Everything To Know About The New Rolex Watches For 2022

May, 2022

Soar To New Heights With The Oyster Perpetual Air-King and GMT-Master II

Two of the world’s most beloved aviation-inspired timepieces - the Air-King and GMT-Master II - make a return this year, sporting evocative new designs to enthral watch lovers. Distinguished by their unique legacies, aesthetics and features, the Air-King and GMT-Master II are kindred spirits, as both watches are horological manifestations of the longstanding and indelible link between Rolex and the world of aviation. The Air-King pays homage to aviation history and celebrates the aeronautical heritage of the original Oyster, while the GMT-Master II is a true travel tool watch that evokes long-distance travel across time zones in both function and name.

Embodying the aeronautical legacy of the iconic Rolex Oyster, the Air-King was first launched in 1958 to great acclaim. A classy and contemporary accompaniment, the Air-King distils the spirit of the golden age of aviation of the 1930s, as well as that of the pioneering Oyster watch that accompanied many pilots on history-making flights. Distinguished by a unique dial bearing five-minute interval markers; large ‘3’, ‘6’ and ‘9’ hour numerals; the name ‘Air-King’ in a special lettering that was used on the original 1958 model; and the Rolex name and logo in striking green and yellow, the new-generation Air-King is an inimitable creation for watch lovers who desire both elegance and an adventurous disposition in their timepieces.

Elegant, expressive and evocative, the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King is emblematic of the privileged links between Rolex and the world of aviation.

This year’s Air-King flaunts a redesigned case and a more harmonious-looking dial. The case is now reinforced with crown guards and boasts straight sides, complemented by a new Oyster bracelet with broadened middle links. On the dial, the minutes scale is updated with the addition of a ‘0’ before the ‘5’ on the first five-minute marker. The subtle change results in a perfectly balanced appearance with all markers at the five-minute interval denoted with two digits. Last but not least, optimum legibility is assured with optimised Chromalight display on the hands, ‘3’, ‘6’ and ‘9’ hour markers, and triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock, which emit a bright and long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions. A certified Superlative Chronometer, the new Air-King runs on the in-house calibre 3230 that is accurate to +/2 seconds a day, while promising unparalleled shock-resistance and energy efficiency. 

At 40 mm, the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King sports a redesigned case, bracelet and watch display for a harmonious look, optimum comfort and wearability.  

A favourite among the well-travelled since its debut in 1955 as the GMT-Master, the GMT-Master II is back in the spotlight this year with an unexpected new look. The legendary two-time zone watch remains a flag-bearer for all travel tool watches, allowing the user to ascertain the time in two time zones simultaneously, courtesy of a separate arrow-tipped hour hand for the second time zone, which circles the dial once every 24 hours, and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with 24-hour graduated insert. Having said that, the watch also premieres a host of design features that make the new GMT-Master II a thoroughly unique addition to the family.

The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II is the watch of choice for travellers that can display two time zones simultaneously.

Besides the newly positioned crown, crown guard and date aperture on the left, the new Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II features the emblematic two-colour Cerachrom bezel insert in green and black ceramic, a colour pairing never before seen on the model.

On the new GMT-Master II, the crown and crown guard are moved to left of the case, along with the date aperture and the Cyclops lens that have also been shifted to 9 o’clock. Meantime, the watch’s distinctive bidirectional rotatable bezel features a two-colour monobloc Cerachrom insert in green and black ceramic – a colour combination that makes its appearance for the first time in the collection. This stunning new aesthetic endows the GMT-Master II with a fresh and novel appearance that not only intrigues, but also lends the iconic watch a new personality. Because of the adjustments to the crown and date display, the watch’s self-winding calibre 3285 was put through new precision tests, as well as adapted final tests for the watch’s Superlative Chronometer certification. 

