Rolex revealed its 2024 lineup at Watches and Wonders, exceeding our expectations with remarkable offerings. The 2024 collection is quite different from the emoticons and wild puzzle pieces we saw last year. The Crown has kept things pretty grounded, returning to its roots with subtle updates to the popular models. However, this doesn’t mean Rolex restructured the catalogue without any surprise.

Here’s a rundown of all the exciting Rolex new drops for 2024.

Exciting ‘NEW’ Rolex Releases At Watches & Wonders 2024

1. Rolex GMT-Master II, Ref. 126710GRNR with ‘Grey & Black Ceramic Bezel’

Priced at: £9350

The all-new Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710GRNR is a delightful release for travellers inclined to the understated steel GMT-Master II from the last century. The model is released in two new versions – one with an Oyster steel bracelet and the other with a Jubilee bracelet, both equipped with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic. The grey and black combo evokes the alteration of day and night. This stylish yet subtle move gives the watch a very monochromatic outlook.

The GMT-Master II inscription on the black dial is made of symbolic Rolex green, which adds a vibrant dash of colour to the elegantly muted iteration. Thus, you’re assured of a splash of luxury every time you look down to check the time.

Specifications:

• Model: GMT-Master II Ref. 126710GRNR
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Bezel: Bidirectional 24-Hour Graduated Two-Colour Grey & Black Ceramic Bezel
• Dial: Black
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
• Water-Resistance: Up To 100 Metres
• Power Reserve: Approximately 70 Hours
• Movement: Calibre 3285, GMT Function
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel (Oyster & Jubilee)

2. Rolex Deepsea, Ref: 136668LB in 18ct Yellow Gold With Blue Dial & Bezel

Priced at: £45,700

Rolex has flipped the script by introducing the first-ever Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in luxurious 18ct yellow gold attire. It’s also the first time the Deepsea is adorned with a Cerachrom bezel and the first time the brand has separated it from the Sea-Dweller list. That’s a lot of firsts for one model!

While gold is not the first material you could think of when talking about a hardcore diving watch, from Rolex’s perspective, gold is highly resistant to corrosion, making it the legitimate choice for a watch frequently exposed to salt water.

The all-gold reference is juxtaposed with a rich blue ceramic bezel and lacquer dial. This uniformity of colour between the bezel insert, dial, and the compression ring is a huge triumph. It offers a strikingly aquatic vibe and is an eye-grabber of the highest order. 

This new version also features an RLX titanium case back, making it the first-ever Rolex creation with titanium and ceramic together.

Technical diving innovation has always been a thing for Rolex, and it has yet again outdone itself. The compression ring within the Ringlock system, allowing the watch to withstand depths of up to 3900 metres, is now made of ceramic. Ceramic offers anti-deformation properties, and there’s no doubt that this timepiece’s waterproofness is more robust than that of the previous models. Imagine wearing this fancy strike to the depths of the ocean.

Specifications:

• Model: Deepsea, Ref. 136668LB
• Case Material: 18ct Yellow Gold
• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Bezel: Unidirectional 60-minute Graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic bezel
• Dial: Blue
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
• Water-Resistance: Up to 3900 metres
• Power Reserve: Approximately 70 Hours
• Movement: Calibre 3235
• Bracelet: 18ct Yellow Gold Oyster Bracelet

3. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Ref. 126589RBR With Diamond Bezel & MOP Dial

Priced At: £ 53,850

Speaking of fancy watches, Rolex takes the Cosmograph Daytona, far from the motorsport heritage and presents two new versions of pure dress watches. Two stunning 18ct white gold editions with 36 brilliant-cut sparkling diamonds on the bezel, one with a white Mother-Of-Pearl dial and the other with a classic black Mother-Of-Pearl dial featuring diamond hour markers. This Daytona reinterpretation is both faithful and bold.

The one with the white MOP dial has dark chronograph counters and is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, and the black MOP dial variant has light chronograph counters and is fitted with an Oystersteel bracelet. Well, seeing the mix of the incredibly popular panda design with a mother-of-pearl dial, we can’t help but give the watches the nickname ‘Pearl Pandas’.

The Rolex Daytona is already a status symbol, and this inclusion of diamond bezel and MOP dials took it to an entirely new level. Over the course of time, the Daytona has appeared in various gem-set versions with diamonds or coloured stones on the bezel. However, this bold new release is arguably the most eye-catching and bejewelled Daytona.

Specifications:

• Model: Cosmograph Daytona, Ref. 126589RBR
• Case Material: 18ct White Gold & Diamonds
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Bezel: Set With Diamonds
• Dial: White & Black Mother-Of-Pearl Dials with Diamonds
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
• Water-Resistance: Up to 100 Metres
• Power Reserve: Approximately 72 Hours
• Movement: Calibre 4131
• Bracelet: Oysterflex & Oystersteel

4. Rolex Day-Date 36mm & 40mm in Various Styles

Priced At: 

£36,400 (Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235)

£41,150 (Day-Date 40 Ref. 228239) 

£30,700 (Day-Date 36 Ref. 128238) 

£69,950 (Day-Date 36 Ref. 128395TBR) 

Finally, seven decades after its release, Rolex has released new iterations of the Day-Date, demonstrating its commitment to refining even the minute details to perfection. 

