This year marks 70 years since the introduction of the GMT-Master and rumours were swirling that Rolex was to introduce a “Coke” bezel version at Watches & Wonders, marking 10 years since the fan-favourite “Pepsi” version came out.
There is a new GMT-Master II, but the bezel rumours were off, with Rolex instead introducing a grey and black ceramic bezel to the model for the first time.
The steel-cased model is offered in two versions, one with an Oyster bracelet, one with a Jubilee bracelet.
The GMT-Master II carries Rolex’s calibre 3285, the self-winding movement with 70-hour power-reserve that was introduced in 2018. The new versions are in Oystersteel, in celebration of a model that, at its launch, only came in steel.
The case size remains unchanged at 40mm, but sharp-eyed readers will spot that the GMT-Master II lettering on the dial is now in green, a nice little touch from a brand that likes to keep its modifications subtle.
Key specs
Rolex GMT-Master II
Reference Number: 126710GRNR
Case: 40mm Oystersteel
Movement: Calibre 3285 self-winding
Price: from £9350
Rolex has also introduced two new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40.
The first version features an Everose gold case and a slate ombré dial. The second has a white-gold case and a white mother-of-pearl dial, a first for the Day-Date 40, along with baguette-cut diamond hour markers.
The Day-Date 36 is also released in two new versions, one in 18k yellow gold with a white lacquer dial, one in Everose gold with a blue-green dial.
Both Day-Date 40 and Day-Date 36 come with calibre 3255, introduced in 2015, a movement with Rolex’s high-efficiency Chronenergy escapement. Both come on the iconic President bracelet, as you would expect from a watch that many people still call the Rolex President.
Key specs
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40
Reference Number: 228235
Case: 40mm Everose gold
Movement: Calibre 3255 self-winding
Price: £36,400
There is also a stunning new gold version of the Deepsea. For anyone who likes a watch with serious heft that can go anywhere and catch eyes wherever it goes, this 44mm solid-gold watch is tough to beat.
The 18k yellow-gold case is contrasted with a blue lacquer dial matching the blue ceramic bezel insert. First launched in 2008, the Deepsea’s Ringlock case architecture gives the watch a barely fathomable 3900 metres of water-resistance.
Another little touch on the new version is the gilt lettering of the “Deepsea” lettering complementing the case material.
Key specs
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea
Reference Number: 136668LB
Case: 44mm yellow gold
Movement: 3235
Price: £45,700
Among the Crown’s other Watches & Wonders releases for 2024 is a new version of the Perpetual 1908. Introduced last year as a dressy replacement for the Cellini, Rolex has now brought out a platinum-cased version with a blue “rice and grain” dial.
The 1908 is equipped with calibre 7140, a movement that allows for the small seconds display along with the hours and minutes.
Key specs
Rolex Perpetual 1908
Reference Number: 52506
Case: 39mm platinum
Movement: Calibre 7140
Price: £26,600