Rolex 2024 releases: iterations of what already works

Rolex unveiled today various updates and additions to its lineup, offering enthusiasts a fresh array of interesting (and somehow expected!) choices. From some anticipated tweaks in its sporty offerings to the enhanced elegance of its dress watches, here’s a quick look at some of the models that will be introduced this year:

GMT-Master II "Wayne" (ref.126710GRNR): A Stealthy Surprise

A new iteration featuring a grey and black ceramic bezel, deviating from the expected "Coke" or "Blueberry" designs. It includes a stainless steel 40mm case, available with either Oyster or Jubilee bracelets.

The design nods to the original ceramic releases, offering a more understated look compared to its "Pepsi" and "Batman" counterparts. Notable are the green GMT-Master II text and 24-hour hand, adding a splash of color. It uses the same Caliber 3285.

Deepsea (ref.136668LB) goes bold with gold

A solid gold (18k) diver’s watch, boasting a 44mm case and a stunning depth rating of 3,900 meters. No one really takes watches this deep but whatever. This model introduces a ceramic Ringlock system and an RLX titanium caseback, blending heft with high-tech resilience.

Previous Caliber 3235 is used but the Deepsea now marries luxury with sporty functionality: blue dial with Chromalight indexes, housed in a massive and heavy gold framework, making a bold statement.

Timeless 1908 (ref.52506) with the Platinum allure

Rolex is enriching its Perpetual 1908 collection with a platinum version, featuring an ice-blue "rice-grain" motif dial.

The 39mm platinum case and guilloché dial enhance it visual appeal and now this piece carries the legacy of Rolex’s dress watch lineage, offering a refined and textured aesthetic on a leather strap. The in-house Caliber 7140 still powers this collection one since it was launched last year.

New dials for the 36 and 40 mm Day-Dates

Rolex introduces new dial options to the iconic Day-Date.

On one hand, a first-time offering of a slate ombré dial in Everose gold (ref.228235-0055). We have already talked about this one that was already unveiled at the 2024 Oscars.

The entire 40mm line can now be configured with the dials that were only available for the 36mm case. An example of this is the white mother-of-pearl dial for the 40mm 18K white gold case (ref. 228239-0078). 

Meanwhile, the Day-Date 36 gets a fresh look with a crisp white dial featuring deconstructed Roman numerals (ref.128238-0118), a design previously reserved for the 40mm variant. Both models are powered by the Caliber 3255.

Gold Sky-Dwellers on Jubilee

The Sky-Dweller, Rolex's most complicated watch, now comes with the luxurious Jubilee bracelet in yellow (ref.336938-0006) or Everose gold (ref.336935-0008).

These models retain their annual calendar and dual time zone feature, set via the innovative Ring Command bezel.

Cosmograph Daytona with diamonds bezel and MOP dials

Rolex turns up the extravagance with more than half a dozen shiny Daytona models in 18K white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, featuring mother-of-pearl dials and diamond-set bezels. There are at least 7 iterations of these but we include two in this article for reference. One example is ref. 126589rbr-0001 presents a white and black mother-of-pearl dial on an Oysterflex bracelet .

Another one in yellow gold with the diamond bezel only (ref. 126538tbr-0004).

We have not included prices in this article as these slightly vary depending on which country you are based in, or outside of the EU. You can easily check them out on www.rolex.com by entering the references that we have provided.

Many will find in these releases the inability by Rolex in surprising with completely new products or collection but that is just who they are. They will continue updating and improving on what they already know it works (and works very well!).

Whether through the introduction of new materials, like platinum in its dress watch line, or the nuanced redesign of its iconic models, Rolex maintains its status as a leader in the luxury watch market and people pay close attention all over the world to what is happening in W&W these days.