For the first time, Rolex has released one new Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235 in 18ct Everose gold. It has a stunning slate ombré dial featuring deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted index hour markers in 18ct rose gold. The design smoothly transitions from dark to light, with the lightest sunburst effect in the centre, which spreads outside to a darker finish. Rolex calls this phenomenon a ‘symphony of shade’.

Another Day-Date 40 Ref. 228239, made of 18ct white gold, has a Mother-Of-Pearl dial beautifully decorated with ten baguette-cut diamond hour markers. The dial shines with a beautiful iridescent effect reflecting all the colours of Mother-Of-Pearl. It appears like irregular, voluminous clouds overlapping each other.

Specifications:

• Model: Day-Date 40 (Ref. 228235 and Ref. 228239)
• Case Material: 18ct Everose Gold & 18ct White Gold
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Bezel: Fluted
• Dial: Slate Ombré & White Mother-Of-Pearl with Diamonds
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
• Water-Resistance: Up To 100 Metres
• Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
• Movement: Calibre 3255
• Bracelet: President

Along with this, Rolex has released two 36mm models as well. The Rolex Day-Date 36 Ref. 128238 in 18ct yellow gold showcases a white lacquer dial adorned with faceted index hour markers and deconstructed Roman numerals.

The other Day-Date 36 Ref. 128395TBR is a new model in 18ct Everose gold with an intense blue-green dial adorned with ten baguette-cut diamond hour markers. The blue-green dial is new for the range and is illuminated by a bezel set with 60 trapeze-cut diamonds.   

President bracelets accompany all of these sophisticated iterations.

Specifications:

• Model: Day-Date 36 (Ref. 128238 and Ref. 128395TBR)
• Case Material: 18ct Yellow Gold & 18ct Everose Gold
• Case Diameter: 36mm
• Bezel: Fluted & Set With Diamonds
• Dial: White & Blue-Green Set With Diamonds
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
• Water-Resistance: Up to 100 Metres
• Power Reserve: Approximately 70 Hours
• Movement: Calibre 3255
• Bracelet: President

5. Rolex 1908, Ref. 52506 in Platinum With Rice-Grain Motif Ice Blue Dial 

Priced At: £26,600

The 1908 is one of Rolex’s most impressive creations, and the 2024 releases are no exception. Even Rolex is calling this update a ‘visual masterpiece’. Already on the wishlist of many connoisseurs, the Ref. 52506 released this year is more intricate, with an elegant platinum case and a stunning guilloche rice-grain motif on the ice blue dial. The rosette-like design, distinctive for its three-dimensional, repeating geometric pattern, extends across the ice-blue dial, starting from the seconds counter at 6 o’clock. This further enhances the watch’s personality. The minute track is also encircled by a filet sauté adorned with a crimped pattern, which is also guilloche.     

With a finely fluted bezel, a small seconds display, and a newly developed movement, this is a surprising take on a classic look. The Matte brown alligator leather strap accompanying the new version combines performance and elegance. This 1908 is Rolex’s most slender and sleek piece, just as a perfect dress piece should be.  

Specifications:

• Model: 1908 Ref. 52506
• Case Material: 950 Platinum
• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Bezel: Domed & Fluted Platinum
• Dial: Ice Blue With Rice-Grain Motif
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
• Water-Resistance: Up to 50 Metres
• Power Reserve: Approximately 66 Hours
• Movement: Calibre 7140
• Bracelet: Leather Strap

6. Sky-Dweller In 18ct Yellow Gold & Everose Gold

Priced At: 

£43,000 (Yellow Gold Sea-Dweller Ref. 336938)

£45,400 (Everose Gold Sea-Dweller Ref. 336935) 

Make way for the dressiest Sea-Dweller to date. In 2024, Rolex gave the prestigious Sea-Dweller an all-gold makeover. One variant comes in 18ct Everose gold and the other in 18ct Yellow gold. For the first time, both are equipped with a solid gold Jubilee bracelet.

Crafted in 18ct Everose Gold, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 336935 has a slate dial and Ref. 336938 in 18ct Yellow gold has a white dial. Both models display the time in two time zones simultaneously. The local time is indicated with conventional centre hands and reference time in 24-hour format on an off-centre disc. The annual calendar (Saros) automatically differentiates between the 30 and 31-day months. Being Rolex’s most complicated creation featuring a Ring Command system, the Sea-Dweller shows no technical changes but plays nicely with the glitz and contrast.

Specifications:

• Model: Sea-Dweller Ref. 336935 and Ref. 336938
• Case Material: 18ct Everose & Yellow Gold
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Bezel: Fluted Bidirectional Ring Command Bezel
• Dial: Slate & Intense White
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
• Water-Resistance: Up to 100 Metres
• Power Reserve: Approximately 72 Hours
• Movement: Calibre 9002  
• Bracelet: Jubilee

TO CONCLUDE WITH..

As we conclude our journey through Rolex’s latest 2024 releases, we’re reminded once again why the Crown remains at the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking and one can sell Rolex watches at high values in the market. With each unveiling, Rolex reaffirms its commitment to luxury, innovation and precision. 

Those who complained about Rolex’s unprecedented move last year and that it had strayed too far into colours and fun, this year proves that The Crown will always return to its quiet place. Looking back at the trajectory of Rolex releases year after year, it is safe to assume that the newly released watches will remain timeless, versatile, and rugged companions as they are always meant to be. 

For now, let’s all just immerse ourselves in the intricate details and exquisite designs launched.

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