Even amidst the bustling activity of Watches & Wonders Geneva, the watch industry is undoubtedly dominated by Rolex, attracting the most attention. In 2026, a teaser video was released just before the event, sparking widespread speculation about the models to be unveiled. We were able to photograph Rolex's new models on-site. From the Oyster 100th Anniversary model to the "Welcome Back Yachtmaster II," we bring you a look at the lineup from the event. Further details on each model will be reported in separate articles, so please check those out as well.
Text by Chieko Tsuruoka (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published on January 14, 2026]
The Yachtmaster II is back after a two-year hiatus!
The Yachtmaster II, which disappeared from the lineup in 2024 with the refresh of the Cosmograph Daytona, has made a comeback with the Cal. 4162, which is based on the new chronograph movement Cal. 4161 used in the Daytona.
Automatic movement (Cal. 4162). 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 18K yellow gold case (44mm diameter). 100m water resistance. 8,575,600 yen (tax included).
(Right) Rolex Yachtmaster II Ref. 126680
Automatic winding (Cal. 4162). 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 44 mm). Water resistant to 100 m. Price: 396,000 yen (tax included).
The Yachtmaster II, equipped with a regatta chronograph (a countdown function; this collection can count down from 10 to 1 minute), was characterized by its ring command system, which allowed users to change the functions operated by the crown depending on the bezel position. However, it now features a standard bidirectional rotating bezel, and instead, the countdown hand can be changed using a pusher at the 4 o'clock position. Incidentally, the countdown scale, which was previously located inside the hour markers on the dial of the Yachtmaster II, is now on the outer edge of the dial.
Furthermore, to make it easier to read the remaining time, the minute and second hands now rotate counterclockwise during the countdown. It also retains the synchronization function that allows for countdown adjustments, as before. This function was previously performed using a pusher during measurement; I wonder if that remains unchanged? I'll be covering it on the 15th, so I'd like to try it out.
The dial's texture has been significantly improved, with a stepped design around the outer edge and a sense of depth added to the small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, giving it an even more luxurious, three-dimensional feel.
The "all-new" Cosmograph Daytona
From the beloved Daytona line comes a new Rolesor model in stainless steel and platinum. This combination of materials is unusual, but the enamel dial is also noteworthy.
Rolex dials are generally made of lacquer, and while there are models with gemstones and ceramic dials (released last year), enamel dials are quite rare, aren't they? I've only seen it through a display case so far, but since it's a Rolex, there are probably no bubbles or distortions, and the texture is of the highest quality (although I also like enamel with a deliberately uneven finish). Also, I thought the Cerachrom bezel insert would be black, but it's actually dark gray. It contains a lot of tungsten, so the composition is likely different from previous models (I'll investigate further). Incidentally, the tachymeter scale, which was positioned along the dial in previous models, is horizontal in this model. This is said to be reminiscent of the design of the original Daytona.
The see-through case back, previously only available on platinum models, is now also available on the stainless steel combination models, allowing you to admire the movement.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Oyster, we're adding an even richer "Oyster Perpetual."
In 1926, Hans Wilsdorf filed and patented the Oyster case, which boasted waterproof and dustproof properties as tough as an oyster. This year marks the 100th anniversary of this invention, and numerous special "Oyster Perpetual" models have been released.
Automatic movement (Cal. 3230). 28,800 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 new addition to the "Oyster Perpetual 41" collection is truly a model celebrating the 100th anniversary. The bezel and crown are adorned with 18K yellow gold, and the slate gray dial features the words "100 YEARS" at the 6 o'clock position instead of "SWISS MADE." The "100" on the crown also adds to its special appeal.
It's also worth noting that the Oyster Perpetual, which previously featured mostly basic styles, now includes a range of more elaborate dial variations.
Automatic winding (Cal. 3230). 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36 mm). Water resistant to 100 m. Price: 396,000 yen (tax included).
This dial, described as a "Jubilee motif," is said to be a reproduction of a motif that was unveiled in the late 1970s. The coloring is extremely intricate and colorful, but apparently the colors are not applied all at once, but rather layered one by one in sequence.
