Rolex at Watches and Wonders 2021

The Brand that sealed the demise of Baselworld when it decided to decamp to Geneva. Every living journalist was breathlessly waiting to witness the debut of Rolex at Geneva, to see the booth, to see the watches. It was not to be this year, but we fervently hope that we will be present in the flesh next year at Watches and Wonders, to dissect every move that Rolex makes, every half-milimeter added to any of their watches. Until then, I have the pleasure of telling you about the dials and the diamonds that Rolex decided to unveil.

First, the dials: the new dials on the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 feature a palm motif, inspired by tropical forests, or a fluted motif that incorporates one of Rolex’s signature aesthetic styles. Olive green, silver or golden, they are made from age-old materials such as copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, titanium and silicon, combined with cutting-edge technology to create deep, vibrant metallic colours. Their meteorite dials bear witness to energy that has journeyed through time and space.

And the diamonds: the new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 feature hour markers and alligator leather straps in matching colours, which results in some of the most striking watches I have ever seen. They are coral- coloured on the 18 ct yellow gold model, turquoise on the 18 ct white gold version and burgundy on the watch in 18 ct Everose gold. My favorite and the most powerful one is the coral model, a watch that speaks of joy and sun and life.

Also beautiful – the new Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust, set with 1,089 diamonds on the middle case, bezel, dial and President bracelet.