Rolex officially kicked off Watches & Wonders in style, unveiling a host of new releases watches in Geneva this morning.
To the delight of Rolex aficionados and the watch community at large, the new collection was enough to appease even the toughest critics. From the new left-handed GMT Master II in a ‘Mountain Dew’ colourway, to the refreshing update to the much-loved Air-King, Rolex managed to throw in a few surprises into their 2022 collection that we thoroughly enjoyed (hello ice-blue Day-Date).
Notorious for keeping their fans and collectors on tenterhooks, the 2022 collection, whilst not completely groundbreaking, is a fresh update to much-loved classics.
Here’s everything you’ll find from the new Rolex release.
Oyster Perpetual Air-King
A welcomed surprise for lovers of the underrated Air-King, this new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King comes with new and improved features, like a completely redesigned case with a crown guard, straight sides and lumed numerals – a first for this much-loved timepiece. Inspired by explorers of the skies, the Air-King celebrates aviation in a refreshing, unassuming way. Now, it’s even more versatile for those looking for a watch for everyday wear.
optimized Chromalight display, guaranteeing maximum legibility in dark conditions
The new Air-King is equipped with the trusty calibre 3230 – a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes and seconds – is optimized with Chromalight display (making it legible in super dark conditions), and, like all Rolex watches, carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, ensuring excellent performance on the wrist. The new Air-Key comes fitted with an Oystersteel bracelet and Oysterlock safety clasp.
RRP: $10,000
GMT-Master II
The watch that garnered gasps from all around the Palexpo in Geneva, the new Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II – with its new left-handed crown, cyclops date window and a never before seen bi-colour green and black bezel – is a novel, unexpected play on the original Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II. And we love it!
Made from Oystersteel and fitted with an Oyster bracelet – with the option of the jubilee bracelet – the new version of the GMT-Master II is equipped with calibre 3285 – one of the most reliable and robust movements at the forefront of watchmaking technology.
Ideal for travellers who enjoy jet-setting, the GMT is able to display the hours, minutes, seconds and date, as well as an additional time zone, in 24-hour format.
Good luck trying to snag this one…
RRP: $15,000
Day-Date 40
A continuation of the watch industry’s current fascination with all things blue, the new Day-Date 40 is an instant hit thanks to its ice-blue dial. But that’s not all. Its new fluted bezel is a standout – a first for this distinctive component to be crafted in 950 platinum, a ground-breaking precious metal that took years to produce.
This Day-Date is fitted with a President bracelet which compliments this timepiece exceptionally well. Under the hood, you’ll find the exceptional calibre 3255. 65-years since its first initial launch, the Day-Date continues to play an integral part in the Rolex story, loved by many watch lovers around the world.
Yacht-Master 42
For the first time ever, the much-loved Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 is presented in 18 ct yellow gold. Like it’s white gold counterpart, this watch includes a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a Cerachrom insert with a raised graduation, as well as the practical Oysterflex bracelet.
First launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master is, as your guessed, inspired by the seas and specifically designed for navigators and skippers. Not only encapultating Rolex’s history of sailing, this new piece works just as well out on the open oceans as it does strolling down the street.
Neverthless, the Yacht-Master has, since its inception, stood as a symple of nautical endeavours, and this new iteration continues that tradition. Easily recognized by its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made entirely from precious metal.
RRP: $38,750
Datejust 31
Perhaps Rolex’s most adventurous release at this year’s Watches & Wonders, the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 has been released with striking new floral-motif dials. Think Azzurro blue, olive green and silver, the bezels are adorned with 24 flowers with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds at the centre. The petals are emphasized by sunray, matt and grained finishes.
At 31mm, this Datejust is more or less designed for women, but men with dainty wrists can also find comfort in this unassuming size. The new Datejust is equipped with calibre 2236 – a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was first released in 2014. You can expect around 55 hours of power reserve.
Finishing off this stunning piece is your choice of President bracelet or Jubilee bracelet.
RRP: $13,750
Yacht-Master 40
Last but definitely not least is the new Yacht-Master 40, created from 18 ct white gold but for the first time, features a rotatable bezel set with precious stones whose colours are inspired by the aurora borealis and the glow of dawn – pink, light-blue, purple and dark-blue sapphires, as well as diamonds, which also adorn the lugs and crown guard.
While still a clear representation of a watch that is a master of the seas, the new addition of a stone-set bezel makes it attractive to perhaps a new Rolex customer that otherwise wouldn’t have considered the Yacht-Master collection.
Fitted with calibre 3235, you can expect a reliable and robust in-house movement.
RRP: $TBC
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Be sure to keep up to date with our coverage of Watches & Wonders, as the world’s biggest brand unveil their new collections in Geneva.
The post Watches & Wonders New Releases: Rolex appeared first on ICON.
