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.

20220331_Rolex-header.jpg
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.

20220331_Rolex1.jpg
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.

20220331_Rolex2.jpg
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.

20220331_Rolex3.jpg
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.

20220331_Rolex4.jpg
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.

20220331_Rolex5.jpg
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.

20220331_Rolex6.jpg
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.
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Shot of attendees at a JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York Show

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

Buccellati Waikiki gold and diamond earrings
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

Leigh Maxwell Bauble Earrings
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ Collection

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Stuller 2026-2027 packaging and display catalog
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
My Next Question, Episode 5: Amanda Gizzi, Michelle Graff, Frank Everett
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in Perspective

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Springer’s Jewelers new flagship rendering
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury Shoppers

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Nina Pugliese
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

WFDB International Summit
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDB

The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.

Jewelry scam flyer and police officer handing flyer to elderly man
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting Seniors

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

New Adornment & Theory jewelry store in West Town, Chicago
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

Couture Show Logo
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup

The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.

Morgan P. Richardson
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEO

Former Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.

Chris Ploof Modern Electrum Collection Milgrain Rows and Diamonds Ring
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal Modern

With gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.

Ellen and Michael Fruchtman
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency

Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.

Peter Smith and National Jeweler contributor
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales Truths

In a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.

Edahn Golan, Tenoris co-founder and National Jeweler contributor
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine Jewelry

In a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.

Foundrae Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into Joy

The “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.

Inchiquin emerald
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ Emerald

The jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients

This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.

John Wayne Signet Ring
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s Ring

The Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.

MJSA Education Foundation and Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJS

The discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Matching pair of Type IIa, D-color diamonds
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not Sell

A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.

DeBeeers_Bridal_Display_Dune_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal Reinvigorated

Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

Faceting Apprentice gem cutting school
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone Cutters

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy