Watches

Here’s Everything New Rolex Has to Offer in 2023

WatchesApr 04, 2023

Here’s Everything New Rolex Has to Offer in 2023

New Cosmograph Daytonas and the Perpetual 1908 are some of the highlights.

20230404_Rolex-header.jpg
Simplicity is at the heart of the new Rolex Perpetual 1908, pictured in 18-karat yellow gold with white dial and brown alligator strap. The new timepiece is an ode to Rolex’s history.
Geneva—There is no shortage of Rolex newness for 2023; the issue is simply getting one’s hands on them. 

To celebrate 60 years of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, Rolex updated the entire range that was launched in 1963 as a professional racing driver’s tool with its tachymetric bezel. 
 
For the new generation, the watch is powered by the calibre 4131 movement that debuted this year, an update to its 4130 predecessor.
 

The self-winding mechanical movement calibre 4131 includes a chronongraph function with fewer components than the previous version to enhance reliability, Rolex said, and the watchmaker’s Chronergy escapement that is resistant to strong magnetic fields. 
 
There’s a cut-out oscillating weight and Rolex’s take on a classic watchmaking decoration, called “Côtes de Genève,” on the bridges. 
 
The 950 platinum version has a transparent case back with an oscillating weight in 18-karat yellow gold. 
 
The platinum edition also features an ice blue dial. The Cosmograph Daytona’s ceramic bezel that doesn’t corrode is one of the timepiece’s signatures, and the new platinum version boasts a chestnut brown color for the monobloc Cerachrom bezel. It is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. 
 
In addition to platinum, there is an Oystersteel version and a yellow “Rolesor” version that combines Oystersteel and yellow gold. Each has a white lacquer dial, while the Oystersteel features a black ceramic bezel and the Rolesor a yellow gold bezel. 
 
Each of these styles is also set on an Oyster bracelet.
 
There is also an 18-karat yellow gold variant and “Everose” gold variant, Rolex’s version of rose gold. The yellow gold has a yellow gold dial and black ceramic bezel, while the Everose has a black dial and Everose bezel. 
 
The 40mm watches are waterproof to 100 meters. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
The new Perpetual 1908 is a nod to Rolex’s history. Hans Wilsdorf created the name Rolex and registered it as a brand in Switzerland that year. 
 
Its hallmarks are a slim, 39mm case with a part-domed and part-finely fluted bezel. The 18-karat yellow or white gold case has a transparent case back.
 
20230404_Rolex-1908-1.jpg
The new Rolex Perpetual 1908 with 18-karat yellow gold case, black dial, and black alligator strap
 
The white or black dial has Arabic numerals for 3, 9, and 12 plus faceted index hour markers for the other hours. A seconds subdial sits at 6 o’clock. 
 
The hours hand has a circle while the minute hand was designed to resemble a double-edged sword.
 
The Perpetual 1908 has a brown or black alligator strap.
 
20230404_Rolex-1908-2.jpg
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 with 18-karat white gold case, white dial, and brown alligator strap

It’s powered by the calibre 7140 chronograph movement, new this year, which features Chronergy escapement, Syloxi hairspring, and Paraflex shock absorbers. The bridges feature the Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration. 
 
20230404_Rolex-YachtMaster42.jpg
The new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 has its roots in competitive sailing. 
 
The new 2023 version is rendered in RLX titanium, an alloy that is lightweight but notably strong, Rolex said. The 42mm case is set on an Oyster bracelet. 
 
The RLX titanium case has a technical satin finish with a visible grain that is also apparent on the edges of the bracelet links, sides of the clasp cover, and middle of the case sides. 
 
The 60-minute bi-directional bezel has a Cerachrom matte black ceramic insert with raised and polished numerals and graduations. The black dial has a satin finish. 
 
While the look is similar to its 2019 predecessor, the new version is powered by the calibre 3235 movement. The Yacht-Master line was launched in 1992, though Rolex’s relationship with the sailing world dates to the 1950s.
 

