The year 2019 was one of subtle improvements in Rolex’s mainstay Oyster Perpetual collection. In that respect Baselword 2019 was a typical fair showing for the Genevan giant, which rarely, if ever, changes a winning game. And why would it?
Legibility and wearability remained the name of the game in last year’s releases – except perhaps for the new bejeweled Daytona Wildcat, which looks to favor extravagance over legibility. It has generally seen a degree of derision as well as a degree of praise on social media. How do you feel about this polarizing chronograph (photos below)?
In all other cases, Rolex did what it does best: gradual progress of watch design and technical accomplishment aimed at prolonging user satisfaction by offering improved products that retain the same core values that drew consumers’ interest in the first place.
As Rolex enthusiasts are undoubtedly aware, the brand’s philosophy has long focused on improving and perfecting every detail of the watch. This ongoing commitment is one reason for the overwhelming success and reputation Rolex enjoys worldwide.
Without further ado, here are the seven main new Rolex models introduced in 2019 plus a few surprise variations.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31
Rolex calls its iconic Datejust, first introduced in 1945, “the archetype of the classic watch thanks to functions and aesthetics that never go out of fashion.” And for watch lovers, nothing further needs to be said.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31
The Datejust’s excellent reputation, now active for more than 70 years, can be chalked up to a formula for success comprising the robust Oyster case, chronometric precision, a classic design, and the signature date indication at 3 o’clock magnified by the Cyclops lens on the crystal, a Rolex invention from 1953.
For 2019, Rolex unleashed two new variants of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31, one in pink gold with a pink dial. The variation shown here however features a two-tone case combining stainless steel and yellow gold (a metal combination that Rolex calls Rolesor) paired with an olive green, sunray dial, yellow gold hands, and Roman numerals. The Roman numeral VI sparkles with the brilliance of 11 brilliant-cut diamonds.
This color scheme combining radiant yellow gold with the warm green hue adds a decidedly fresh zest to the proven classic. The cool look and feel of the watch are topped off by the iconic Datejust fluted bezel and echoed by the Jubilee bracelet’s inner links crafted in yellow gold. The two-tone Oyster case, water resistant to 100 meters and in a diameter of 31 mm, is perfectly sized for the smaller wrist.
The new versions of the Datejust 31 are equipped with automatic Caliber 2236 featuring signature Rolex inventions including the silicon Syloxi hairspring and a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel. The oscillator is fitted with the brand’s Paraflex shock protection, further increasing the movement’s shock resistance.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31
Like all Rolex watches, the Datejust 31 is adjusted to the Superlative Chronometer certification defined by Rolex in 2015. Applied to the fully assembled watch, it comprises a series of tests Rolex conducts in its own laboratories that guarantee particularly high performance in terms of precision, power reserve, and water resistance.
The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is on the order of −2 /+2 seconds per day, more than twice that required of an officially certified C.O.S.C. chronometer.
Further reading: Diva Time: 3 Great New Ladies’ Watches With Timeless Good Looks From Patek Philippe, Rolex, And Carl F. Bucherer
For more information, please visit www.rolex.com/watches/new-watches/new-datejust-31.
Quick Facts Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31
Case: 31 x 11 mm, steel and yellow gold
Movement: automatic Caliber 2236, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, power reserve 55 hours, Syloxi silicon hairspring, nickel-phosphorus escape wheel, officially chronometer certified
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; date
Price: $11,550
Remark: five-year international guarantee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36
Starting with Baselworld 2018, Rolex has subtly been revisiting its 36 mm Datejust models. The two stainless steel/white gold models revealed at Baselworld 2019 were the last of these.
Up until the year 1945, when someone wondered what the date was they looked it up on a calendar. It was in that year that Rolex changed that with the introduction of the Datejust, which has the honor of being the first wristwatch to display the date in a window.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 Reference 126234
For 2019, the Oystersteel (Rolex speak for 904L stainless steel) case is now a bit more streamlined. The Jubilee bracelet has also seen a slight revision, most evidently in the end links. The center links are now more robust than ever and designed to integrate better with the roundness of the case flank. Its Oysterlock clasp features a 5 mm Easylink extension.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 Reference 126234
Two new versions of this watch were introduced in white Rolesor: one with a white mother-of-pearl dial and 10 diamond hour markers (choice of fluted or diamond-set bezel) and the one shown here with a black dial.