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 Shines With Brilliance On the High Seas

Glamorous sunset soirees out in the ocean beckon with the new Yacht-Master 42. Emanating sportive charm and assured athleticism, the latest addition to the Yacht-Master collection looks absolutely resplendent in its new 18 ct yellow gold case. The precious metal’s captivating lustre is crafted from a painstaking process that begins in the brand’s in-house foundry. Fashioned from the purest metals with advanced equipment, Rolex gold is alloyed using closely guarded formulas and by fusion in a crucible at over 1,000°C, and subsequently shaped and polished to a distinctive and unmistakable radiance. 

Designed specifically for navigators and skippers, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 embodies the rich heritage between Rolex and the world of sailing.

The new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in 18 ct yellow gold comes with a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert for time intervals to be read with precision.

A perfect blend of style and functionality, the new Yacht-Master 42 oozes unabashed luxury and robustness that withstands the rigours of sailing. Driven by the self-winding calibre 3235, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, the watch is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification that promises outstanding shock and magnetic resistance, exceptional +/- 2 seconds daily accuracy, and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. Waterproof to 100 meters, the Yacht-Master 42 is paired with an Oysterflex bracelet that offers the reliability of a metal bracelet with the comfort and look of an elastomer strap, making the watch a snug and sophisticated companion for nautically inspired thrills.

The Ultimate Watch Of Prestige Returns

A cornerstone of Rolex heritage, the most prestigious and exclusive watch returns with sublime sophistication. A wrist statement imbued with horological gravitas, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 is now housed in 950 platinum and complemented by an ice-blue dial, a combination that elevates the watch’s stateliness with subtle refinement. 

The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 950 platinum with ice-blue dial features a fluted platinum bezel for the first time

Worn by eminent political figures, directors and visionaries, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is affectionately known as the “presidents’ watch”

Fans of the Day-Date will be excited to learn that the iconic Rolex fluted bezel is featured in the collection for the first time in 950 platinum. Prior to this, all fluted bezels were crafted only in 18 ct gold and appeared only on some Classic models. Platinum is known for its immaculate and pristine sheen, but also exceptionally challenging to craft and finish. To ensure the fluted bezel is perfectly facetted for the surfaces to sparkle, Rolex devised a new manufacturing process just for this component alone. A timepiece of great lineage, the Day-Date was launched in 1956 and was the world’s first calendar watch to display the date and the day of the week spelt out in full – an outstanding feature that continues to define the new Day-Date 40. The watch’s unmistakable distinction is bolstered by a high-performance movement of great precision and high reliability in the self-winding calibre 3235 with Chronergy escapement that promises excellent energy efficiency with approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

A Sense Of Everlasting Spring With The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31

Just as it did with last year’s creations featuring stunning decorative dials, Rolex once again demonstrates its mastery of dial artistry with a fascinating new selection of Datejust 31 models. The watches are a picture of summery joy, sporting dials with floral motifs that enliven the classic and timeless look of the Datejust collection. 

The archetype of the classic Rolex watch bursts with floral-inspired colour and poetry on the new Datejust 31 models.

Created using textural effects, each flower on the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 is illuminated by a diamond set into the centre.

Available in three versions - white Rolesor (Oystersteel and white gold) with azzuro blue dial; Everose Rolesor (Oystersteel and rose gold) with silver dial; and 18 ct yellow gold with olive green dial – the new Datejust 31 models brim with nature-inspired exuberance. Evoking lush summer meadows, each dial is depicted with 24 flowers bearing petals in sunray, matt or grained finish. This is so that each bloom stands out from the other with arresting depth and colour. For the finishing touch, each flower is lit from within by a sparkling diamond at its centre. Depending on your preferred model, the new Datejust 31 may appear ornate, sprightly or glamourous. Either way, the watches burst with presence and energy, their shimmering beauty backed by incomparable strength and performance. Waterproof to 100 meters and powered by the self-winding calibre 2236, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, all three models are Superlative Chronometer-certified and come with five-year international guarantee. 

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