The wait is over! Rolex unveils its latest creations for 2023. The watches illuminate the light of creativity and technological innovation in watchmaking. The Swiss Maison constantly pushes the boundaries to reach even higher and strives to enhance the supremacy of its iconic timepieces. With the same promise and determination, Rolex has once again stood out brilliantly with 8 new outstanding models that uphold their in-house mastery and watchmaking expertise.
What you’ll see?
Bold & Brave: The new watches illustrate Rolex’s desire to reinvent while rooting for tradition. The brand has leveraged technology's power and dared to create exciting new combinations that will become ‘icons’ with time.
8 ‘NEW’ Rolex Releases 2023
- Cosmograph Daytona
- Rolex Perpetual 1908
- Yacht-Master 42
- Sky-Dweller
- GMT-Master II
- Explorer 40
- Oyster Perpetual
- Day-Date 36
Let’s find out the details now.
1. Cosmograph Daytona
The Daytona is a legendary Rolex creation embracing emblematic style and unmatched performance. To mark the 60th anniversary of the icon, Rolex releases a slew of new variants to ensure that the collection lives on.
5 ‘NEW’ variants launched:
- 950 platinum case with an icy blue dial & platinum bracelet, Ref: 126506
- Oystersteel case with a white lacquer dial & steel bracelet, Ref: 126500LN
- Steel & 18ct yellow gold case with white dial & steel and gold bracelet, Ref: 126503
- 18ct Everose gold case with a black dial & Everose gold bracelet, Ref. 126505
- 18ct yellow gold case with golden dial & Oysterflex bracelet, Ref: 126518LN
How it looks?
- Rolex has introduced some fine changes in the new collection evenly spread across the range. The case is revised with sophisticated refinements, and the profile is highlighted by the light reflections on the case sides and lugs.
- A thin band of the same metal edges the variants with a Cerachrom bezel.
- On the platinum Cosmograph Daytona, the Monobloc Cerachrom bezel has Chestnut brown ceramic with platinum-coated numerals offering a fine contrast. The variant in Oystersteel (white dial) and the one in 18ct yellow gold (golden dial) have Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic.
- The dial gets a new graphic balance with fine colour combinations that appears harmonious and enhances the contrast between the dial and sub-dial rings.
- For the first time in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection, the Oyster Perpetual Daytona in platinum has a transparent sapphire case back through which you can see the 18ct yellow gold oscillating weight inside.
- The new chronograph movement, Calibre 4130, powers the Daytona.
Technical Details:
- Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
- Reference Number: 126506, 126500LN, 126503, 126505, 126518LN
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 4131
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire
- Winding Crown: Screw-Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100metres
- Power Reserve: 72 hours (Approximately)
2. Perpetual 1908
Get ready for a totally new watch! The all-new Perpetual 1908 draws inspiration from a 1931 Oyster Perpetual and is nothing but elegant and classy. The name "1908" indicates the year when Rolex officially registered its trademark in Switzerland. The watch carves out its unique position in the catalogue, exuding modernity yet imbued with tradition.
2 ‘NEW’ variants launched:
- 18ct yellow gold with white/black dial, Ref: 52508
- 18ct white gold with white/black dial, Ref: 52509
How it looks?
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is a completely new model added to the catalogue. So, everything about this supremely elegant timepiece deserves complete admiration.
- The watch features a 39mm slim profile crowned with a bezel partly fluted (lower part) and partly domed (upper part).
- Both the 18ct white gold/yellow gold version offers two dial options, black and white. The sleek dial has Arabic numerals 3/9/12 and faceted index hour markers. There’s a small second sub-dial at 6 o’clock, and you can see the words ‘Superlative Chronometer’ written in an arc shape. While the hour hand is quite distinctive, the minute hand looks like a two-edged sword.
- The watch is fitted on a black or brown alligator leather strap and has a double folding clasp in 18ct white/yellow gold.
