Today marks the commencement of the watch industry's most anticipated event, Watches & Wonders. Among the multitude of exhibitors, Rolex stands out as the perennial crowd-puller, with its grand, multi-level booth strategically positioned at the entrance of the fair. As soon as the doors swing open, fueled by caffeine and enthusiasm, attendees flock straight to Rolex's booth, eager to capture firsthand glimpses of the latest horological marvels displayed in gleaming glass cases.
This year proved no exception, with one timepiece in particular stealing the spotlight and igniting a frenzy of anticipation among attendees vying for the coveted first in-real-life shot. Here's a swift overview of this legendary grail, as well as the other exhilarating new releases from Rolex for 2024.
2024 GMT-Master II
Rolex unveils two new Oystersteel iterations of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, each catering to travelers with a penchant for the classic appeal of steel GMTs from yesteryears. One variant boasts an Oyster bracelet, while the other features a Jubilee bracelet, both adorned with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom bezel insert in gray and black ceramic—a nod to the timeless elegance of previous steel GMT models.
Beyond serving as a tool for tracking an alternate time zone, the green 24-hour hand carries a deeper significance, pointing to a location that holds sentimental value for the wearer—the place we fondly call home. Whether it be the manufacturer's headquarters nestled in the Acacias district or another cherished locale, this personal touch adds a layer of emotional connection to the timepiece.
The subtle infusion of Rolex's signature green hue extends to the GMT-Master II inscription on the black lacquer dial, providing a discreet yet unmistakable accent to these refined iterations of a navigational essential first introduced in 1982. It's not just any shade of green; it's the iconic Rolex green, ensuring a touch of understated luxury with every glance at the time—whether you're at home or traversing the globe.
2024 Rolex Deepsea in Yellow Gold and Cerachrom Bezel
Introducing the inaugural 18-karat yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea—a groundbreaking addition to the lineup. With its first-ever Cerachrom bezel and separation from the Sea-Dweller range, this model marks a significant evolution for Rolex.
Crafted for extreme depths, the Deepsea now features a ceramic compression ring within the Ringlock system, enhancing its resilience to pressures up to 3,900 meters. While specific depth figures remain undisclosed, Rolex's dedication to technical innovation remains steadfast.
The striking gold exterior, complemented by a rich blue lacquer dial and ceramic bezel, captures attention, while practical elements like Chromalight display ensure optimal legibility in any environment.
In summary, the debut of the gold Deepsea reaffirms Rolex's commitment to crafting tool watches that blend functionality with luxury, offering both style and resilience for the modern adventurer.
2024 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona With Diamond Bezel and Mother-of-Pearl Dials
In the realm of reinterpretations, can a creation remain faithful to its roots while still making a bold statement? Beyoncé's rendition of The Beatles' "Blackbird" showcased this harmony in her recent album "Cowboy Carter," and now Rolex echoes this sentiment with their latest unveilings: two striking iterations of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona.
Crafted in luxurious 18-karat white gold, both models feature exquisite mother-of-pearl dials adorned with eight diamonds and three Chromalight hour markers, exuding elegance and sophistication. Adding to their allure, each timepiece boasts a bezel set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds, elevating their opulence to new heights.
The distinction between the two lies in their dial color schemes: one flaunts a white dial with dark chronograph counters and is paired with an Oysterflex bracelet, while its counterpart showcases an inverted color scheme and comes with an Oyster bracelet. Notably, Rolex introduces a captivating blend of mother-of-pearl colors for the first time, affectionately dubbed the "Pearl Pandas" by enthusiasts.
2024 Rolex Day-Date 40 & 36
Almost seventy years since Rolex introduced the Day-Date, the pioneering wristwatch featuring the full spelling of the day of the week, the brand continues its quest for perfection through subtle refinements showcased in its latest iterations.
In the Day-Date 40 collection, Rolex unveils an 18-karat Everose gold model with a slate ombré dial, a first for the series. Framed by a deep black border, the dial showcases faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and index hour markers in 18-karat pink gold, exuding sophistication. On the other hand, an 18-karat white gold variant features a white mother-of-pearl dial resembling overlapping clouds, complemented by ten baguette-cut diamonds as hour markers, adding a touch of glamour.
The Day-Date 36 series also sees updates, with an 18-karat yellow gold model adopting the deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted index hour markers previously exclusive to its larger counterpart. Additionally, a 18-karat Everose gold variation boasts a captivating blue-green dial hue introduced in last year's Sky-Dweller, enhanced by ten baguette-cut diamonds as hour markers, epitomizing elegance and refinement.
2024 Rolex Sky-Dweller
Twenty years after Rolex introduced its last entirely new model, the Yacht-Master, the unveiling of the Sky-Dweller in 2012 marked the brand's foray into the oversized watch trend dominating the horological landscape at the time.
However, the Sky-Dweller has since evolved beyond mere trend-following, demonstrating Rolex's long-term vision for the line through subtle modifications. The latest iterations, crafted in 18-karat gold—an 18-karat Everose gold model with a slate dial and an 18-karat yellow gold variant with a white dial—introduce a significant departure: both feature a Jubilee bracelet for the first time.
More than just a fashion statement, the Sky-Dweller stands as Rolex's most complex wristwatch, capable of displaying time in two zones simultaneously and offering an annual calendar function named 'Saros.' Utilizing the Ring Command system embedded in the bezel, wearers can effortlessly select functions, enhancing the timepiece's practicality and usability.
1908 in Platinum with Ice Blue Dial
Rolex describes this latest update to a timepiece launched just last year as a "visual masterpiece," and to dismiss their assertion as hyperbole would be unfair. Crafted from 950 platinum, denoting its 95 percent purity, the new version boasts an ice blue dial adorned with a rice-grain guilloché texture, creating a mesmerizing contrast with the smooth minute track featuring a crimped pattern filet sauté. This exquisite dial is elegantly paired with a brown alligator leather strap.
Named as a tribute to the year Hans Wilsdorf registered the enduring name in fine watchmaking, this timepiece is replete with ultra-subtle yet significant details. Notably, the chamfering on the top edges of the middle case lugs and the smooth, domed effect of the bezel transitioning into fluting lower down are among the features that catch the discerning eye.
The homage to the 1908 series is commendable, as the previous Cellini models that this iteration replaces seemed to lack the distinctive allure that this watch exudes effortlessly. Moreover, being Rolex's slimmest watch, it embodies the essence of a dress watch impeccably.
The Complete 2024 Rolex Collection In Detail