Watches and Wonders 2022: Rolex Launches Six New Timepieces
6 min read
On March 30, 2022, Rolex launched six new timepieces at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. Boasting a timeless appeal and innovative designs, these timepieces represent a fresh take on existing classics.
Let's look at these in a bit more detail here.
1. Air-King
An ode to Rolex’s relationship with the aviation pioneers of the 1930s, the brand has released a new-generation Air-King. The timepiece has been upgraded for greater lucidity and form. For one, while the black dial remains inspired by aircraft instruments, it has been upgraded for easier readability. The enhanced aesthetic balance is thanks to the added ‘0’ before ‘5’ and the optimised chromalight display, with the hands and 12, 3, 6 and 9-hour markers coated with luminescent material. On the Oyster case, you find a crown guard protecting the twinlock winding crown and straight sides (characteristic to the brand’s Professional category models). The timepiece also features a subtle light line on the middle case, epitomising the new horizons Rolex is unveiling. Powered by calibre 3230, which was manufactured by Rolex in 2020, the watch offers a power reserve of 70 hours.
2. GMT Master - II
In a surprise for Rolex aficionados, the GMT-Master II features the crown on the left and the date aperture and Cyclops lens moved to 9 o’clock. Besides technical modifications, the timepiece also boasts a new two-tone monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black and green ceramic, a colour combination that is a first for the model and exclusive to it. The wearer can view the time across two time zones—local and reference. Fashioned for travel enthusiasts and navigation experts, the self-winding watch is powered by calibre 3285. From its creation in 1955 to its reinvention in 2022, the sought-after watch has come a long way with regard to its technical and aesthetic advancements. With scratch-proof ceramic, high-intensity hues and waterproofness to 10 bar, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II reinforces its appeal as a must-have destro timepiece for adventurers.
3. Day-Date 40
The “Presidents’ Watch” gets a new look with the Day-Date 40 in 950 platinum with a fluted bezel for the first time. The Day-Date timepiece has been known as the harbinger for many technical advancements. For instance, in 1956, it was the first watch to introduce the day of the week, spelt out in full, in a window on the dial, along with the date. In the 2022 iteration, the fluted bezel, present in a select few Rolex watches, demanded extensive research and development as platinum can be challenging to work with. The gleaming timepiece is powered by calibre 3255, first introduced in 2015, and has a beautiful ice-blue dial. The date is easily readable, thanks to the Cyclop lens at 3 o’clock. Finally, the three-piece link President bracelet, exclusive to the Day-Date collection, rounds up the visual appeal of the timepiece.
4. Yacht-Master 42
For the first time, the Yacht-Master 42 has been launched in yellow gold. For sailors and lovers of the sea, the Yacht-Master has been a coveted timepiece since its launch in 1992. The latest iteration in a unique 18-karat yellow gold alloy features an optimised Chromalight display, enhanced hues and an Oysterflex bracelet. Like in the original model, there’s a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in matt black ceramic. With bright hour markers and hands and a bezel with knurled edges for improved grip, the Yacht-Master 42 is the ideal companion for time off at sea. Powered by calibre 3235, the self-winding watch is built to last.
5. Datejust 31
The new Datejust 31 brings to mind a beautiful day in nature, with vibrant flowers in full bloom taking centre stage. The brilliant dial encapsulates the optimism characteristic to Rolex’s latest release. Available in four colours, azzurro blue, olive green and silver, the timepiece takes you through the different seasons in a visually appealing fashion. It features 24 unique floral motifs bearing different finishes, including matt, sunray and grained, with dewdrops—by way of diamonds of varying sizes—in the centre. Wearers get to choose from iterations in white Rolesor (azzurro blue), yellow gold (olive green) and Everose Rolesor (silver). The olive green and silver versions feature a diamond-set bezel, bearing a President bracelet and Jubilee bracelet respectively. The timepiece is powered by calibre 2236.
6. Yacht-Master 40
Inspired by the glow of dawn, the new Yacht-Master 40 is all about the sparkle. The dazzling timepiece features a rotatable bezel, bearing trapeze-cut pink sapphire, blue sapphire, diamond, purple sapphire and dark blue sapphire, harmoniously repeated eight times. It is encased in lugs and crown guard, dotted with 48 diamonds. There is also a triangular diamond at 12 o’clock. Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the watch is powered by calibre 3235. It also has a date display at 3 o'clock which bears a Cyclops lens for easier readability.
These new timepieces by Rolex are vibrant, rooted in history and, undoubtedly, future-forward.
