Catch up on the latest, direct from Watches & Wonders 2024 with these new Rolex 2024 releases.
Let’s get straight into it. Rolex knocked it out of the park again this year at the 2024 Watches & Wonders event. The brand enjoyed teasing us, then it leaked a few sneak peeks.
Now we get to see what these new Rolex 2024 releases are really saying. Be ready for this. There are some absolute delights!
If you’ve been following us in the build-up to the world’s biggest watch industry event, you’ll have seen my Rolex predictions. And, if you could see me right now, you’d see me hanging my head in shame.
Not even one of my Rolex Watches & Wonders 2024 predictions came true. Unless you’re counting my assumption that there would be no new lines, now, that would have been cool!
Still, you can’t help but admire the company’s unwavering commitment to quality. Its steadfast designs have been spearheading mechanical watch designs for decades.
Rolex never gives us too much. Just enough. Enough to keep us holding our breath right up to the last moment. And now that the launch date has been and gone, the suspense is finally over. And it was worth the wait.
Feast your eyes on these beauties.
Table of Contents
The New Rolex GMT-Master II With Black and Grey Bezel
Kicking Watches & Wonders off to a superb start was the new GMT-Master II debuting in two steel versions.
The Background
There are no prizes for guessing why this is one of the world’s most desirable travel watches. The GMT-Master II has been inspiring the travel watch sector for decades with its crisp, legible format and two-tone bezel.
The reference 6542 marked the first of the series to display the time in two separate time zones. The 1954 release enabled a fourth hand and a unidirectional 24-hour bezel. The design sounds pretty simple on paper, but the Rolex GMT-Master II was particularly forward-thinking for its time.
The model’s automatic engine also evolved as the watch became more technically refined. Eventually, the Calibre 3285 landed, acquiring at least ten patents. That movement features a blue Percheron hairspring to resist magnetic forces and a Chronergy escapement.
If you’re familiar with the GMT-Master II, nicknames like “Batman”, “Pepsi”, and “Root Beer” may ring a bell. These 40mm models show off the brand’s bold and experimental approach to using color. The new grey-black iteration for 2024 is the latest to join the family.
The Newness
The new 2024 Rolex GMT-Master II‘s black and grey bezel isn’t exactly earth-shattering. But it does give connoisseurs who find that the “Pepsi” and “Batman” models are too loud something to enjoy.
I quite like the stealth of the new black and grey bezel paired with the Oystersteel case. The brand’s high-tech ceramic material, Cerachrom, is used in the bezel for its scratch-resistant colour-retaining qualities.
Rolex optimizes the legibility of the bezel by applying a special PVD treatment on the recessed numbers. Paired with the knurled edges, the feature is both practical and stylish.
I enjoy this new Rolex GMT-Master II watch on a three-link Oysterlink bracelet or a five-link Jubilee bracelet. I think that this is a highly sophisticated addition to the brand’s travel watch collection.
Now, all that remains is one question. What should its nickname be?
The New Rolex 1908 Perpetual in Light Blue
The Rolex 1908 is undoubtedly one of the most elegant-looking models available. Although it has only been around for a year, the brand has now broadened the collection to feature a platinum case.
The Background
1908 was the year that Hans Wilsdorf named his watchmaking company “Rolex Watch Company Ltd.” In the same year, the company registered its name in Geneva.
That date, 1908, provided Rolex with the inspiration to create a Perpetual dress watch last year.
The 1908 watch would adopt features of the fondly remembered Cellini while garnering its niche following.
The models released last year measured 39mm in diameter — the perfect size for an elegant dress watch. Inside the case and held behind an exhibition caseback was the Rolex Calibre 7140, laid out in all its glory.
The Newness
It’s not all that common to see Rolex follow up a new collection with more additions the following year. Nevertheless, the new 1908 Perpetual watch for 2024 epitomizes class and opulence with an easy-to-wear design.
Still measuring 39mm in diameter, the new Rolex 1908 watch features a platinum case with a beautiful fluted bezel.
The design is somewhat evocative of vintage dress watches. It’s complete with a pull-out crown that differentiates it from the famous Oyster case.
A curved-end leather band with the brand’s Dualclasp finishes this alluring design perfectly. I particularly love the bulbous-pointed hour hand and the technical dimension added by way of the small seconds function.
An exhibition caseback is still somewhat of a rarity for Rolex. It’s nice to see the band showing off some of its mastery behind a sapphire lens in this design.
The watch also benefits from the fairly new Calibre 7140, complete with plenty of highly decorated elements to admire as it performs.
The New Rolex Deepsea in Blue and Gold
Just a glance at this new Rolex 2024 Release from the Deepsea range, and I was sold!
The Background
Of course, the Rolex Submariner is the pinnacle of the holy grail dive watch — or is it? The Sub’s rich heritage is undeniable, having arrived during the height of the commercialized dive watch era. But the Deepsea watch deserves equal recognition, surely?
In the 1960s, the demand for professional dive tools was at an all-time high. The standard Submariner could offer no more than 200-meter water resistance. Rolex had a goal to triple that.
After months of grueling experimentation and in-depth research, the Sea-Dweller launched with a helium escape valve. It paved the way for further dive watch innovation, including the Rolex Deepsea with a 3,900-meter water resistance.
The latest of the Deepsea range is a stunning 18k yellow gold model adorned with a deep blue ceramic compression ring.
The Newness
The 18k Rolex Deepsea watch for 2024, decked out in a deep blue dial and bezel, is breathtaking. Its price tag is around $57,000. Given its RRP, you may want to think twice about diving with this watch.
Its 18k yellow gold case is sure to have enthusiasts wondering whether this is still a professional watch or not. But rest assured — this new 2024 Rolex Deepsea watch is still water resistant to a staggering 3,900 meters!
