Rolex is perhaps one of the brands that most collectors are keeping tabs on, during this time of the year. Naturally, as a leader in the horological world, everyone wants to know what the figurehead has on its sleeves. Now that we have digested the information a little, we will be giving some quick commentary on our thoughts on the latest Rolex novelties from Watches & Wonders 2022.

Press Release information with Commentary in italics.

New: Rolex novelties from Watches & Wonders 2022

Recommended retail prices:

• Rolex GMT-Master II 126720VTNR: Bracelet SGD 15,240.
• Rolex Air-King 126900: SGD 10,140.
• Rolex Datejust 31 278274: SGD 13,950.
• Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226658: SGD 39,240, with Oysterflex Strap
• Rolex Day-Date 40 228236: Price on Request.

Prices are inclusive of GST.

Commentary

When it comes to novelties from Rolex, there are always two groups of individuals. On one hand, you have hardcore fans who feel that Rolex can do no wrong. On the other hand, there are collectors who think that Rolex’s novelties are not that novel. However, given the opportunity, we are certain that neither group of collectors will turn down the chance to purchase a brand new Rolex – especially their latest 2022 watches – at retail price.

There are a few key highlights from this year’s launch. Naturally, the new GMT-Master II, now with a new green and black bezel insert and the crown on the left, is the talk of the town. This is followed up with the Air-King, now with a new dial and an additional pair of crown guards. Special mention also goes to the Datejust 31, with a rather impressive looking flower-motif dial that also incidentally features three different finishes.‘

Beyond these three pieces, there are also notably new options added for the Day-Date 40 and the Yacht-Master 42. The former is now available with a fluted bezel in platinum, which is a first for the brand, while the latter is now available in yellow gold. We have also noted that the Deepsea has an upgraded movement, while new dial options are also available for the likes of the Datejust, Day-Date, and Yacht-Master.

Rolex GMT-Master II 126720VTNR

The new GMT-Master II 126720VTNR is a watch that we should have seen it coming, but we certainly do not have the guts to say it out. After all, Tudor – the sister brand – had launched a left-handed timepiece in the form of the Pelagos LHD several years back. But of course, for a brand that is as conservative as Rolex, we might think that they would probably not do something as such – at least for now.

While this is not the first time that Rolex had placed the crown on the left side of the case, this is perhaps the first time that Rolex had done so on a piece that is commercially available. The change had also resulted in Rolex replacing the date aperture to the 9 o’clock position, and more significantly, changes had to be made to the testing process to ensure that the machines are able to record the GMT-Master II’s performance, as the equipment are manufactured to test watches whose crown are typically placed on the right side.

The new GMT-Master II is a lovely piece, but it is also esoteric at the same time. The new crown and date aperture placement surely needs some time to get used to, as well as the new colour combination on the bezel insert. This is certainly a welcoming addition, but on a more significant note, this is perhaps an insight into Rolex and how the brand is looking to break beyond their “conservativeness”, as suggested by many collectors over the years.

Rolex Air-King 126900

Since its introduction in 2016, we have been great fans of the Air-King. It is something that is rather different from its brethren, and we like that it has this sort of vibrancy and youthfulness that it brings onto the table.

This year, Rolex had done some cosmetic changes to the timepiece. The most notable ones are the inclusion of an additional pair of crown guard, as well as the addition of the “0” before the “5” on the minutes scale. On top of that, the “3”, “6, and “9” indices are now filled with luminescent material too. While these changes are minute, it certainly improves the looks and practicality of the Air-King.

Rolex Datejust 31

This particular series of Datejust 31, in our opinion, is rather poetic and stunning. We love the new floral-motif dial, which combines three different finishes – sunray, matte, and grained. There is this hint of elegance, and also vibrancy, with such a beautiful blue dial. It is also adorned with 24 diamonds, no less. We reckon this Datejust 31 will surely be a popular piece with the ladies.

Press Release Information

GMT-Master II 126720VTNR

• 40mm Oyster case, in Oystersteel. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown.
• Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel. Two-colour green and black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, moulded numerals and graduations.
• Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. 24-hour display. Second time zone with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand. Instantaneous date. Stop-seconds for precise time setting.
• Calibre 3285, with a precision of +/- 2 seconds a day, after casing. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing) certified.

