Watches and Wonders 2023: Rolex

The Cosmograph Daytona is introduced with the calibre 4131 movement. This new chronograph movement, an evolution of calibre 4130, incorporates several major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement.

A prestigious and iconic watch, the Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum now features a transparent case back as well as an oscillating weight made of 18ct yellow gold and like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, ensuring excellent performance on the wrist. Through its name and functions, the Cosmograph Daytona is forever linked to the world of motor sport and, 60 years after its launch, continues to boast unparalleled status among sport chronographs.

Unveiled this year, is the 1908 is equipped with calibre 7140. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this new movement includes the Chronergy escapement, the Syloxi hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. Like all Rolex watches, the Perpetual 1908 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

The Explorer 40 is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2020 at the forefront of watchmaking technology, providing essential functions – hours, minutes and seconds.

The Oyster bracelet of this new model features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

A paragon of robustness and elegance, the 42mm Oyster case of the new-generation Sky-Dweller is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the versions presented is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, or 18 ct white or Everose gold. Its case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.

Designed as a navigation aid for professionals criss-crossing the globe, the GMT-Master has become the watch of choice for world travellers. It has a unique and instantly recognisable design with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated insert, which has been made available in various dual-colour combinations – the lower half symbolising daytime hours and the upper signalling night-time hours as well as in single-colour versions.

Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. Not only are these materials virtually scratchproof, but their colours are also of a rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects.

The Oyster Perpetual 31 is equipped with calibre 2232, while the Oyster Perpetual 36 and Oyster Perpetual 41 are both fitted with calibre 3230. These two movements are at the forefront of watchmaking technology and provide essential functions – hours, minutes and seconds.

Watches in the Oyster Perpetual range are direct descendants of the original Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, on which Rolex has built its reputation since 1926. Timeless in their essence, they are continually reinterpreted and have gradually been endowed with the brand’s successive technical innovations. The varied and constantly evolving colours and design of the dials ensure the Oyster Perpetual never loses its fresh and contemporary appeal.

All three are endowed with a bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds and fitted on a President bracelet. Created especially for the launch of the prestigious Day-Date in 1956, this three-piece link bracelet, made only from 18ct gold or 950 platinum, is still reserved exclusively for the Day-Date and precious metal versions of the Datejust.