A triple waterproofness system and Triplock winding crown help secure this rating.
Regardless of how flamboyant the watch is, it is, hands-down, my favorite of the brand’s watch releases for 2024.
The New Rolex Sky-Dweller With Jubilee Bracelet
For the first time, the Rolex Sky-Dweller is now available with the Jubilee bracelet in 18k yellow gold or Everose.
The Background
Enthusiasts love the Sky-Dweller for its combined annual calendar and second-time zone design. It is one of the brand’s most complicated watches, with 14 patents.
A conventional 24-hour disc defines the Rolex Sky-Dweller. Collectors often prefer to use this feature as home time and the main hands as local time.
While the stainless steel models are great investments, the charm and allure of a solid 18k gold Rolex watch is undeniable. Its rotating command bezel is by far one of its most distinctive design elements, particularly in this new 2024 release.
The Newness
One of the key features of the Rolex Sky-Dweller is the local time. You can quickly and effortlessly adjust it when in a hurry. The one-hour increments can move forward or backward without affecting the other indicators.
Two new iterations of the Sky-Dweller appeared at this year’s Watches and Wonders 2024 event. Both Oyster cases measure 42mm and boast 18k gold metal with Jubilee bracelets.
This is the first time the Jubilee bracelet has featured in the Sky-Dweller series. One model is crafted from 18k Everose and pairs with a mesmerizing slate-colored dial. The other is an 18k model featuring a clean white dial.
Both new Rolex Sky-Dweller watches for 2024 feature a fluted bezel, a 100-meter water-resistant rating, and the Calibre 9002.
With an anti-magnetic nickel phosphorous escapement, the brand’s movement delivers incredible accuracy and promises a 70-hour power reserve.
This has to be one of the most exciting Rolex releases this year, particularly now that it features the covetable Jubilee bracelet.
The New Rolex Day Date With an Ombre Dial
The changes are subtle in this new Rolex Day Date watch for 2024. But with a dial that brand experts describe as a “symphony of shade”, it would be rude not to take a little peek.
The Background
The Day-Date watch became a flagship of the Rolex catalog in 1956 and an instant (expensive) hit with collectors.
Originally, it was only available in 18k gold (white, yellow, or rose) or platinum. Some modifications arrived in 1959, featuring slightly different hands and the famous President bracelet.
The quick-set mechanism for the day and date, however, would come much later on.
Pie-pan dials and flat dials provided some versatility amongst the designs in this collection before straight-set hands arrived. Bark and brushed effects on the bezel and bracelet also added more configurations to the collection.
With more than six decades of history, the Day-Date and Day-Date II models have never ceased to fascinate collectors. The collection may have seen some of the most unusual and varied styles over the years. However, the latest models are incredibly modest.
The Newness
The new Rolex Day-Date watches are identical to the Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40 watches. The difference here is that the dial colors are swapped. Those dial colors that were only available in one specific size before are now available in their counterpart sizes.
Twinlock screw-down cases and screw-down casebacks are still present to help uphold 100 meters of water resistance. The watches also feature the in-house Calibre 3255 and come fitted on a Jubilee bracelet.
I particularly like the slate ombre dial. Its subdued dark tones, combined with the company’s deconstructed Roman numeral hour markers, are a really nice combination.
Now made available in the 40mm version (as opposed to just the diamond-set 36mm option), these gradient dials are intense and captivating.
The second enticing option is the mother-of-pearl dial in the Day-Date 40. It’s the first time the dial material features in the model. Its lustrous surface catches the light beautifully while framed inside its steel case, complete with the iconic riveted bezel.
The third option is the 18k yellow gold Day-Date 36 model with a white lacquered dial. Before now, the Roman numeral dial was only available in the 40mm models.
In fact, the same configuration is available for larger 40mm sizes. Female collectors and those with small wrists, however, will now be glad of this new configuration.
The New Mother of Pearl Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Rolex unveiled two breathtaking Cosmograph Daytona watches at this year’s Geneva event. The launch of these new racing-inspired designs was what hardcore fans were waiting for.
The Background
The Daytona is a cult classic. It’s a true favorite amongst Rolex fans and one of the most expensive models to collect (depending on scarcity). Collectors love the legendary chronograph for its unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation.
Over the years, the Cosmograph Daytona has garnered great interest among fans. Collectors recognize its covetable design by its trio of chronograph counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.
Moreover, it became hugely popular once styled on the wrist of legendary actor Paul Newman. His model became one of the most expensive collectibles in the world, selling for a colossal €17.8 million in 2017.
The Newness
The new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watches boast captivating mother-of-pearl dials with scintillating diamonds.
The first is a white mother-of-pearl dial with black mother-of-pearl counters. The second model features the reverse. White mother-of-pearl counters sit against a backdrop of iridescent black mother-of-pearl.
The mix of textures and materials chosen for the new 2024 Daytona watches elevates the popular model to an all-new luxurious height.
The ingenious blend of pearl and diamonds enrobes the Calibre 413, engineered just last year. It features a high level of detail and decorative finishes to match the Cosmograph’s new makeover.
These two new Rolex Daytona watches come on an Oysterflex bracelet. The bracelet has a flexible metal core and an elastomer coating for improved comfort.
Summary
There we have it — all the Rolex 2024 releases from Watches and Wonders. From sexy ombre dials and elegant Day-Date watches to 18k yellow gold dive watches and shimmering mother-of-pearl Daytona watches. This is a complete mixed bag of releases from the industry giant this year.
What was your favorite? Let me know in the comments! For more industry news from the luxury watch world, sign up for our newsletter today.
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