Further reading: 2019 Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234: A Crowning Achievement In ‘Dating’
For more information, please visit www.rolex.com/watches/new-watches/new-datejust-36.
Quick Facts Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Reference 126234
Case: 36 mm, stainless steel body and white gold bezel (known as Rolesor in Rolex parlance), water resistant to 100 meters
Movement: automatic Caliber 3235, 31 jewels, 70 hours power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, Chronergy escapement, officially certified chronometer
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; instantaneous date
Price: €7,500/$8,200
Remark: five-year international guarantee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36
The Day-Date, introduced in 1956, was the first watch in history to have the full day spelled out on the dial.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 with radiant green dial
Here Rolex brought out two new dials, green dial and an ombré brown, which I must say surprised and delighted me somewhat. These appear with 10 diamonds as dial markers.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in yellow gold with turquoise dial
Two other new versions are outfitted with intensely beautiful pink opal (Reference 128349RBR/white gold bracelet) and turquoise (Reference 128348RBR/yellow gold bracelet) dials encircled by a bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 with pink opal dial
The 10 Roman numerals on the dials of these beauties are also diamond set: The VI and IX have 12 diamonds each, while the other eight boast a combined total of 32.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 fully diamond set with “rainbow” numerals
A third decorative 18-karat white gold variation (Reference 128349RBR) features 10 baguette-cut sapphires arranged in a rainbow of colors as hour markers. The dial of this watch is entirely paved in diamonds, 542 of them to be exact.
The bezel is likewise set with 52 diamonds, while the bracelet’s center links are set with 412 brilliant-cut diamonds.
For more information, please visit www.rolex.com/watches/day-date.
Quick Facts Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 Reference 126234
Case: 36 mm, yellow gold, water resistant to 100 meters
Movement: automatic Caliber 3255, 31 jewels, 70 hours power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, Chronergy escapement, LIGA nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel, blue Parachrom balance spring, officially certified chronometer
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) seconds; instantaneous date and day
Price: $34,550 (green dial); $40,250 (brown dial/pink gold); $58,950 (pink opal dial); $56,350 (turquoise dial); $124,250 (rainbow markers)
Remark: five-year international guarantee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona “Wildcat”
Rolex doesn’t release many fully bejeweled watches, and when it does there is certain to be controversy! And the new “Wildcat” (not its official name but one immediately given to it by the watch-loving public) is no exception.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona “Wildcat” on the wrist
Crafted in an 18-karat yellow gold case – Rolex could likely be the only brand that has staunchly stood by yellow gold in a serial way all these years – the chronograph’s dial is a maze of black lacquer and diamonds interspersed with three champagne-colored chronograph counters. The entire look definitely gives off a feline face vibe, which is where the nickname originates.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona “Wildcat”
Feminizing it somewhat, 36 trapeze-cut diamonds replace this Daytona’s usual tachymeter scale. Though I highly doubt it is women who will necessarily be buying this watch.
The look is completed by the patented Oysterflex rubber strap (Rolex calls it a bracelet) that finally arrived in 2015 (on the Yacht-Master!) crafted in elastomer and metal to keep the heavy watch centered on the wrist. A gold Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink extension completes the wristwear.
For more information, please visit www.rolex.com/watches/cosmograph-daytona/all-models.
Quick Facts Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona “Wildcat”
Case: 40 mm, yellow gold, water resistant to 100 meters, bezel set with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds (approx. 4.58 ct)!Dial: black lacquer, 243 diamond pavé, 8 diamonds as hour markers, Chromalight lume on hands
Movement: automatic Caliber 4130 with column wheel chronograph and vertical clutch, 72 hours power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom balance spring, officially certified chronometer
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) seconds; chronograph
Price: $103,100
Remark: five-year international guarantee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II “Batman”
The new GMT-Master II first came out in 2018 with a red-and-blue Cerachrom “Pepsi” bezel (Rolex fans do love their nicknames!).
Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”
This revamped GMT-Master II is now available in Oystersteel with a “Batman” graduated two-color blue and black Cerachrom bezel and a Jubilee bracelet as of Baselworld 2019.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”
For more please visit www.rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii.
Quick Facts Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” Reference 126710BLNR
Case: 40 mm, Oystersteel with blue-and-black Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert
Movement: automatic Caliber 3285 with 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, officially certified C.O.S.C. chronometer and Rolex certification
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) seconds; instantaneous date, 24-hour display, second time zone with independent quick setting of the hour hand
Price: $9,250
Remark: five-year international guarantee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II “Pepsi” with meteorite dial (Ref. 126719BLRO)
The GMT-Master II “Pepsi” is not the first Rolex model outfitted with meteorite, but it still strikes me as unusual to see these sporty models pop up occasionally with dials made of a piece of 200 million-year-old Gibeon meteorite that literally fell from the heavens.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” with meteorite dial
This is the first meteorite dial to appear in the GMT-Master line, although we have previously seen examples in the Daytona, Day-Date, Datejust, and Cellini lines – the latter with meteorite forming the moon in the moon phase window. I don’t think there is a much more fitting use for this space rock than to form a miniature moon.
Contrary to what I might have imagined if someone had just described this watch to me, the juxtaposition of the glittering meteorite dial (which has probably been coated with rhodium to get this bright silver color) with the vivid blue-and-red ceramic bezel is not at all jarring. Although I personally would have preferred it without the magnifying loupe (Cyclops) over the date window.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” with meteorite dial
The Widmanstätten structures intrinsic to meteorite provide a great deal of visual interest by catching the light, adding even more desirability to an already very desirable watch.
Further reading: 5 Out-Of-This-World Meteorite Dials From Jaquet Droz, Romain Gauthier, Rolex, Piaget, And Hermès
For more information, please visit www.rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii.
Quick Facts Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” Ref. 126719BLRO
Case: 40 x 12.4 mm, white gold with blue-and-red Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert
Dial: meteorite with Chromalight lume on markers and hands
Movement: automatic Caliber 3285 with 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, officially certified C.O.S.C. chronometer and Rolex certification
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) seconds; instantaneous date, 24-hour display, second time zone with independent quick setting of the hour hand
Price: $38,400
Remark: five-year international guarantee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller
The Sea-Dweller first hit shelves in 1967, only 14 years after Rolex’s first diver’s watch, the Submariner, did. This classic was last revamped in time for Baselworld 2017 to celebrate the Sea-Dweller’s fiftieth anniversary.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller
This new variation on that Sea-Dweller, which offered the first 43 mm case and Cyclops over the date in this line, comes in yellow Rolesor and a black Cerachrom bezel insert.
Crowned yellow gold crown of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller
For more information, please see www.rolex.com/watches/sea-dweller.
Quick Facts Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 Reference 126234
Case: 43 x 15 mm, yellow gold and stainless steel (Rolesor), water resistant to 1,220 meters, helium escape valve
Movement: automatic Caliber 3235, 70 hours power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, blue Parachrom balance spring, Paraflex shock absorbers, officially certified chronometer
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) seconds; date
Price: $16,050
Remark: five-year international guarantee
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
Sturdy, durable, comfortable . . . the Yacht-Master is known as the watch to wear on board, whether a regatta is currently being timed or not.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
What’s new on this model is the bidirectionally rotating graduated Cerachrom bezel that perfectly complements the supremely legible black dial that really lights up at night due to the Chromalight lume on it.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
Naturally, it is also wearing the comfy rubber-and-titanium Oysterflex bracelet that this model debuted in 2015, whose Glidelock extension clasp goes out a total of .15 mm in increments of .5 mm.
For more information, please visit www.rolex.com/watches/yacht-master.
Quick Facts Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
Case: 42 mm, white gold, water resistant to 100 meters
Movement: automatic Caliber 3235, 70 hours power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, blue Parachrom balance spring, Paraflex shock absorbers, officially certified chronometer
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) seconds; date
Price: $27,800 [price corrected]
Remark: five-year international guarantee
You may also enjoy:
2019 Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234: A Crowning Achievement In ‘Dating’
5 Out-Of-This-World Meteorite Dials From Jaquet Droz, Romain Gauthier, Rolex, Piaget, And Hermès
The Golden Age Of Rolex Movements Part III: Branding vs. Breakthroughs In Recent Years
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Hi – just want to correct you on retail price of the 2019 YACHT-MASTER 42. Oyster flex. It’s USD 27,800. Cheers.
