Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Oyster Case
Introducing Rolex’s New Models

Watches and Wonders is held every April and as the event approaches, Countless predictions about the new Rolex models are made as if it were an annual tradition. Some of these predictions are little more than wishful thinking with low chances 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 percent.

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. While many watch companies at the time were exploring various ways to make wristwatches waterproof, Rolex devised a method to seal the gaps in the case with a screw-down structure. The idea was to tightly fasten the precisely machined case parts with threads to eliminate any gaps. At that time, There were no high-performance rubber gaskets like today, So it was a rather primitive yet sophisticated method of tightly joining metal parts together. Thanks to this precision machining, Rolex was able to achieve excellent waterproof performance by the standards of the time.

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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 case 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 the uniqueness of this model.

Instead of the Twinlock’s “two dots” on the crown, The number “100” is engraved, And “100 YEARS” replaces “Swiss Made” at the 6 o’clock position on the dial 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 only hour, Minute, And second hands, And the Oyster Perpetual is the collection that is functionally closest to it.

ⓒ Rolex

Other than that, The configuration is 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 criteria for Superlative Chronometer certification have been strengthened. The new standards add three items: resistance to magnetism, Reliability, And sustainability. In addition to verifying final performance, Pre-verification is now conducted during development and production, Expanding the scope of certification. The daily deviation remains at –2 to +2 seconds, But the enhanced certification brings even greater reliability.

Yacht-Master II Ref. 126680 & Ref. 126688

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Yacht-Master II has returned. Discontinued from the collection in 2024, The Yacht-Master II is back in a more upgraded form. Above all, The regatta countdown setting method, Which was considered the most inconvenient aspect of the previous model, Has become much simpler. Previously, You had to turn the bezel and operate the crown to set the countdown start point, But now it can be set more easily with a push button. Along with the improved operation system, The exterior has also been upgraded.

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ⓒ Rolex

The blue ceramic bezel reminiscent of the ocean and the matte white dial texture are a perfect match for marine sports like yachting. In addition, The countdown index now covers a 300-degree range from 12 o’clock to 10 o’clock, Providing even greater legibility. The bezel uses 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 a bit on its own, But this time it blends well into the professional line. The Yacht-Master II will be released in Oystersteel and yellow gold.

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Cosmograph Daytona Ref.126502

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A rather special Daytona has been introduced this time. Rolesium, Which was previously considered an exclusive combination for the Yacht-Master I, Has now been applied to the new Daytona model. Platinum is used for the bezel ring and the outer ring of the see-through case back, While most of the rest of the case is made of Oystersteel. The special features are not limited to the case combination. The enamel art seen in the Day-Date 36 “Jigsaw Puzzle (Emoji)” has also been applied to this model. The white dial is made using the enamel technique, Giving it a unique milky gloss. The numbers on the bezel have all been changed to a vertical arrangement, And this is one of the few Daytona models with a see-through case back that allows you to admire the caliber. However, Does this “specialness” justify a higher price tag than the gold case Daytona? I will leave that decision to you.

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ⓒ 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, ” but this time, Instead of engraving, Rolex’s name is expressed in more than ten colors. As various colors must be combined with precision, The production process must have been quite demanding. Each graphic pattern must be positioned exactly without error, So the dial requires a high level of precision as well as design.

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In addition, The Datejust 41 in white gold now comes in a green ombré version, Expanding the rare options for green ombré dials.

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

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