Rolex’s new novelties include solid gold Deepsea, black and grey GMT-Master II
Highlights of Rolex’s new releases at Watches & Wonders take on a more traditional approach.
Every year at watchmaking fair Watches & Wonders, Rolex’s release of its new novelties is one of the most keenly anticipated. As compared to 2023’s release of the funky puzzle Day-Date and bubble Oyster Perpetual, 2024’s new models are a little more subdued, yet still impressive.
Leading the slate is an update to the GMT-Master II line with a new model sporting a black and grey Cerachrom bezel. It’s an understated piece that feels classically Rolex, with a black lacquer dial bearing the inscription GMT-Master II in green. Two new versions are offered – one with an Oyster bracelet, the other with a Jubilee bracelet.
In the arena of dress watches, the Perpetual 1908 is now available in 950 platinum with a stunning ice blue guilloche dial. Guilloche is a technique that uses a turning tool to sculpt a geometric pattern into a surface. Light bounces off the raised pattern, producing a variety of reflections with every movement of the wrist.
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 gets two new versions – the first in 18 carat Everose gold with an ombre dial, and the second in 18 carat white gold with white mother-of-pearl dial. The latter is a first for the Day-Date 40.
The Day-Date 36 is also released in two new versions. The first, in 18 carat yellow gold, has a white lacquer dial with faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted index hour markers. The second version is presented in 18 carat Everose gold with a blue-green dial, its deep, intense colour illuminated by a bezel set with 60 trapeze-cut diamonds.
Two new precious and exclusive versions of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona make their debut, distinctive for their contrasting dial made from natural mother-of-pearl and graced with eight diamonds and three Chromalight hour markers. Both watches are crafted in 18 carat white gold and crowned with a bezel set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds.
A wilder release is the hefty, solid gold Deepsea, paired with a blue lacquer dial and blue Cerachrom bezel. The Ringlock system integrates a compression ring made of blue ceramic.
The case measures 44mm in diameter and the watch reportedly weighs over 330g. It has a waterproof depth rating of 3,900m, in case, you know, you want to bring it on a deep dive into ocean.