Hey Scott Roberts, no one likes a smart ass.
“…. by offering improved products that retain the same core values that drew consumers’ interest in the first place”
No.
Not even remotely.
And if you don’t know that, you are not qualified to write about them. These tarted-up pieces of overpriced tat have nothing in common with The Founder’s “Values”.
Then don’t but one. End of story.
Thank you for pointing that out, Scott, we appreciate it.
Regards, Ian
What difference does it make what new models hit the market, 99% of the buying public get told the same thing sorry that model is not currently available , but we invite you to come in and discuss all the current models we have in stock ” but no one wants to buy” big fan fair launch of models that we cant sell you, Rolex are currently a pub with no beer to sell.
Rolex makes how many watches every year?? I was told the other day and almost fell off my chair…. Hundreds of thousands! How on earth can they then not be available to buy? Something does not add up…
Rolexes are like toilet paper Ronni, there’s a lot made but none on the shelves.
Exactly William. >90% of potential buyers want one of 3 or 4 steel sports models. The classic Explorers, Datejusts, Submariners and the like. Rolex apparently don’t make enough money from them, despite the fact that they are ridiculously overpriced to start with. So they have turned into a jewellery company.
Almost nobody wants this.
We are constantly told that the shortages are not Rolex’s fault. But every single Rolex shop I have looked into in the last year or so is FULL OF WATCHES.
Mr Bossendorfer would be ashamed. 🙂
That’s a good point, Tam, there is no shortage at all of Rolexes, it’s just that everyone wants whichever model isn’t available.
Pakistani price Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31
Not quite. Nobody wants the gold & diamond monstrosities they insist on making. They don’t care.
I would like to submit that they would in no way be making them if nobody bought them. And I see them consistently on celebrities.
The tsunami of discontent being unleashed on every forum on the Web undercuts your logic. As do the prices for used steel models.
The last time I asked to wear a Rolex, it was the single steel model in a large shop. While I was wearing it ANOTHER CUSTOMER WAITED IN LINE TO TRY IT ON! Neither of us even looked at the hundred other watches in the shop.
I have lost count of the number of forum comments which boil down to “I’m done with this. I bought a [. ] instead.
There’s always a silver lining, Tam, all of those peeved off collectors will stop buying, and the boutiques and their watches will be all yours. And perhaps cheaper. Trouble is when you can get things so easily, many lose interest.
History will show us how this pans out soon. But don’t expect much change: Like Rolex, both Hermès handbags and Ferraris have been made in numbers just under what they can sell.
And that’s been enough to keep their prices high, their order books full, and generate strong demand and profits over decades. Watch manufactures generally ramp up production (it’s cheap) and make more than they can sell, which leads to discounting (expensive for impression of “luxury”). The more people complain that they can’t get a Rolex, the more people will want one. That’s hard-wired into all of us (though perhaps other than watches).
Hey, not buying a Datejust isn’t something I’ll be regretting on my death bed. This once-good company is merely a topic of discussion. If I want a great sports watch, there are many to choose from. Hell, I’ve got a few!
I’m just getting pig sick of the continued sycophancy from the places that watch enthusiasts visit towards a brand that no longer deserves it. Let’s be clear here. If Rolex wanted to make enough watches to… you know…. Keep half of its dealer network from bankruptcy it could.
It doesn’t.
And it needs to be said
I note my reply to your comment has not been deemed suitable for publication.
Hi Tam,
If I thought that your comment was pointlessly inflammatory I may well have deleted it, or deleted by mistake, but I cannot find it in the comments trash bin.
Regards, Ian
It did appear eventually. The one about sycophancy.
FYI, we must approve all comments. So if one comes in while we are not in front of our computers, it will not get approved until we are. We approve all opinions that are not needlessly inflammatory as discussion is important.
Pimp watches….great.
How bout making Steel Submariners available?
Thank you, Elizabeth