Watches

Rolex Introduces 6 New Watches in Geneva

WatchesMar 31, 2022

Rolex Introduces 6 New Watches in Geneva

Unveiled at Watches & Wonders were a flowery version of the Datejust 31, a gem-set Yacht-Master 40, and more.

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Rolex’s new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 comes in three colors. There is a white gold version with blue dial (pictured here), a yellow gold version with a green dial and diamond bezel, and a two-tone version with silver dial and diamond bezel.
Geneva—Watches & Wonders Geneva is underway.
 
Held March 30 to April 5 in a hybrid digital-physical format, brands like Rolex, TAG Heuer, Cartier, and Panerai are debuting their latest timepieces at the show that has supplanted Baselworld.
 
Rolex, arguably the No. 1 watch brand in the world, introduced six new models at the show.

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The 40 mm Oyster Perpetual Air-King
 
The Oyster Perpetual Air-King is an ode to aviation, with a dial inspired by aircraft instruments since 2016.  
 
This year, the Air-King gained altitude. 
 
The dial is easier to read and more balanced, Rolex said, with the addition of the “0” before the “5” on the minutes scale, so that each minute marker is two digits. 
 
There is also a crown guard and straight side, like other timepieces in the “Professional” category. 
 
The newest Air-King utilizes the calibre 3230 self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of about 70 hours. Rolex introduced the movement in 2020. 
 
The bracelet now has an Oysterlock safety clasp, preventing accidental opening. 
 
The middle case features a subtle line representing new horizons, Rolex said. 
 
It’s priced at $7,400.

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The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II
 
Originally crafted for travelers in 1955, the GMT-Master is synonymous with aeronautical history. The watch was present for the first intercontinental flights, Concorde testing, and aeronautical world speed records. 
 
The new edition moves the winding crown to the left side of the case. The date aperture has also gravitated to the 9 o’clock position, and the date disc has been modified. 
 
All these changes required further adjustments for the movement and other technical aspects. 
 
Now, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is equipped with the 3285 calibre, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, and date, plus an additional time zone. 
 
The Cerachrom bezel insert is rendered in green and black, a color combination exclusive to this particular Rolex. 
 
It retails for $11,050.

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Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40
 
The Day-Date was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate the day of the week spelled out. Launched in 1956, it’s one of Rolex’s most iconic styles.
 
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 is rendered in platinum with a fluted bezel. Crafting even the bezel in platinum took years of research and development, Rolex said, resulting in a new method for achieving the fluting, different than the process for gold. 
 
It features an ice-blue dial and is equipped with the calibre 3255 movement. 
 
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 costs $63,350.

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Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
 
For the first time, the Yacht-Master 42 is available in yellow gold. Rolex said the 18-karat alloy used in the Yacht-Master is unique, created and cast in Geneva and offering more resistance than other 18-karat alloys. 
 
Like the original version, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 has a bidirectional rotating bezel and a Cerachrom insert with raised graduation. It also has the same Oysterflex bracelet. 
 
The optimized Chromalight display features hour markers and hands filled or coated with Rolex’s new luminescent material for a longer-lasting glow. 
 
The new version of the Yacht-Master 42 has a calibre 3235 movement and a $28,300 price tag.

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Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 mm in Oystersteel and white gold
 
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 represents the biggest artistic departure for Rolex in 2022. 
 
The model is available in three colors: white gold with blue dial and fluted bezel; yellow gold with green dial and diamond bezel; and two-tone Oystersteel and Everose gold with silver dial and diamond bezel. 
 
The dials feature 24 flowers in three finishes for contrast, each with a diamond in the center. 
 
The new versions of the Datejust 31 have a calibre 2236 movement. 
 
The white gold version with blue dial costs $10,050.

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The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40
 
The aurora borealis and sky at dawn are the inspirations for the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40.
 
It has a striking rotating bezel with trapeze-cut diamonds and sapphires. A pattern of pink sapphires, light blue sapphires, diamonds, purple sapphires, and dark blue sapphires repeat continuously, and are accented by 46 diamonds on the lugs and crown guard. 
 
A triangular diamond marks 12 o’clock.  
 
The case is rendered in 18-karat white gold, a first for the Yacht-Master 40. It is equipped with the calibre 3235 movement. 
 
The most expensive of the new Rolex releases, it costs $80,350.
 
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