Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Oyster Case
Introduction of Rolex's New Products

Watches and Wonders is held every April and as the event approaches, Annual predictions about the new Rolex models begin to pour in. Some of these are mere wishful thinking with little chance of coming true while others are surprisingly close to the actual new releases as if they have seen the future.

This process itself is one way to enjoy the wait for the new product announcement. How accurate were your predictions for this year's new Rolex models? You may not be curious but my accuracy rate was 0%.

Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref. 134303

ⓒ Rolex

The waterproof Oyster case celebrates its 100th anniversary. The Oyster, Rolex's first waterproof and dustproof case introduced in 1926, Is an essential element when talking about Rolex. At that time, While many watch companies were exploring various ways to make wristwatches waterproof, Rolex devised a method of blocking gaps in the case with a screw-down structure. The idea was to tightly fasten case parts with precisely machined threads to eliminate gaps. Since there were no high-performance rubber gaskets like today, It was a rather primitive yet sophisticated method of tightly joining metal parts without any gaps. Thanks to this precise machining, Excellent waterproof performance was achieved by the standards of the time.

https://www.thejewelleryeditor.com

The Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref. 134303 is a tribute to the first Oyster waterproof watch from 1926. Reflecting the fact that the first Oyster model was made with a yellow gold case, The bezel and crown of Ref. 134303 are also made of yellow gold. The rest of the watch is made of Oystersteel. In the current collection, A two-tone combination of yellow gold and steel would usually mean that the center link of the bracelet is also made of gold but an exception was made to emphasize its uniqueness.

Instead of the Twinlock's "two dots" on the crown, The number "100" is engraved and instead of "Swiss Made" at 6 o'clock on the dial, "100 YEARS" is displayed to highlight the commemorative nature of the model. Additionally, The brand name and the five-minute markers are in Rolex green.

ⓒ Rolex

ⓒ Rolex

The reason for choosing the Oyster Perpetual among many collections is clear. The first Oyster was a time-only watch with just hour, Minute and second hands and the Oyster Perpetual is the closest collection in terms of function.

ⓒ Rolex

Other specifications are the same as the current Perpetual Calendar. It is equipped with the self-winding Caliber 3230 and has a 70-hour power reserve. A notable change is that the Superlative Chronometer certification standards have been strengthened. The new standards add three items: resistance to magnetism, Reliability, And sustainability. The scope of certification has been expanded to include not only final performance verification but also pre-verification during development and production. The daily deviation remains at –2 to +2 seconds but the enhanced certification provides even more solid reliability.

Yacht-Master II Ref. 126680 & Ref. 126688

ⓒ Rolex

Yacht-Master II has returned. Discontinued from the collection as of 2024, The Yacht-Master II is back with significant upgrades. Most notably, The regatta countdown setting, Previously considered the most inconvenient aspect, Has become much simpler. Previously, You had to rotate the bezel and operate the crown to set the countdown start point but now it can be easily set with a push button. Along with this improvement in operation, The exterior has also been upgraded.

ⓒ Rolex

ⓒ Rolex

The blue ceramic bezel reminiscent of the ocean and the matte white dial texture are a perfect match for marine sports like yachting. The countdown index now uses a 300-degree range from 12 to 10 o'clock, Providing even greater legibility. The bezel features a 60-minute scale like the Yacht-Master I and the indexes are a mix of dots and bars in the style of the professional line. Previously, It stood out on its own but now it blends well into the professional line. The Yacht-Master II will be released in Oystersteel and yellow gold.

ⓒ Rolex

Cosmograph Daytona Ref.126502

ⓒ Rolex

A rather special Daytona has been introduced this time. The Rolesium combination, Previously exclusive to the Yacht-Master I, Has been applied to the new Daytona model. Platinum is used for the bezel ring and the outer ring of the see-through back, While most of the case is made of Oystersteel. The special aspect is not only in the case combination. The enamel art seen in the Day-Date 36 "Jigsaw Puzzle (Emoji)" is also applied to this model. The white dial is made using the enamel technique, Giving it a unique milky gloss. The numbers on the bezel are now all vertically aligned and this is one of the few Daytona models with a see-through back allowing you to admire the caliber. However, Is it reasonable to price it higher than the gold case Daytona just because it is "special"? I will leave that decision to you.

ⓒ Rolex

ⓒ Rolex

Oyster Perpetual 36 Ref. 126000 "Jubilee" and Others

The new Oyster Perpetual 36 features a model that reinterprets the Jubilee motif, Introduced in the late 1970s, As a graphic pattern. In the past, This detail was called the "computer dial" and this time, Instead of engraving, Rolex's name is expressed in more than ten colors. As various colors must be combined precisely, The production process must have been quite challenging. Each graphic pattern must be positioned accurately without error, So the dial requires a high level of precision as well as design.

ⓒ Rolex

In addition, The Datejust 41 in white gold now offers a green ombré version, Expanding the rare selection of green ombré dials.

ⓒ Rolex

Oyster Perpetual 28 with green stone lacquer dial and yellow gold case and Oyster Perpetual 34 with blue stone lacquer dial and Everose case are the first gold case models to feature a mostly satin-finished matte surface. Only the domed bezel is polished to a glossy finish, Creating a fresh impression.

ⓒ Rolex

This year's new Rolex models are different from the bold freshness shown by last year's Land-Dweller. Instead, They have evolved by refining functions, Combining materials and polishing details within familiar collections. Each of these changes clearly reflects Rolex's intentions. Therefore, Rather than being a flashy evolution, These new products may be the result of Rolex achieving the highest level of perfection in the way it does best.