- The case is fitted to a transparent case back, allowing you to appreciate the technical majesty of the movement inside.
- New Calibre 7140 powers 1908. The movement includes the Syloxi hairspring, Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers. The new superior 7140 movement allows the model to display the hours, minutes, and small seconds.
Technical Details:
- Model: Rolex Perpetual 1908
- Reference Number: 52508, 52509
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 7140
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire
- Winding Crown: Domed
- Water Resistance: Up To 50 metres
- Power Reserve: 66 hours (Approximately)
Also Read: Is a Rolex Watch a Good Investment, and What Are The Best Models?
3. Yacht-Master 42
For the first time ever, Rolex has presented the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium, making the model light-as-heck. In recent years, titanium has been getting a lot of love in the Rolex lineup for its incredibly lightweight and robust characteristics. This new version stands out for its satin finish with a visible grain.
1 ‘NEW’ variant launched:
Yacht-Master 42 in Titanium with intense black dial, Ref: 226627
How it looks?
- The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium with an intense black dial and RLX Titanium Oyster bracelet looks delightful. Light and robust in a 42mm titanium case, the watch perfectly suits the pressures of competitive sailing and puts Rolex’s watchmaking excellence at the forefront.
- The new version has a brilliant satin finish with a visible grain texture extending to the clasp's sides and the bracelet links. However, the crown guard is polished.
- The bi-directional rotatable bezel fits with a Cerachrom insert in matte black ceramic, featuring raised numerals and 60-minute graduations. The watch appears resplendent with its intense black dial in a fine satin finish.
- The Yacht-Master 42 new version is equipped with the Calibre 3235, enabling it to display the hours, minutes, seconds, and the date.
- The Oyster bracelet in RLX Titanium has ceramic inserts inside the links, enhancing its longevity and flexibility.
Technical Details:
- Model: Yacht-Master 42
- Reference Number: 226627
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3235
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Winding Crown: Screw Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 70 hours (Approximately)
4. Sky-Dweller
Rolex has been too generous with colours this year. The Sky-Dweller is a trusted companion for world travellers, and the range has been updated with notable enhancements this year. But the chic new dial colours bring the ultimate traveller’s watch to life.
3 ‘NEW’ variants launched:
- Oystersteel & 18ct white gold case with a mint green/bright blue/ bright black/ intense white dial, Ref: 336934
- 18ct white gold with a bright black/intense white dial, Ref: 336239
- 18ct Everose gold with a blue-green / slate/ chocolate/ intense white dial, Ref: 336935
How it looks?
- The Sky-Dweller range features a stunning 18ct white gold entry paired with a black dial for the first time.
- The Rolex bi-directional rotatable Ring Command fluted bezel is a mark of distinction.
- The 18ct white gold version features a bright black/intense white dial on an Oysterflex bracelet.
- The 42mm white Rolesor (steel & white gold) version fits an Oyster bracelet featuring a mint green/bright blue/ bright black/ intense white dial and a steel jubilee bracelet.
- The 18ct Everose gold variant is endowed with blue-green / slate/ chocolate/ intense white dial options and is fitted to an 18ct Everose gold Oyster bracelet.
- The newcomers to the line flaunt multiple catchy dial colours like blue-green, mint green, chocolate, etc. The watches display two time zones simultaneously and also have an annual calendar. The reference time shows on an off-centre disc in a 24-hour format, and you can track the local time using the centre's hands.
- The Sky-Dweller is now powered by the new Calibre 9002, which enables the watch to display the month, date and additional time zone in a 24-hour format and seconds, minutes and hours.
Technical Details:
- Model: Sky-Dweller
- Reference Number: 336934, 336239, 336935
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 9002
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Winding Crown: Screw Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 72 hours (Approximately)
5. GMT-Master II
Rolex releases two new versions of the GMT-Master II, exuding luxe like no other. The watches feature a Cerachrom bezel insert in black and grey ceramic, a completely new colour combination. The revamped GMT-Master II will surely steal the headlines.
