The Laings Journal
In an exhibition of its continued innovative and pioneering spirit, Rolex presents the 2022 creations refining its iconic models with technical prowess and watchmaking expertise.
Air-King
The 1930s marked a time where humanity began to conquer aviation, setting records and pioneering the introduction of long-distance flights. During this trailblazing period, several pilots set records while wearing an Oyster. A tribute to this golden age of aviation, paying homage to explorers of the skies, Rolex unveils a new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King.
The new Air-King features a redesigned case with crown guard and straight sides, affirming waterproofness and protection of the movement. While revisiting its proportions and broadening the centre link, Rolex relies on the enduring creation of the 1930s, equipping the new Air-King with an Oyster bracelet. The unmistakable Air-King dial has also been refreshed, with the addition of a ‘0’ before the ‘5’ on the minutes scale, creating the perfect balance and enhancing legibility. Each five-minute interval is, therefore, now marked by two digits.
The new Air-King is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement introduced in 2020 and chosen fittingly for the new timepiece, enabling it to display the hours, minutes and seconds, and highly reputed for its performance in precision, power and reliability.
GMT-Master II
Designed as a navigation aid for professionals travelling the globe, the Rolex GMT-Master became the watch of choice for travellers. Introduced in 1982, the GMT-Master II allows its wearer to read the time in two time zones simultaneously.
This year, Rolex unveils a new version of this iconic model, disrupting the norm with a crown and crown guard on the left side of the watch case and a colour pairing never before seen on this model. Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc and bezel inserts, and this year, this expertise is channelled into the creation of the new GMT-Master II. The 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert is in a striking green and black, with rare intensity and resistant to environmental effects.
Day-Date 40
Emblematic of the history of Rolex innovation, the Day-Date, introduced in 1956, was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelled out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock on the dial – a technical feat at the time.
Rolex unveils the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 950 platinum, strikingly recognisable by the ice-blue-dial, and first-time fluted bezel. While the most prestigious metal available, platinum is renowned as challenging to work with. In a demonstration of technical prowess, Rolex created an innovative new manufacturing process for creating a fluted bezel in 950 platinum. Rolex was able to produce fluting with the perfect shape, even in its platinum timepieces. The new Day-Date 40 is fitted with a President bracelet, characteristic to the eminent figures who have worn it.
Datejust 31
The archetype of a classic watch, the Rolex Datejust consolidates function and refined aesthetics to create a timepiece that stands the test of time.
Introducing three new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31, Rolex decorates this classic watch with floral-motif dials. The new timepieces are an invigoration of energy, bringing a sense of renewal with colour and shimmering florals. The floral-motif dial is azzurro blue on the first new timepiece – a white Rolesor version fitted with a fluted bezel. On the second watch, crafted from 18 ct yellow gold, it is in olive green, and on the third – an Everose Rolesor – it is in silver. On the second and third watches the bezel is set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, and they are equipped with a President bracelet and a Jubilee bracelet respectively. Each of their unique finishes – either sunray, matt, or ingrained – allow the watches to stand out beautifully from one another.
Yacht-Master 40
Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master has earned its place at sea, accompanying navigators with its perfect blend of functionality and nautical style.
Taking inspiration from the aurora borealis and the glow of dawn, Rolex unveil a new, colourful, sparkling version of the Yacht-Master 40. For the first time, this emblematic timepiece is crafted in 18ct white gold and is decorated with diamonds and sapphires, a harmonious sequence of the five hues of pink, light-blue, purple, dark-blue sapphire and diamond.
Yacht-Master 42
Drawing inspiration from the original emblematic timepiece, the new Yacht-Master 42 is renewed in 18ct yellow gold for the first time. Maintaining the functional capabilities which saw this timepiece become the choice for sailing, the new Yacht-Master is equipped with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a Cerachrom insert with a raised graduation as well as the innovative Oysterflex bracelet and Chromalight display. The new Yacht-Master, in 18ct yellow gold, maintains its course while allowing its wearer to shine with the surface of the sea.
As an Official Rolex Retailer, we are proud that Rolex is available in all Laings cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton and Cardiff. Visit our stores to explore the dedicated Rolex showrooms and learn more about the new 2022 watches from our expertly trained team.