Watches

Rolex Rolls Out Its New Watches for 2021

WatchesApr 14, 2021

Rolex Rolls Out Its New Watches for 2021

The new Oyster Perpetual models include palm leaf dials on the Datejust 36 and a Daytona that’s out of this world, literally.

20210414_Rolex hero image.jpg
Rolex introduced a wave of new dials with its 2021 models, including this palm motif that’s available with a green dial on an Oystersteel bracelet (pictured, $7,050) and with a silver dial on an Oystersteel and Everose gold bracelet ($12,000).
New York—Rolex was among the watch brands that rolled out new models virtually over the past week, introducing a palm leaf motif, two new Explorers, and a Daytona that’s literally out of this world.  
 
The brand no longer exhibits at Baselworld, which is now called HourUniverse and tentatively scheduled for this summer, but opted to take part in the virtual Watches & Wonders Geneva show. 

The online-only show took place April 7-13.
 
Among Rolex’s 2021 introductions is a version of the Cosmograph Daytona, a watch first introduced in 1963 for professional race car drivers, with a solid meteorite dial.
 
Specifically, the meteorite used for the Daytona is a piece of space debris known as an octahedrite. 
 
Octahedrites are comprised of mostly iron and some nickel, with a distinctive pattern not unlike that of a rough diamond. They’re the most common type of meteorite that falls to Earth.

20210414_Rolex Daytona meteorite dial.jpg
The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona comes in 18-karat white gold with an Oysterflex bracelet (pictured here, $34,050) as well as in solid yellow and Everose gold.

Still powered by the caliber 4130 movement, the 40 mm Daytona with meteorite dial is available with an Oysterflex strap ($34,050), with a yellow gold bracelet ($41,000), or in Everose gold ($43,700). 
 
Rolex also introduced four new versions of its Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, a model that dates to 1945, with two distinct dial motifs—a palm motif and a fluted dial that mimics the fluted bezel that’s a brand signature. 
 
Rolex said the palm bezel “evokes lush, vibrant tropical forests,” and it is also on-trend, as palm leaves as a print (and their cousin, the banana leaf) have been popular in recent years. 
 
The watch is still equipped with the caliber 3235 movement. 
 
Retail prices for the new Datejust 36 models range from $7,050 for a green palm dial with Oystersteel bracelet to $12,000 for a silver palm diamond with an Oystersteel and Everose gold bracelet.  
 

Rolex also introduced two new Explorer models. The watch was introduced in 1953 following the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. 
 
The new Explorer is smaller, 36 mm instead of 39 mm, taking it back to its original size, and has a new movement, the caliber 3230 introduced on the Submariner and Oyster Perpetual last year. The movement has a 70-hour power reserve.
 
It is now available in yellow Rolesor (the name Rolex uses for its steel and gold models) with a black satin dial instead of black lacquer. The Chromalight on the hands, hour markers and numerals now glows brighter and for longer. 
 
The Explorer II, meanwhile, is still the same size, 42 mm, but has a broader bracelet and utilizes the new and improved Chromalight as well.  
 
Like its forerunner, the Explorer II also has a new movement, the caliber 3285, the same movement introduced on the GMT Master II in 2018. 
 
Last, but certainly not least in the eyes of diamond lovers, Rolex introduced gem-laden versions of the new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 and Lady-Datejust. 
 
The Day-Date 36 comes in three colors with an alligator strap that matches the hour markers. It is still powered by the caliber 3255 movement.

20210414_new Rolex Day Date diamonds.jpg
The diamond-set 18-karat yellow gold Day-Date 36 with the coral-colored alligator strap and markers retails for $82,500. The Everose with burgundy and the white gold version with turquoise are both $85,000.

There is an 18-karat yellow gold version with coral-colored markers and strap, an 18-karat white gold version with turquoise, and an 18-karat Everose version with burgundy-color alligator strap and hour markers. 
 
Each version is set with 819 diamonds and retail prices range from $82,500 to $85,800.
 
These three watches are what the brand refers to as “off-catalog” pieces, meaning they will be produced in limited numbers. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
The new gem-set version of the 28 mm Lady-Datejust—one of Rolex’s smallest watches—has 1,089 diamonds totaling about 7.5 carats. It too still has the same movement, the caliber 2236.

20210414_Rolex Lady Datejust diamond.jpg
The 18-karat yellow gold version of the Lady-Datejust set with 1,089 diamonds retails for $131,100.

The hour markers are yellow gold coated in black PVD.
 
The watch is available in yellow gold ($131,100) or white gold ($134,400). 
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

Journey of a Jeweler by Silvia Furmanovich
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

Jewelers Mutual Group logo
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Shot of one of the pools at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in Carlsbad

At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Crime police cars
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop Shootout

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

Chopard Ice Cube Modular Necklace
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule Collection

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Natural Diamond Council Retailer Accreditation Program seal
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation Program

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program. 

Kristen Bell, Angela Bassett, Lisa Manobal
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy Awards

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

Holiday presents in gift boxes
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says Deloitte

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Buffalo Emerald
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald Auction

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

8.33-carat emerald-cut no-oil Brazilian emerald, A. Kleiman & Co.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Rough montana sapphire
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, Montana

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Arunashi Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Susan Jacques and Al Gilbertson
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

Supreme Court stock image
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Tabayer’s Nordstrom Shop-in-Shop
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-Shop

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

De Beers education app on mobile phone
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for That

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Gold jewelry on a scale
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to Account

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob and Co Loewe headphones
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. Headphones

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Tiffany & Co Favrile Beetle Necklace in Frankenstein
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine in Peru
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The Mellon Blue diamond
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

Dianne Batista Phillips Auctions
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New York

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

×

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