Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II
Automatic (Cal. 3285). 31 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm). Water resistant to 100m. 726,000 yen (tax included).
Rolex has added the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, which features a crown and date display at 9 o'clock and a green and black bezel insert.
The GMT-Master II was introduced in response to an inquiry from Pan American World Airways about developing a watch capable of simultaneously displaying two time zones. It is considered the first professional model for commercial pilots. Its distinctive GMT hand and bezel display Greenwich Mean Time (although UTC is now used), the standard for aircraft operations, and the bezel can be rotated to read the time in other time zones. The GMT-Master II remains a favorite among pilots today, and has also become a popular travel watch for travelers. As a result, the quality of the bezel insert has improved, and new color variations have been added.
The ceramic bezel insert on this model is a first for the GMT-Master II, combining green and black. This Rolex-made ceramic bezel insert is highly scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and has a very vibrant color. It also eliminates the risk of deterioration such as paint peeling. To match this striking green, the GMT hand on this model is also green.
The biggest feature of this model is the crown and date display at 9 o'clock. This styling is unusual for Rolex in recent years, and is extremely rare for a company that has been extremely conservative in its design codes. It is suitable for wearing on the right hand, and even on the left hand, the large crown does not intrude on the back of the hand, so it is expected to be comfortable to wear. In addition, a date ring has been newly added to accommodate the placement of the date at 9 o'clock.
In addition, as usual, it comes with an Oysterlock clasp with a safety catch, and the Easylink (extension link) makes it easy to fine-tune the fit.
Oyster Perpetual Air-King
Automatic (Cal. 3230). 31 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm). Water resistant to 100m. 726,000 yen (tax included).
Rolex has unveiled the new Oyster Perpetual Air-King, featuring straighter case sides and a crown guard.
The Air-King was introduced as a model symbolizing Rolex's contribution to the dramatic advances in aircraft performance in the 1930s. It is the oldest nickname among Rolex's current models, and it reflects the company's deep connection with the sky.
Like many other models in the professional category, this model features a straight, steeply shaped case side and a crown guard, making the Air-King's categorization clearer. As with previous models, the combination of an Oyster case and a screw-down crown provides water resistance to 100m.
Furthermore, the dial design has been meticulously improved for professionals who require accurate timekeeping even in the dark. While the previous model only applied luminous paint to the hands and the triangular hour marker at 12 o'clock, this new model also applies it to the "3," "6," and "9" indexes. Chromalight, which maintains its brightness for a longer period of time, is now used for this luminous material. Additionally, the 5-minute position on the minute scale has been changed to "05," and the design balance with the other numerals has been revised.
The Oyster bracelet has also been improved, with the main difference being the wider center links. Furthermore, the Air-King is now fitted with an Oysterlock clasp with safety catch for the first time. It also features an Easylink extension link, allowing for easy fine-tuning of the fit.
The movement is the latest generation, Cal. 3230. The escapement is the Chronergy escapement, made from a nickel-phosphorus alloy for high energy efficiency and reliability, and is resistant to magnetic fields. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, which reduces the effects of positional deviations. These elements provide a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and, once assembled, the watch meets the Rolex Superlative Chronometer standard, guaranteeing accuracy within -2 to +2 seconds per day.
Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40
Automatic winding (Cal. 3255). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Pt (diameter 40mm). Water resistant to 100m.
Rolex has added the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40, which combines a platinum case with the first fluted bezel in platinum.
The fluted bezel is a key element of Rolex's traditional design, and has only been featured on certain classic models in the Oyster Perpetual collection. Until now, fluted bezels have only been available in 18K gold, but with this model, a platinum fluted bezel has been added. Platinum, known for its bright shine, is a particularly difficult material to finish, and it has been difficult to manufacture a fluted bezel with its complex combination of numerous facets. Improved processing technology has been developed to solve this problem, leading to its adoption in this model.
The dial is combined with ice blue, a dial color exclusive to Rolex platinum models. This dial color is an icon that indicates this model as a special model even among the Day-Date collection, which has previously only been produced in precious metals such as gold and platinum. The small arc-shaped window cut into the dial from 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock features the characteristic day of the week displayed in full.
The bracelet is a three-row link President bracelet, available only on 18K gold or platinum models, and is fitted with an elegant concealed crown clasp.