2 ‘NEW’ variants launched:
- 18ct yellow gold with a black dial, Ref: 126718GRNR
- Oystersteel & 18ct yellow gold with a black dial, Ref:126713GRNR
How it looks?
- The two new Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II versions are presented in yellow Rolesor (steel & yellow gold) and solid 18ct yellow gold versions.
- Both the watches feature common attributes, such as a two-colour 24-hour graduated Monobloc Ceracrom bezel in grey and black.
- The black dial has the name ‘GMT-Master II’ powdered with yellow colour. The distinctly coloured 24-hour hand refers to the ‘home’ time in a first-time zone. It also features an arrow-tipped hand, which goes round the dial every 24 hours.
- Both the new versions come fitted to a Jubilee bracelet.
- The watches are driven by the Calibre 3285, enabling them to display an additional time zone in 24-hour format and the date and the seconds, minutes and hours.
Technical Details:
- Model: GMT-Master II
- Reference Number: 126718GRNR, 126713GRNR
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3285
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Winding Crown: Screw Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 70 hours (Approximately)
6. Explorer 40
A single and bigger model has joined the mighty Explorer line with the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40. Even though the watch remains faithful to the original 1953 version, it definitely emits an enhanced, long-lasting glow.
1 ‘NEW’ Variant:
Rolex Explorer 40 in Oystersteel with a distinctive black dial, Ref: 224270
How it looks?
- In Rolex’s words, the Explorer embodies the spirit of perseverance and adventure. With that intention, the brand has added a new variant with a 40mm stainless steel case to the collection.
- The significant black dial with white numerals at 3/6/9 and professional hands offers a strikingly bright white hue. It fits an Oyster bracelet featuring the Oysterlock safety clasp that helps prevent accidental opening.
- The new model offers an incredible sheen and better legibility than the previous 36m version.
- The Explorer 40 equips the Calibre 3230, released by Rolex in 2020.
Technical Details:
- Model: Explorer 40
- Reference Number: 224270
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3230
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Winding Crown: Screw Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 70 hours (Approximately)
Also Read: The Rolex Festive Edition: 6 Best Holiday Watches
7. Oyster Perpetual
If you liked Rolex’s colourful Oyster Perpetual dials from 2020, you’d be thrilled to see how the brand has just put all those bright shades together this time. The new Oyster Perpetual models look playful with the new dial decoration, which Rolex has named ‘Celebration’. It is available for the Oyster Perpetual 31, 36 and 41 versions.
3 ‘NEW’ Variants:
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with ‘Celebration’ Dial, Ref: 124300
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 with ‘Celebration’ Dial, Ref: 126000
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 with ‘Celebration’ Dial, Ref: 277200
How it looks?
- All three new versions are in Oystersteel.
- The new turquoise blue lacquered dial of the Oyster Perpetual 41mm, 36mm and 31mm looks splendid and alive. The dial is dotted with many coloured bubbles of various sizes, surrounded by a black border. The hands and hour markers are in 18ct white gold, filled with luminous material.
- The larger models (41mm & 36mm) are powered by the in-house Calibre 3230, and the smaller 31mm version equips the Calibre 2232. Calibre 2232 has a Syloxi hairspring, and the Calibre 3230 incorporates a Chronergy escapement.
- A steel Oyster bracelet fits the new variants.
Technical Details:
- Model: Oyster Perpetual
- Reference Number: 124300, 126000, 277200
- Case Diameter: 41mm, 36mm and 31mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3230 & Calibre 2232
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Winding Crown: Screw Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 70 hours (Ref. 126000 & Ref: 124300), 55 hours (Ref:277200)
8. Day-Date 36
Rolex welcomes the Day-Date with 6 new variants- 3 with decorative stone dials and 3 with Jigsaw puzzle dials & an emoji date wheel.
A) Day-Date 36 with Decorative stone dials
The new Day-Date 36 models embrace dials with decorative stones and Mediterranean tones.
