Watch enthusiasts have been treated to a brand new Rolex collection this year, and the world-famous brand has put on quite a show. With nine new models released, from classic dress watches to colourful surprises, here are some of the most exciting watches Rolex have released in 2023.
Oyster Perpetual
In March 2023, Rolex proved that it’s no stranger to stepping outside the box when it released the new Oyster Perpetual with its bold, colourful dial. Rolex isn’t renowned for being a playful brand, but this watch certainly proves otherwise, with 51 charming overlapping bubbles in a rainbow of colours. Artful and bright, it’s already being rocked by celebrities such as Kendrick Lamar who wore it at the Grammys earlier this year.
Cosmograph Daytona
The Cosmograph Daytona is one of the sleekest sports watches you can buy, and now, for the first time, the Daytona is available with a sapphire back which celebrates the new manufacture 4131 calibre. With a stylishly slim bezel and elegant indices, it’s a beautiful watch that rivals the Speedmaster for its popularity.
Perpetual 1908
The Perpetual 1908 is a new dress watch for Rolex, sporting classic vintage looks and a thinner profile with new automatic movement. The yellow gold model has a refined white dial and is discreet and elegant, in keeping with Rolex’s brand. Distinguished and formal, the Perpetual 1908 has a mid-century Breguet hour hand and coin-edge bezel with a leather strap that feels classic and eternally stylish.
Sky-Dweller
The case and dials of the Sky-Dweller collection remain the same, but now collectors can enjoy new colours which includes a beautiful mint green model with a steel case and white gold bezel. All of this, plus the new calibre with the latest-generation escapement. The Oysterflex bracelet provides wearers with a sportier alternative to the classic metal bracelet, attaching to the watch case and featuring the patented Oysterclasp with a flexible titanium and nickel alloy blade.
GMT-Master II
The return of yellow in the GMT-Master II collection, which offers full gold or yellow Rolesor, now coincides with a new two-tone ceramic insert in black and grey. Rolex fans will be particularly taken with the new Rolesor version which is striking and a true collector’s piece. The GMT is the only Rolex sports watch to feature the Jubilee bracelet and now, collectors can enjoy it in both yellow gold and Rolesor.
Explorer 40
In 2021, we saw the release of the larger edition of the 36mm model of the Explorer watch. But now we have a 40mm version, which despite being larger on paper than the previous 39mm edition, feels compact and sleek on the wrist. The dial of the Explorer 40 benefits from the same distinctive Rolex style, with the characteristic 3,6 and 9 numerals filled with a luminescent material for a lasting blue glow, as well as with the hour markers and hands.
Yacht-Master 42
Light and luxurious-feeling, the Yacht-Master 42 has a classic tool-watch look with a fully matte case. While it does have a larger case, it’s a delight to wear and has a rich black dial and oyster bracelet. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out against a sand-blasted, matte background for a contemporary twist on a classic. The new edition is a big deal for the brand, because it’s the first serially produced, fully titanium watch that’s meant for the masses – the Yacht-Master 42 has been designed and sized to be worn every day.
Day-Date 36
The 36mm Day-Date 36 in Everose gold is a fun take on the Rolex classic, with a champleve enamel dial covered in charming colourful jigsaw pieces and 10 baguette sapphires in rainbow colours. What’s more, there are 31 emojis visible in the date window, one for each day of the month to cheer you up whenever you take a glance at the time.
What else is new?
While Rolex has been generous this year with new releases and updates to old favourites, it’s also taken away some neglected designs and collections too. The Milgauss may well return in the future with a new iteration, just as Rolex seems to have done with Cellini and the 1908, and it seems the Yacht-Master II may go the same way. But for collectors, a discontinued line can actually work wonders to boost interest, so who knows what the future holds for these designs.
2023 has been packed with surprises when it comes to Rolex’s new releases and updates to existing designs. Rolex is known for constantly evolving and iterating on its classic styles, and 2023 is no exception to that rule. For watch enthusiasts and Rolex collectors, the new line up offers so many options, whether you’re looking for a sleek and elegant everyday watch or something bold and colourful to brighten up your outfits and serve as a talking point.
