Rolex introduces its 2022 collection at Watches and Wonders
Rolex has unveiled its latest creations: watches that shine the light of optimism and innovation on the watchmaking world. In its perpetual quest for excellence, Rolex constantly enhances the aesthetics and technologies of its emblematic timepieces.
AIR-KING
The sky’s the limit with the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King. Rolex’s tribute to the explorers of the skies celebrates the pioneers of aviation and invites wearers to take command of their own destiny.
This striking timepiece features a completely redesigned case with a crown guard and straight sides, an iconic nod to the Professional category. The bracelet proportions have been revisited with a broadened centre link and an Oysterlock safety clasp.
Another crucial optimisation is the new luminescent material used on the hands and hour marker at 12 o’clock providing a longer-lasting glow.
To ensure excellent performance on the wrist, the Oyster Perpetual Air-King carries the Superlative Chronometer certification and is equipped with the calibre 3230, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes and seconds.
The Air-King symbolises the privileged relationship between Rolex and flying during the golden age of aviation in the 1930s; and with its distinctive black dial and combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a prominent minutes scale for optimal navigational time readings, this new-generation of Air-King lives up to its heritage.
GMT-MASTER II
An unexpected version of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II has been unveiled by Rolex and we couldn’t be more excited!
With its unique design and wealth of technical innovations, this original GMT-Master II highlights the model’s readiness for discovery and reinterpretation.
Made from Oystersteel and fitted with an Oyster bracelet, this watch features an eye-catching two-colour monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in green and black ceramic – a colour pairing never before seen on this model.
This new version of the GMT-Master II features the crown and crown guard on the left side of the watchcase along with the date aperture and the Cyclops lens moving to appear at 9 o’clock. This modification required several technical adjustments of the movement and the Superlative Chronometer certification to ensure the GMT-Master II continued to deliver excellent performance on the wrist.
Equipped with calibre 3285, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes, seconds and date, as well as an additional time zone in 24-hour format. It is clear the GMT-Master II continues to evolve offering increasing technical performance for professionals criss-crossing the globe.
DAY-DATE 40
The epitome of prestige and innovation, the Day-Date was the first calendar wristwatch to display the day of the week in addition to the numerical date.
A cornerstone of Rolex’s aesthetic heritage, this striking timepiece, which until now has only been made in 18 ct gold, now exists in the most prestigious metal available – 950 platinum and is easily recognisable with its ice blue dial.
Platinum is a challenging material to work with but has exceptional luminosity and a captivating white glow. Rolex have created a new process to allow them to create a 950 platinum fluted bezel; a technical feat that Rolex was able to realise thanks to its outstanding expertise.
Worn by many of the world’s political figures, directors and visionaries, the Day-Date is instantly recognisable, with its emblematic President bracelet and equipped with calibre 3255 movement that is at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes, seconds, day and date.
YACHT-MASTER 42
A true first and inspired by the original refinement of this emblematic sailing timepiece the Yacht-Master 42 is now available in 18 ct yellow gold.
Previously only offered in 18 ct white gold, this new version of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 includes a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a Cerachrom insert with a raised graduation as well as the innovative Oysterflex bracelet and benefits from an optimised Chromalight display.
The Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers; embodying the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s. A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 42 mm Oyster case of the new Yacht-Master 42 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct yellow gold. It comes equipped with the calibre 3235, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes, seconds and date. Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, ensuring excellent performance on the wrist.
The Yacht-Master 42 provides a perfect blend of functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water.
DATEJUST 31
A firm favourite reimagined with a poetic shimmer of colour giving this classic watch a sense of renewal with its striking floral motif.
Rolex is presenting the decorative Datejust 31 in three new versions inspired by wild summer meadows. The new design comprises 24 distinct flowers each finished in either sunray, matt or grained to allow each bloom to stand out and lit from within by a diamond set into the centre of each blossom.
The combinations available include the Azzurro blue which comes in a white Rolesor (combining Oystersteel and white gold) version and is complimented by a fluted bezel and fitted with an Oyster bracelet.
The second version is crafted in 18 ct yellow gold with a contrasting olive green floral design dial, a bezel set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds and features a President bracelet which is reserved exclusively for the Day-Date and precious metal versions of the Datejust.
The final combination available is an Everose Rolesor (combining Oystersteel and Everose gold) featuring a silver floral motif, striking bezel set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds and complemented beautifully with the Jubilee bracelet.
These new versions of the Datejust 31 are equipped with calibre 2236, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes, seconds and date. The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
The Datejust is the archetype of the classic watch with functions and aesthetics that never go out of fashion.