3 ‘NEW’ Variants:
- 18ct Everose gold with a green aventurine diamond-set dial, Ref: 128345RBR
- 18ct yellow gold with carnelian dial, Ref: 128348RBR
- 18ct white gold with a turquoise dial, Ref: 128349RBR
How it looks?
- The new versions of the Day-Date 36 come in a 36mm 18ct white gold, yellow gold and Everose gold case, respectively. All three have bezels set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds.
- They cut the green aventurine dial from the green aventurine stone, and it features 18ct gold hour markers set with 32 sparkling diamonds, along with a Roman IX and VI in 18ct gold set with 24 diamonds.
- Rolex cuts the Carnelian dial from carnelian, an orangey-coloured stone. It features lines of varying sizes and shapes, forming artful patterns and has hour markers in 18ct gold set with 32 diamonds and a Roman IX and VI in 18ct gold paved with 24 diamonds.
- Similarly, the turquoise dial features hour markers in 18ct gold set with 32 diamonds and a Roman IX and VI in 18ct gold paved with 24 diamonds.
- Rolex created the President bracelet, especially for the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date collection, in 1956. All three new versions feature the prestigious President bracelet. The President bracelet in 18ct Everose gold is for the green aventurine dial, the president bracelet in 18ct yellow gold for the Carnelian dial and the President bracelet in 18ct white gold for the turquoise dial.
- Calibre 3255 drives the new Day-Date 36 watches.
Technical Details:
- Model: Day-Date 36
- Reference Number: 128345RBR, 128348RBR, 128349RBR
- Case Diameter: 36mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3255
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Winding Crown: Screw Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 70 hours (Approximately)
B) Day-Date 36 with Jigsaw puzzle dials & Emoji date wheel
Rolex has gone all out with innovation and quirk with the new Day-Date 36 by displaying a new dial full of energy, love and joy!
3 ‘NEW’ Variants:
- 18ct yellow gold with jigsaw puzzle dial, Ref: 128238
- 18ct Everose gold with a jigsaw puzzle, Ref: 128235
- 18ct white gold with jigsaw puzzle dial, Ref: 128239
How it looks?
- The 18ct white & 18ct yellow gold model has a turquoise blue dial, and the 18ct Everose gold model has an orange dial. There are 10 baguette-cut sapphires in six different colours representing the hour markers.
- These are perhaps one of the most ‘feel-good’ timepieces ever created embracing new-age wellness. The new Day-Date 36 timepieces have adopted an original face showcasing various emotions. Instead of showing the day of the week at 12 o’clock, the arc-shaped window displays an inspirational word –Happy, Gratitude, Eternity, Peace, Love, Faith and Hope. Moreover, the window at 3 o’clock showcases no date but reveals one of 31 exclusive emojis ‘daily’.
- Rolex has created the jigsaw puzzle-like dial using champlevé enamelling. It combines turquoise blue, orange, red, fuchsia, green and yellow colour pieces and fits them together like a jigsaw puzzle on a single-colour dial background.
- President bracelet in 18ct white or yellow gold for turquoise blue puzzle motif dial, and 18ct Everose gold President Bracelet for the orange puzzle motif dial.
- Calibre 3255 powers the watches.
Technical Details:
- Model: Day-Date 36
- Reference Number: 128238, 128235, 128239
- Case Diameter: 36mm
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3255
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Winding Crown: Screw Down
- Water Resistance: Up To 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 70 hours (Approximately)
WHAT WE THINK
The Crown brand is letting go of all its inhibitions with the new, spectacular releases. Rolex’s pursuit for perfection remains well highlighted in the latest creations, and we absolutely are in awe of it. Every year collectors and buyers try to predict the Crown’s new releases, and every time the brand surprises them with something beyond their expectations. And the new 2023 releases are all about that. Go check them out now!
©️ Picture Courtesy: The images above are sourced from rolex.com
