The Laings Journal
With its latest creations, Rolex demonstrates its perpetual pursuit of excellence. An ever-present challenge manifested in the brand’s ambition to perfect every component, question every method, and master every aspect of watchmaking expertise. The watches unveiled illustrate a desire to reinvent while preserving a sense of continuity, to innovate while being mindful of tradition, and to leverage technology in daring to create. It is through such efforts – bolstered by the ‘superlative’ vision that permeates the entire creation process down to the finest detail – that exemplary timepieces are formed and prevail. Watches that, with time, become icons.
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
Beginning its story on the racing circuits, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona has reached far beyond the tracks, with a timeless aesthetic and a performance that is second to none. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Rolex has revisited the entire range, demonstrating that the pursuit of excellence is a race that knows no end.
The revamped display has an undeniably harmonious and modern feel. It features a new graphic balance, with resized indexes, overhauled counter rings and a subtle combination of colours and finishes.
An impressive feature of the 950 platinum version is the 18ct yellow gold oscillating weight, visible to the wearer through a transparent sapphire caseback, an exciting first in the Oyster Perpetual collection. Its superiority in watchmaking is also evident with the use of rare and precious platinum. Crafted in-house, Rolex exclusively uses an alloy composed of 950% platinum and a precise dose of ruthenium, further showcasing technological prowess.
Equipped with the new caliber 4131, the impressive movement demonstrates some of the major innovations made by Rolex. It also has beautiful aesthetic features, an openworked oscillating weight and, on the bridges, an exclusive Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration – a reinterpretation of an emblematic decoration of traditional Swiss watchmaking, making it truly one-of-a-kind.
Perpetual 1908
The new face of excellence.
The timeless Perpetual 1908, referencing the official registration of the brand, is an elegant balance of classic and contemporary that takes its inspiration from a 1931 Oyster Perpetual. Encompassing historic codes, as well as watchmaking innovations, it beautifully reveals the expertise of Rolex.
Boasting a sleek design with appealing modern features, its classic feel is also emphasised by the slender case, which is reduced by one third compared to the models in the Oyster Perpetual collection. The shape of the hands, the faceted hour markers, and the bezel – domed and with fine fluting – are emblematic of Rolex’s watchmaking heritage.
Finished with a transparent back, wearers can admire the quality of the movement. The new Dualclasp clasp has been designed to enhance wearer comfort by following the shape of the wrist.
The 1908 is brought to life by the 7140, a completely new automatic calibre, finished with two central hands and small seconds at 6 o'clock. Five patent applications have been filed for this wonderfully slim movement, showcasing incredible technological advancements. This timepiece is mounted on an alligator leather strap with a green lining.
Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
Master the lightness.
Designed for adventurers, sport sailing and nautical performance, the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in titanium RLX is light and robust, the perfect ally to those who seek freedom of movement. Its lightness is serious business.
This is the first time that RLX titanium has been seen in the Yacht-Master range. Characterised by its lightness, and resistance to deformation and corrosion, using RLX titanium reduces the weight by around a third compared to an equivalent steel watch. It is not just a technically superior watch – the finish is equally impressive, combining polished, shiny and technical satin, a testament to Rolex’s know-how in terms of machining and finishing.
Other noteworthy elements include a bidirectional rotating bezel fitted with a matt black ceramic Cerachrom disc, the RLX titanium Oyster bracelet, as well as an Easylink comfort quick extension.
Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller
Towards the ultimate and beyond.
Crafted with world-travellers in mind, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller boasts two time zones and an annual calendar. The renewed range features aesthetic evolutions, as well as technical developments, demonstrating that excellence is in the smallest detail.
For 2023 18ct white gold has made a comeback, this time paired with a standout black dial, and for the first time, an Oysterflex bracelet. The revised collection also features new dial hues, a delicate mint green, available on the Rolesor versions and an elegant blue-green, only on the 18ct Everose gold reference with an Oyster bracelet.
Equipped with caliber 9002, one of the most complex movements created by Rolex watchmakers, it is a technically impressive watch. The Saros annual calendar, patented by Rolex, was developed especially for the Sky-Dweller and, impressively, the calendar automatically differentiates 30-day months from 31-day months, therefore requiring only one date correction per year. To provide further ease when travelling the Ring command system, an interaction mechanism between the rotating bezel, the winding crown and the movement, allows the wearer to select functions and adjust them in a simple, quick and secure manner.
Oyster Perpetual GMT-MASTER II
Highlighting our connection to the world.
The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II creates a link throughout the world, making it possible to move between time zones. The 2023 launches see two new versions in 18ct yellow gold and yellow Rolesor, fitted with a Cerachrom disc in grey and black ceramic, a unique colour combination that better releases light. This inspiring aesthetic has led to the instantly recognisable model being reimagined to symbolise the course of the sun, as well as the juxtaposition of day and night, with a golden Jubilee bracelet and a two-tone bezel in dark hues.
With global travellers in mind, the GMT-Master II allows the wearer to simultaneously read the time of two time zones. The latest iterations have been updated with the triangular-tipped 24-hour hand being crafted in 18ct yellow gold, offering an elegant contrast with the black lacquered dial. To further celebrate the aesthetic of this timeless wristwatch, the new versions come exclusively with a Jubilee bracelet.
Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40
The greatness of adventure.
A benchmark through the ages, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer is an iconic model. The range has been expanded this year to include a new 40mm model, offering increased readability even in the harshest of environments.
Crafted in a solid block of Oystersteel it provides simplicity, robustness and readability. With adventurous terrains in mind it is corrosion-resistant, as well as being equipped with a double waterproofness system, practically scratch-proof sapphire and anti-reflective treatment. The high-performing, luminescent chromalight display is a further companion to explorers, emitting a blue glow in the dark, and in the daylight a particularly vivid white tint.
Oyster Perpetual
The effervescence of excellence.
With a playful look for 2023, the Oyster Perpetual 31, 36 and 41 have been reimagined with a colourful joy, presenting a crackle of colours and a playful pop aesthetic. The delightful dials are studded with multicoloured bubbles, taking the candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green, that was first presented in the 2023 range and creating a wonder that is undeniable.
The aesthetic innovation of the new releases is matched by impressive technical features, including the movements 2232 and 3230. Unveiled in 2023, they incorporate recent innovations that have been entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Finally, the latest launches are crafted in Oystersteel, an alloy that provides a unique luster, the perfect companion to the burst of colour on the dial.
Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36
Every dial is a discovery.
Evoking the magical atmosphere of the Mediterranean coasts, the shimmering hues of the new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 are finished with dials crafted in ornamental stone. The elegant pieces are all unique with dials available in green aventurine, carnelian and turquoise, providing a sophisticated range of wristwatches that are true works of art.
To further emphasize the glamourous spirit of the launches, brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the watches, with Rolex using only the highest-quality gems, meticulously selected for their intensity. Set beside 18ct yellow gold, 18ct Everose gold and 18ct white gold the diamonds glow with the warm lustre of the metals, bringing to mind the luxurious feel of the summer sun. Presented on the three-link President bracelet, they are wristwatches that will not fail to inspire.
Thank you for reading about Rolex at Watches and Wonders 2023. For information about these models at Laings, please visit HERE.