Watches & Wonders Geneva, which began on April 14, 2026, is attracting considerable attention as usual. Rolex is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the original "Oyster" this year. In this article, we will introduce a variety of new timepieces, starting with a special edition of the "Oyster Perpetual" commemorating this milestone. Also noteworthy is the "Yachtmaster II," which has been revived with a new design and movement.
Text by Kento Nii
[Article published on January 15, 2026]
The introduction of a more rigorous "high-precision chronometer"
One of the major topics for Rolex in 2026 is the introduction of a more stringent "Superlative Chronometer" certification.
Under previous certification standards, the finished product after casing was subject to inspections regarding accuracy, water resistance, automatic winding, and power reserve. The standards were extremely strict, and in particular, accuracy had to meet a daily deviation of -2 to +2 seconds after casing. This far exceeds the official certification standards for the movement alone.
The new high-precision chronometer certification introduces three additional criteria—magnetic resistance, reliability, and sustainability—in addition to the existing standards. All of these will be applied throughout every stage of the design and manufacture of each timepiece, involving hundreds of checks and verifications that directly impact performance.
"Oyster Perpetual 41"
Born in 1926, the "Oyster" is known as a milestone that achieved high water and dust resistance through its groundbreaking structure in which the bezel, case back, and crown are all screwed onto the middle case. In 2026, the 100th anniversary of its birth, the "Oyster Perpetual 41" was unveiled as a special anniversary model to commemorate the milestone.
Automatic movement (Cal. 3230). 31 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold case (41mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 1,428,900 yen (tax included).
This model features a special "Yellow Rolesor" design, where 18K yellow gold is used exclusively for the domed bezel and crown. This design, which uses gold as an accent, is inspired by the case designs seen in the early Oyster watches, and gives a subtle yet dignified impression.
The sunray-finished slate-colored dial also features special details unique to this commemorative model. Green squares are placed at 5-minute intervals on the minute track, and the pad-printed "ROLEX" brand name also uses the brand's symbolic color, green. In addition, gold is used for the hands, indices, and crown logo, creating a striking contrast with the dark tones.
Inside, it houses the Cal.3230 movement, which features a blue Parachrom hairspring resistant to temperature changes and shocks, and a uniquely designed high-performance Paraflex shock absorber. Thanks to the structure of the mainspring barrel and the superior efficiency of the escapement, it boasts a long power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
Displaying only hours, minutes, and seconds, the Oyster Perpetual embodies the purest form of a chronometer-certified watch, constantly being reinterpreted and infused with the brand's technological prowess. It is a truly fitting choice for an anniversary model of the Oyster case, a technological breakthrough in modern watchmaking.
"Oyster Perpetual 36"
The "Oyster Perpetual 36," with its universal and traditional 36mm diameter case, now features a range of original dial variations.
Automatic winding (Cal. 3230). 31 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel case (36mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 3,005,200 yen (tax included).
In this model, the "Jubilee motif," first introduced to the brand in the late 1970s and quickly becoming an icon, is reinterpreted with a bold, multi-colored dial. This vibrant color palette, in which the "ROLEX" lettering is geometrically arranged, reportedly uses a remarkable 10 different lacquer paints.
To achieve this multi-color effect, Rolex adopted a technique of layering each color sequentially rather than applying them all at once to the dial. This method required meticulous calculation of the overlapping of all the letters and shapes that make up the motif, resulting in a design that is both avant-garde and showcases Rolex's superior dial expression technology.
The movement is the aforementioned Cal.3230, which offers excellent reliability and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
"Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41"
Since its creation in 1945, the Datejust has been Rolex's archetype of classic watches. This timeless and iconic collection now features a new model with a green lacquer "ombre" dial.
Automatic movement (Cal. 3235). 31 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel and 18K white gold case (41mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 1,731,400 yen (tax included).
This gradient color, which darkens from the center to the edge, is a dial design that Rolex introduced in the 1980s and has been using again since 2019, mainly on the "Day-Date" model. In this particular model, a vibrant green lacquer is applied to the base plate, and then black lacquer is sprayed in concentric circles to create an exquisite tone that deepens towards the outer edge of the dial.
The 41mm diameter Oyster case is available in a "White Rolesor" version, which combines a flat bezel made of the same material with a fluted bezel made of 18K white gold. In addition to the three-link Oyster bracelet, an elegant Jubilee bracelet is also available.
The movement continues to feature the Cal.3235, which offers excellent resistance to temperature changes and shocks, a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and the signature instantaneous date change function.
"Oyster Perpetual Yachtmaster II"
The Yachtmaster II regatta chronograph, which ceased production in 2024, has been revived with a completely redesigned look and movement. The lineup will be available in two versions: Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold cases.
Automatic winding (Cal. 4162). 47 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (44mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 3,005,200 yen (tax included).
Automatic winding (Cal. 4162). 47 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 18K yellow gold case (44mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 4,458,300 yen (tax included).