The GMT-Master was made for airborne adventure. Now the watch of choice for travellers, it connects people beyond time zones.

Since its creation in 1955, the watch has accompanied some of the greatest moments in aeronautical history. From the first intercontinental flights to world speed records and Concorde testing – feats that are human as much as they are technological find echo in the GMT-Master II with the crown on the left.

This new version of the timepiece is an innovation for the range. It required moving the winding crown to the left side of the watch case and the date aperture to 9 o’clock, as well as modifying the date disc – adjustments that also led to changes in the precision testing process carried out during final controls. The Cerachrom bezel insert is in green and black, an original colour combination that is exclusive to this watch.

A watch whose appearance is always up to date, the GMT-Master II once again confirms its contemporary appeal with changes that illustrate Rolex’s drive for aesthetic and technical excellence.

Air-King 126900

• 40mm Oyster case, in Oystersteel. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown.
• Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Stop-seconds for precise time setting.
• Calibre 3230, with a precision of +/- 2 seconds a day, after casing. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing) certified.

A tribute to explorers of the skies, the Air-King celebrates the pioneers of aviation and invites wearers to take command of their own destiny.

Since 2016, the watch has had a resolutely professional appearance, with a dial inspired by aircraft instruments. In 2022, it incorporates new features. The dial is now easier to read and more harmoniously balanced thanks to the addition of a ‘0’ before the ‘5’ on the minutes scale, while a crown guard and straight sides have also been included. These evolutions confirm the Air-King’s place among the brand’s Professional models. Finally, the timepiece also sports a subtle line of light along the middle case – a symbol of the new horizons so often opened up by Rolex.

Datejust 31 278274

• 31mm Oyster case, in Oystersteel and white gold. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown.
• Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting.
• Calibre 2236, with a precision of +/- 2 seconds a day, after casing. Power reserve of approximately 55 hours. Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing) certified.
• Azzurro blue dial, floral motif set with 24 diamonds in 18 ct gold settings. Also available in olive green and silver.

A splash of colour. A poetic shimmer. A sense of renewal. The dials that decorate the new Datejust 31 are bursting with fresh energy and full of promise. With its three different finishes – sunray, matt and grained – the floral motif springs to life in the light. It is available in three colours: azzurro blue, olive green and silver. The pieces are shining examples of refined dial-making expertise, requiring high-technology finishing techniques. The textural effects are further enhanced by diamonds of varying sizes, which call to mind dewdrops illuminating the centre of the flowers.

A timeless model whose style has often evolved, the Datejust once again proves its contemporary appeal. Resplendent and sparkling, these new floral-motif dials appear enlivened with movement, offering a different perspective on the cycle of the seasons.

Yacht-Master 42 226658

• 42mm Oyster case, in yellow gold. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown.
• Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations.
• Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting.
• Calibre 3235, with a precision of +/- 2 seconds a day, after casing. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing) certified.
• Oysterflex bracelet. Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer.

A new jewel shines on the surface of the sea: for the first time, the Yacht-Master 42 is available in yellow gold – an inspired and original refinement to the emblematic sailing timepiece that in no way alters its course.

This 18 ct gold alloy is unique. Created and cast at the brand’s foundry in Geneva, Switzerland, it offers unparalleled resistance, making the new Yacht-Master 42, fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, an unbeatable ally on the open seas.

Day-Date 40 228236

• 42mm Oyster case, in platinum. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown.
• Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous day and date in apertures, unrestricted rapid-setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting.
• Calibre 3255, with a precision of +/- 2 seconds a day, after casing. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing) certified.

The Day-Date has always epitomized prestige and innovation. Exclusively made from precious metals, it was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in a window on the dial.

The Day-Date 40 in platinum is now available with a fluted bezel in the same material – the noblest of metals. This aesthetic and technical feat required many years of research and development, as platinum is challenging to work with. The process of creating the fluting, which was initially meant for gold, had to be adapted in order to manufacture the bezel.

A reflection of Rolex’s perfectionism, the new Day-Date 40 gleams brightly, exemplifying one of the brand’s key ideals: to master materials in order to make better progress.