Rolex at Baselworld 2017: A Look At The New Releases Including The Stainless Steel Sky-Dweller And The All New Daytona

Rolex certainly didn’t hold back when it came to releasing new pieces at this years Baselworld, causing a lot of talk between collectors and enthusiasts on whether they liked or didn’t like the new models. Nonetheless, it is clear to see that Rolex are a brand that listen to it’s customers and pay homage to its’ tradition and heritage. We await the official release of each model, and wait to see what proves to be popular amongst collectors – we all have our favourites.

Rolex Sky-Dweller

The Rolex Sky-Dweller model symbolized something a Rolex model that was big and bold, created previously in only precious metals. Much to the surprise of watch fans and collectors worldwide, Rolex have now introduced the Sky-Dweller in stainless steel and bi-metal, making this once unattainable watch, very accessible to watch collectors. Nonetheless, the move from Rolex is a clear indication that they listen to the requests of its’ people.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller was originally released at Baselworld back in 2012, and naturally was the biggest release to date, due to the fact that it was a completely new reference from the Swiss brand. The original Sky-Dweller also included a new movement with a new complication for Rolex – an annual calendar and GMT – and it still remains Rolex’s most complicated watch to date. Fast-forward to Baselworld 2017, the new Sky-Dweller features some new dial tweaks and new case and bracelet materials, opening the reference up to a whole new market.

Rolex Sea-Dweller ’50th Anniversary’

The year 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the original Rolex Sea-Dweller, and many watch collectors and fans predicted that Rolex would mark the occasion with a timepiece which pays homage to the original watch.

In terms of technical specs, there are a few new additions to this watch to make it stand out today. First, the watch has grown from 40mm to 43mm in width, making a considerable difference between this reference and that of the Submariner. Second, the Sea-Dweller now features a cyclops lense over the date aperture, something which many Sea-Dweller fans have taken umbrage to. The watch also features the new 3235 caliber movement (also powers the Datejust 41) and a new designed bracelet which is said to be wider and hence a more secure fit on the wrist. Despite all these changes, the watch does pay tribute to the original Sea-Dweller of 1976, with a close resemblance to the original dial with the red ‘Sea-Dweller’ insignia, it is a watch that infuses both the tradition and innovative stylings of Rolex.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

After the success of Rolex at Baselworld 2016 was much down to the release of the new stainless steel Daytona 116500LN, it was only inevitable for Rolex to release new works on the Daytona to continue its’ success. This time the Swiss manufacture has introduced the Daytona in precious golds in combination with the ceramic bezel and new Oysterflex rubber strap. The three new versions will now be available in 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold & 18K Everose gold (rose gold), all of which will feature the caliber 4130 movement with an upgraded spec to improve reliability to +2 / -2 seconds per day.

The combination of Cerachrome bezel, gold and Oysterflex bracelet represents a refreshing of the Rolex Daytona that not many would have predicted. General reaction to this release has been fairly positive, but we firmly believe this watch will have a healthy mix of ‘love it or hate it’ from watch collectors and enthusiasts out there, which isn’t all that bad. The yellow gold example will be finished with a champagne dial with a sunray finish and black subdials, while the hour markers are luminescent, it is expected that a similar finish will be created for the Everose and white gold examples.

Rolex Datejust 41

At last years Baselworld 2016, Rolex unveiled the Datejust 41, a refined version of the now discontinued Datejust II. This year the unveiling of the Datejust 41 in stainless steel, shows Rolex to have worked on the requests of its’ collectors. The Datejust 41 in general is a very classy watch, and in stainless steel represents an affordable watch for a majority of people. We only see this watch being a hit.

The new Datejust 41 in stainless steel has all the refinement’s of last year’s release. That means, the lugs are a lot smaller, the watch has a slimmer case profile, slimmer baton markers and a new movement. In the press images, the stainless steel Datejust 41 features a blue sunray burst finished dial and the brand’s signature 18K white gold fluted bezel which looks stunning. Overall, a classy addition to the Datejust 41 collection that is now affordable and is like to sell like hotcakes.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

This year Rolex have introduced a few minor changes to the Yacht-Master II model that we all know and love. Same to say, Rolex didn’t tamper too much with this winning design, but have introduced a new triangular marker at the 12 o’clock position and a rectangular marker at the 6 o’clock position. This is said to make for more intuitive reading of the timepiece. The model also features a new luminescent hour hand to distinguish from the minute hand at night. All these changes have now been updated for the 904L Stainless Steel, Everose Roselor version, 18K yellow and white gold versions.

Rolex Yacht-Master I

If Rolex was to release a ‘bling – bling’ piece every year, this piece would certainly be the one for 2017. The Rolex Yacht-Master I proves to be a very sporty watch in various sizes; 35mm, 37mm and 40mm, but it is the first time they have introduced the famous gemstone setting to this particular model. Moving the bezel aside for just one minute, the watch is set in Rolex’s 18CT Everose gold, and has a rich glossy black dial with oversized white lumes and Everose surrounds. The watch also features the standard Yacht-Master 3135 caliber automatic movement and the watch can boast 100 meters of water resistance.

The stand out thing about this watch has to be the bezel, and what a bezel it is. This rainbow-coloured rotating bezel features a staggering 32 sapphires, 8 tsavorites, and one diamond, all fitted perfectly together to create a vibrant look on otherwise a very sporty watch. The gem setting at Rolex is often over-looked by many people, yet deserves a whole lot of respect in the imagination, design and execution. The watch is brilliantly finished off with the Rolex patented black Oysterflex rubber strap and 18K Everose Oysterlock clasp.

Rolex Cellini Moonphase

The Cellini collection was officially relaunched back in 2014, with only minor changes happening to this very overlooked collection of watches. This year, Rolex have introduced the new Cellini Moonphase watch with a clear indication that there is very much ambition and life within this collection. The watch proves to be a Rolex that is modern yet is steeped with tradition and heritage of Swiss watch making. The moon phase complication isn’t just a moon phase complication – it is a moon phase complication that is astronomically accurate for 122 years. Many watch experts and serious collectors have said that the new Cellini Moonphase is the rightful heir of mega references 6062 and 8171 – which is very big praise indeed.

The new Cellini Moonphase gives a new lease of life for the Cellini collection, that is often over shadowed by the Oyster collection. The automatic movement caliber 3195 is of course chronometer-certified, but be aware – the watch is only water resistant for up to 50-meters, making it a watch for dressier occasions (as opposed to water parties). The watch features a round 39mm 18K rose gold case, with a white lacquered dial and a tobacco leather strap with a 18K gold buckle.

More images here:

Luxe Watches Images // Rolex.com