR-0038
• 278289RBR-0025

No More Diamond-Set Bracelets for Fluted Day-Date 36

The Rolex Day Date represents peak luxury. Rolex discontinued all Day-Date 36 watches, pairing fluted bezels and diamond-set bracelets across white gold, yellow gold, and Everose gold models, leading to immediate scarcity for these intricately handcrafted masterpieces.

Each bracelet features hundreds of meticulously placed diamonds to maintain comfort, elegance and durability while transforming these Day-Date references into wearable jewellery. Henceforth, there are chances of potential appreciation in the value of these watches among high-end collectors.

To avoid confusion, Day-Date watches are still available with fluted bezels and diamond-set bracelets, but not together anymore. The Day-Date 36 watches with diamond-set President bracelets are now only paired with diamond-set bezels.

Discontinued references in 2025:

In White Gold:

• 128239-0025
• 128239-0026
• 128239-0027
• 128239-0029
• 128239-0030
• 128239-0039
• 128239-0045
• 128239-0060
• 128239-0064
• 128239-0066
• 128239-0070

In Yellow Gold:

• 128238-0024
• 128238-0026
• 128238-0032
• 128238-0046
• 128238-0052
• 128238-0070
• 128238-0072
• 128238-0077
• 128238-0082
• 128238-0089
• 128238-0114
• 128238-0119
• 128238-0124
• 128238-0131
• 128238-0133
• 128238-0133

In Everose Gold:

• 128235-0019
• 128235-0032
• 128235-0038
• 128235-0040
• 128235-0042
• 128235-0051
• 128235-0053
• 128235-0065
• 128235-0069
• 128235-0071
• 128235-0076
• 128235-0079
• 128235-0086
• 128235-0088

Rolex Ends White Gold Day-Date 36 with Turquoise Dial

One of Rolex’s most distinctive models is the Day-Date 36 in white gold with a turquoise stone dial, which offers a bold contrast to the cooler hue of the metal. Collectors deeply appreciated this combination for its visual interest, and thanks to the natural variations in the stone pattern, each model carries its unique character.

However, the good news is that Rolex hasn’t completely abandoned this natural stone dial. You can still find it in Everose gold (Ref. 128235-0064), yellow gold (Ref. 128238-0071), and platinum (Ref. 128236-0011) models.

Discontinued references in 2025:

• 128239-0044

The Deepsea Challenge 126067-0001 Retires

Rolex removed the Deepsea Challenge Ref. 126067-0001 in favour of 126067-0002. The Deepsea collection is renowned for its extreme depth resistance and durability, and even the smallest change to this model holds great significance.

The new model welcomes subtle changes, like the text ‘DEEPSEA CHALLENGE’ inscribed on the dial, which now moves from its previous spot (under Oyster Perpetual) to the bottom area of the dial, above the depth rating. Even this minor shift is important for collectors who value Rolex’s diving innovations.

Discontinued references in 2025:

• 126067-0001 

Rolex Drops the Yacht-Master 42 with Falcon’s Eye Dial

Rolex has officially discontinued the Yacht-Master 42 Falcon’s Eye dial. Released in 2022, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 with Falcon’s eye dial offered a bold touch to the brand’s signature nautical timepiece. The dial was crafted from a semi-precious stone, distinguished by its grey and deep blue hues with subtle chatoyancy.

Rolex stone-dial sports watches appreciate significantly once discontinued, especially the ones with larger case sizes. So, this short-lived 42mm reference qualifies well as a collectable timepiece with its perfect convergence of luxury and sports sensibilities.

Discontinued references in 2025:

• 226659

Impact of Rolex Watch Discontinuations

Rolex is a brand that doesn’t believe in impulsive decision-making; instead, everything it does is part of a bigger strategy. This also applies to the watches it retires. Each discontinuation serves the Crown brand’s long-term strategy while generating market scarcity that yields results to the existing owners.

• Catalogue Reshaping: Models are dropped from the catalogue, not due to poor performance but to make room for design and technical upgrades or market repositioning.
• Supply Shortage: Once production stops, the limited supply meets the consumer demand, often triggering appreciation in value.
• Distinction Between Eras: Discontinued Rolex references denote distinct chapters in the brand’s history, creating a clear mark of distinction between different design eras.
• Investment Behaviour: Unique references or those with a brief production span usually command the highest premiums over time.

Why Discontinued Rolex Models Matter to Collectors?

The discontinuation of the Rolex models year after year creates ripples through the luxury watch community, influencing everything from acquisition strategies to market valuations. Recognising these factors will help collectors to be better equipped to navigate the horological space.

Secondary Market Price Dynamics

As Rolex discontinues certain popular models, the secondary market showcases immediate repercussions, with prices being extremely volatile before settling down.

Authorised dealers typically sell the remaining discontinued watches in the inventory quickly, making it increasingly difficult to acquire one at retail. For clever collectors, this presents a golden opportunity to acquire models that have the chance of appreciation once their supplies are fully depleted.

Investment Purpose

Not every Rolex model that gets discontinued will appreciate in value the same way. While some show a nominal increase, others significantly appreciate in value. As per historical patterns, Rolex references with unique designs, technical innovations, or unusual materials develop the strongest secondary market valuations and fetch higher premiums.

Among the discontinued Rolex models in 2025, the OP Celebration dial, Falcon’s Eye Yacht-Master and diamond-set Day-Date 36 possess the qualities for value appreciation.

Sentimental impact

Leaving aside the investment aspect, the discontinued Rolex models hold great emotional significance to collectors. This is because these watches are part of specific moments in Rolex’s history and will never be repeated—the design aesthetic or the technical specifications.

Owning a discontinued Rolex offers a direct link to Rolex’s storytelling. As availability becomes scarcer, they symbolise a level of connoisseurship that many buyers overlook. For some, the emotional value surpasses the rational valuation.

How will the Discontinuation Shape the Future of Rolex?

Revised Design Strategy

The removal of experimental designs like the Celebration dials suggests Rolex’s return to core aesthetics, focusing on timeless and classic simplicity over experimentation.

Meanwhile, the refinements seen in the core collections indicate the brand’s ongoing strive towards refinement, allowing Rolex to stay true to its heritage while adapting to market demands.

Upcoming Releases

With certain models moving out, we can expect Rolex to launch subdued and timeless options in place of vibrant options. Rolex discontinuing the Oyster Perpetual 41 hints at focusing on improved materials and movements rather than major design changes in the future.

Rolex has always been committed to evolving collections that focus on precision and quality. A glimpse of this can be found in the newly unveiled Rolex creations at Watches & Wonders 2025.

Strategic Product Management

The discontinuation of these important models shows Rolex taking the next step towards its methodical evolution. From the joyful Celebration dials to the diamond-set Day-Date bracelets, each departing reference establishes Rolex’s ability to create immense desirability in the market through strategic product management.

By retiring the models while they’re still in demand, the brand ensures interest in its heritage pieces and contemporary offerings remains the same and increases among collectors, buyers, and investors alike.

This calculated approach has always benefitted the Crown and collectors, who recognise the potential of significant references before the watch market as a whole appreciates their importance.

Conclusion: Farewell, But Not Forgotten!

As the curtain falls on Watches and Wonders 2025, a select group of popular Rolex models step out of the spotlight – but not out of collector’s hearts. Some goodbyes in the watch world can indeed be just the start of a new chapter. 

Whether it’s the strategic evolution of the brand’s design catalogue or the end of a production run, all these evolutionary steps only deepen our admiration for this iconic luxury watch company.