The biggest topic in this new model is the change in the operating method and the resulting visual refresh. In the previous Yachtmaster II, programming the countdown required a complicated procedure: rotating the bezel 90 degrees, pressing the reset button, setting the measurement time with the crown, and then returning the bezel to its original position. However, in the new generation model, this operating method has been completely revamped, and the measurement time can now be set using only the lower pusher, resulting in a simple and intuitive design.
What's even more noteworthy is the display mechanism on the dial, where the minute and second hands of the countdown function now move counterclockwise. This is a first for the brand, and it allows for a more visual and intuitive understanding of the remaining time as it approaches zero.
The bezel design has also been completely revamped. The traditional countdown scale has been moved to the flange on the outer edge of the dial, and the bidirectional rotating blue Cerachrom bezel insert has been changed to a new scale up to 60 minutes. This change not only makes it possible to measure sailing time between two buoys, but also gives the entire watch an even more diver-watch-like face.
At the heart of these complex mechanisms is the latest in-house movement, Cal. 4162. The countdown function is controlled by a robust mechanism combining a column wheel and a vertical clutch, ensuring precise timing. Furthermore, the inclusion of the patented "Chronergy escapement" provides both high energy efficiency and reliability. Optimized barrel structure ensures a long power reserve of approximately 72 hours.
"Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40"
Born in 1956, the "Day-Date" collection, as its name suggests, features a mechanism that displays the full spelling of the day of the week in a curved window at the 12 o'clock position on the dial, and has always been a prestigious collection that has used only precious metals for its cases. As a new addition to this collection, a precious model has appeared that uses the new material "Jubilee Gold" for its exterior.
Automatic movement (Cal. 3255). 31 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. 18K Jubilee gold case (40mm diameter). 100m water resistance. Price upon inquiry.
The highlight of this timepiece is Jubilee Gold, an entirely new 18K gold alloy conceived, developed, and manufactured exclusively by Rolex. It possesses pale yellow, warm gray, and soft pink tones, combining all the elements of traditional gold materials while exhibiting a unique brilliance and texture.
In this model, the exterior is made of Jubilee gold, and the dial is cut from light green aventurine, a natural stone that is a type of quartz, further enhancing the exclusive brilliance of the gold.
The bracelet features the "President bracelet," which has been used only on the Day-Date and select Datejust models made of precious metals since its introduction with the original model in 1956. This bracelet, composed of three rows of semicircular links, is also made of 18K Jubilee gold and is fitted with a concealed crown clasp.
The movement continues to use the Cal.3255 from existing models. It incorporates features such as a magnetic-resistant Chronergy escapement, a blue Parachrom hairspring, and a high-performance Paraflex shock absorber, ensuring reliability. It has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
"Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona"
The Cosmograph Daytona chronograph watch now features a striking new variation with a traditional enamel dial. It is available in a "Rolesium" specification, a first for the collection, combining Oystersteel and platinum.
Automatic winding (Cal. 4131). 47 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel and platinum case (40mm diameter). 100m water resistance. Price upon inquiry.
The white enamel dial of this watch is made using the traditional grand feu enamel technique, which involves applying enamel powder mixed with water and firing it in a kiln at over 800°C. However, this watch undergoes an extremely unique and difficult manufacturing process: instead of using a conventional metal base, the enamel is applied directly to the ceramic plates for the main dial and the three counters, and after vitrification firing, they are set into a brass base.
To match the smooth texture of the dial, the bezel also features a new design with a metallic sheen. This is achieved through an anthracite-colored Cerachrom bezel insert, specially developed from zirconia rich in tungsten carbide.
The movement is the Cal. 4131, which achieves extremely high-precision chronograph operation through a column wheel and vertical clutch. As a special feature, it is fitted with a yellow gold rotor with openwork.
"Oyster Perpetual"
As new options for smaller-diameter models in the Oyster Perpetual line, the "Oyster Perpetual 28" in 18K yellow gold and the "Oyster Perpetual 34" in 18K Everose gold have been added to the lineup.
Automatic winding (Cal. 2232). 31 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18K yellow gold case (28mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 4,458,300 yen (tax included).
Automatic winding (Cal. 2232). 31 jewels. 28800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18KERG case (34mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 5,650,700 yen (tax included).
What's particularly noteworthy about these two striking models is that they are solid gold watches with a satin finish on the entire case and bracelet, excluding the bezel. This combination of a full gold exterior and satin finish is a first in Rolex history, adding a delicate touch to the overall appearance while highlighting the polished bezel.
Furthermore, the use of natural stones as hour markers at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions on the dial is a decoration not seen in previous Rolex watchmaking. The 28mm model features a greenstone lacquer dial with heliotrope showcasing a variety of green tones, while the 34mm model combines a bluestone lacquer dial with dumortierite exhibiting a mix of dark and light blue hues.
Inside, it houses the Cal. 2232, a fully in-house movement incorporating a patented silicon Syloxi hairspring and a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus alloy escape wheel, ensuring a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. This movement perfectly blends refined aesthetics with the latest watchmaking technology.
