Last year’s releases defied expectations. Rolex stunned enthusiasts with bold, unexpected creations, including the colorful “Celebration Dial” Oyster Perpetual, the whimsical “Puzzle” Day-Date with its emoji-filled date wheel, and the “Le Mans” replica Rolex Daytona, featuring a custom movement and a Paul Newman-inspired exotic dial. These bold moves have set the stage for even more speculation about what might be unveiled this year.
Based on recent trends and Rolex’s teaser hints, here are five watches we’re eager to see in 2024:
- GMT-Master II with a “Coke” Bezel
A potential highlight for 2024 could be the return of the GMT-Master II with a bi-color red and black ceramic bezel, affectionately known as the “Coke” bezel. First introduced in 1982 and last seen in 2005 with an aluminum bezel, this variant has yet to appear in Rolex’s durable Cerachrom ceramic. Recent patent filings suggest that this might change, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
- A Revitalized Milgauss
The discontinuation of the Milgauss last year left many fans disappointed. Known for its anti-magnetic properties and distinctive design, including the green-tinted sapphire crystal and lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand, the Milgauss has been a unique staple since 1956. Although it may seem soon for a revival, Rolex has a history of surprising us. A Milgauss comeback with cutting-edge anti-magnetic technology to rival Omega’s METAS-certified watches would be a thrilling development.
- Sea-Dweller in RLX Titanium
Following the success of the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium, a titanium version of the Sea-Dweller seems like a natural next step. Given the Sea-Dweller’s reputation as a serious dive watch and the existence of a titanium model in the Deepsea Challenge, this addition to the lineup would make perfect sense.
- Wider Adoption of Sapphire Casebacks
Last year, clone Rolex took a bold step by introducing sapphire display casebacks on models like the Daytona and the 1908. This move suggests that more models could follow suit, with the Day-Date being a strong contender. If this happens, we might also see enhancements to the Calibre 3255 movement, aligning it with the luxurious essence of the Day-Date.
- Explorer I with a White Dial
Many Rolex enthusiasts are crossing their fingers for an Explorer I with a white dial, akin to the Explorer II. While Rolex has traditionally been conservative with dial color changes, recent expansions in the Explorer line – such as the introduction of a two-tone Rolesor Explorer and the new 40mm steel model – indicate that a white dial variant might be within reach.