The new Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller boasts its signature two time zones and annual Saros calendar (Rolex’s proprietary annual calendar that automatically differentiates between 30-day months and 31-day months), but with enhancements for 2023. 
 
For the first time, an 18-karat white gold version (returning to the collection) is paired with a black elastomer bracelet.
 
Two other variants bring new color dials to the mix, a white Rolesor version, combining Oystersteel and white gold, has a mint green dial, which has only previously appeared on the Datejust. 
 
An 18-karat Everose version has a blue-green dial that is only available on this reference. 
 
The new Sky-Dwellers are powered by the calibre 9002, an evolution to the calibre 9001, featuring Chronergy escapement, date and month display, and an additional time zone in 24-hour format displayed in an off-centered disc.
 
The local time, meanwhile, is on the watch’s main display. The timepiece’s “Ring Command” system allows for easy access to its functions via the rotatable bezel and winding crown and movement.
 
20230404_Rolex-GMTMasterII.jpg
The new Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in the Rolesor version, combining Oystersteel with 18-karat yellow gold
 
There are two new versions of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II this year that bring yellow gold back into the range’s mix.
 
Each has a two-color, 24-hour graduated monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in gray and black ceramic. The gray is a new shade for Rolex. 


Each has a fitted Jubilee bracelet with Oysterlock clasp and Easylink comfort extension link. 
 
The new GMT-Master II timepieces are powered by the calibre 3285 that display an additional time zone in a 24-hour format. 
 
The chronometer is available in Rolesor that combines Oystersteel with 18-karat yellow gold, as well as an entirely 18-karat yellow gold version. 

20230404_Rolex-Explorer40.jpg
The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40

New to the Rolex Explorer collection is a 40mm model, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40, which provides extra legibility compared to the Explorer 36, due not only to the size increase but also the Chromalight display. 
 
The original model was launched in 1953 upon the first successful summit of Mount Everest. 
 
The black lacquer dial is housed in an Oystersteel case. The Explorer 40 is powered by the calibre 3230 movement. 

20230404_Rolex-Perpetual-CelebrationDial.jpg
Here, the Oyster Perpetual 36 with “Celebration” dial

A new dial, fittingly dubbed “Celebration,” is available for the Oyster Perpetual 31, Oyster Perpetual 36, and Oyster Perpetual 41.
 
It brings together the lacquered dial colors launched in 2020: candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow,  coral red, and green. An extra-colorful novelty for Rolex, it’s not even the punchiest one debuted at this year’s Watches & Wonders.
 
The Oyster Perpetual 31 is powered by the calibre 2232 movement, while the 36 and 41 feature the calibre 3230. Both are chronometer movements and provide the essential hour, minute, and seconds functions.

20230404_Rolex-DayDate1.jpg
The new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 with aventurine dial

 
Gemstone dials enter the fray with the new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36. 
 
While Rolex strives for uniformity, the very nature of the green aventurine, carnelian, and turquoise dials make each timepiece slightly unique. 
 
The aventurine dial is in an Everose case with matching bracelet, the carnelian in 18-karat yellow gold, and turquoise in 18-karat white gold. 

20230404_Rolex-DayDate2.jpg
The new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 with carnelian dial

Each has a bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds plus diamond-set hour markers and Roman numbers for 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock. 
 
The new Day-Date 36 models are powered by the calibre 3255 movement that displays day, date, hours, minutes, and seconds. 

20230404_Rolex-DayDate3.jpg
The new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 with turquoise dial

Originally launched in 1956, the Day-Date was the first calendar wristwatch to show the day of the week spelled out in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock. Today, the day of the week is available in 26 languages.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Brilliant Earth Jolie Mosaics engagement ring
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales Rise

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

Jewellers for Hope charity event
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of Fundraising

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bezel Bangle
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel Bangle

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Sapphire page in Chatham’s “Ultimate Lab-Grown Catalog”
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown Gemstones

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rembrandt Blue Jay, Hummingbird, Cardinal Bird Charms
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird Charms

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

×

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