Learn more about what’s new in Rolex for 2022

Well, it’s that time of year again. It seems like just yesterday, we were talking about the lack of changes on the 50th Anniversary Explorer II and the polarized 36mm bi-color Explorer. Nonetheless, now is the time for us to once again explore, dissect and delve into cheap Rolex novelties. This latest batch of novelties is undeniably polarizing, to say the least. With some hits from releases and shutdowns, this year has certainly been a year of divided opinion, with some works coming straight from the left.

Left-handed GMT-Master II, or right-handed?
In one of the most interesting releases of the year, Rolex announced their first left-handed model, a variant of the GMT-Master II, ref. 126720VTNR. With its winding crown at 9 o’clock instead of 3 o’clock on every previous watch, this “destro” variant is said to be the brainchild of Rolex’s left-handed CEO and rocks in exciting and unusual ways The Rolex series fashion. Featuring a black and green Cerachrom bezel, the watch introduced a new colour combination to Rolex’s classic collection and earned it the “Sprite” moniker after soda.

Constructed from stainless steel and with a black dial, like its Pepsi and Batman sibling variants, this will undoubtedly be a difficult watch to get started with, with a long waiting list and a premium secondary market. While it was designed for left-handed collectors to be worn on the right hand, it will no doubt be found on the left hand of many collectors looking for something a little different.

new king of the sky
Under the slogan “Get ready to take to the skies”, Rolex has introduced a brand new product for its iconic Air-King model. Originally launched in 1956 as a cheap watch for pilots, the Air-King was a tool watch, so this latest model has been updated to match its heritage.

Its changes include illuminated 3-6-9 Arabic numerals, an upgraded Glidelock clasp, a larger dial, and a crown guard that protects the crown from shocks. Perhaps the most notable surprise is the relatively unchanged Air-King dial. Inspired by the dials produced by Rolex for the Bloodhound LSR, a rocket-powered car that failed to break the land speed world record, it is thought that the Air-King will finally get a new dial when the time comes. Instead, Rolex has slightly altered the dial so that the “5” at 1 o’clock has a “0” in front of it to improve the symmetry between the numbers.

Day-Date has a new bezel
In addition to a long list of fascinating new dial variants added to the Day-Date collection, such as the onyx dial or the beautiful green sunburst dial they added to the collection, Rolex finally gives us the option of fluted platinum The bezels are on their most luxurious and iconic models. While the fluted bezel has a long history in Rolex’s catalog, it’s only available in gold. The Platinum Day-Date was previously only available with a flat bezel. This is due to the difficulty of working on platinum and creating sharp angles. Finally, this year Rolex has addressed any issues holding them back from offering a platinum fluted bezel and created a range of 36mm and 40mm platinum Day-Date variants featuring the iconic piece.

Yacht-Master 42 Expansion
Rolex was widely expected to introduce a new titanium variant to the Yacht-Master collection due to the existence of the titanium YM42 prototype worn by the Rolex Sailing Ambassador, but they decided to give us an 18kt yellow gold Yacht-Master 42. Joining the 18kt white gold in the 42mm variant, this completes the Yacht-Master presentation as it now comes in every gold alloy and rose gold offered in 42mm and 40mm and 37mm. In addition to the new materials, Rolex is also equipping the Yacht-Master with a new “Falcon’s Eye” dial with a stunning grain pattern and vibrant colors ranging from blue to green.

Diary Dial for Everyone
Following on from the precedent they have set over the past few years, with new Datejust dials entering the market every year, Rolex has launched an extensive range of dials for the Datejust, which undoubtedly means there is something for everyone, if not already . In addition to expanding the Palm and Fluted pattern dials to the 41mm collection, Rolex is also introducing a new sunburst green dial across its entire size range for the Datejust, as well as a new beautiful floral pattern for the 31mm model only. . Available in stunning shades of blue, silver or green, its surface is embellished with diamonds for a stunning effect.

Discontinued Galore
Perhaps the biggest shock so far this year is not the new models and novelties that Rolex has introduced, but the models that Rolex has discontinued. In addition to the older models that the new models have now replaced, Rolex discontinued some very popular watches. Sadly, some of our favorites have already gotten the stamp. The 41mm Oyster Perpetual’s three most popular dial styles; Coral Red, “Tiffany” Turquoise Blue and Yellow. In 36mm, it’s the same as they discontinued the coral red and yellow variants but kept the turquoise color. Considering the short 18-month lifespan of these dials and their incredible popularity with long waiting lists and huge secondary market demand, this is a very interesting and very surprising move.

In addition to the Oyster Perpetual, Rolex discontinued the flat-bezel Platinum Day-Date model and the entire Cellini line, except for one, the Moon Phase model. As their only genuine dress watch, it’s hard to imagine Rolex not taking into account the renewal of the Cellini collection, given its historic significance to Rolex. Like every year, there will be people who love the changes and some who hate them. While we’re happy with these novelties, we’re sorry to say goodbye to some of the most stunning and beloved dials Rolex has ever created. Not to mention they look incredible with our Rolex straps. It’s also valuable, isn’t it?