When adventure meets fine watchmaking, you get the 2021 collection of exquisite timepieces by Rolex
This year’s Rolex collection is a special one as it tells a story of the close ties between Rolex and the world of exploration. These timepieces take us from the deepest
caves to the highest mountain peaks, from the outer reaches of the solar system to isolated polar regions and from ultra-precise technology to exacting artisanal craftsmanship.
In keeping with its perpetual pursuit of excellence, Rolex has partnered with some of the greatest names in sports, exploration and the arts since the early 20th century
Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, driven to push back the limits of what is possible, sought to replace traditional pocket watches with one of the supreme innovations of his time — a watch that is worn on the wrist, resistant to dust and water.
His uncanny ability to take the pulse and set the pace of his times, respond proactively and with incomparable deftness, and anticipate customers’ evolving needs translated into an unprecedented number of firsts for the brand and for the industry
Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable watches introduced this year:
Oyster Perpetual Explorer
At 36 mm, this watch is a nod to the original model that was launched in 1953 following the first ascent to the summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29 that same year.
The new-generation Explorer comes in a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold). The lacquered black dial features the index hour markers and emblematic 3, 6 and 9 numerals that are the cornerstones of the model’s personality, evoking the determination and spirit of adventure that give rise to great achievements.
The new-generation Explorer is equipped with an optimised Chromalight display and runs on calibre 3230.
Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36
A new palm motif immediately transports us to a lush, vibrant tropical forest, while the fluted motif showcases the pattern found on a range of Rolex bezels that has become one of the brand’s signature aesthetic styles.
The palm motif can be seen on three of the new watches. On the first, in Oystersteel and equipped with an Oyster bracelet, the pattern is present on an olive green dial. It also decorates the golden dial of the second watch, a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold) fitted with an Oyster bracelet, and the silver dial of the third watch, an Everose Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold) on a Jubilee bracelet.
The fluted motif is found on the golden dial of a yellow Rolesor version — this time with a Jubilee bracelet as well as on another two versions in bright blue dial and silver dial. The new versions of the Datejust 36 are equipped with calibre 3235.
Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
This technical watch, in Oystersteel, was created for the boldest explorers and is now updated with a redesigned case and bracelet. This serves to highlight a visual balance and harmony to the timepiece while remaining true to its aesthetic heritage.
On the white lacquer dial, the hour markers — whose black coating is applied using PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) — and the black lacquer hour, minute and seconds hands stand out for their matt finish.
The Explorer II also benefits from an optimised Chromalight display that benefits those caught in dark conditions as the intensity of the blue glow emitted by the hour markers and hands now lasts longer thanks to the innovative and exclusive luminescent material.
The new-generation Explorer II gets its heartbeat from the calibre 3285.
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
These timepieces feature the metallic meteorite that actually comes from an asteroid that exploded millions of years ago. Metallic meteorite is rare and challenging to work with, but once it is cut into thin sections and chemical treatment is applied, the great beauty of its interwoven internal structure is revealed. These fascinating and varied formations are known as Widmanstätten patterns.
For its dials, Rolex works with leading experts in the field and selects only the sections of meteorite with a particularly well-formed surface rich in different shapes and reflections.
The new Cosmograph Daytona in 18 ct white gold features a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic with a tachymetric scale. The moulded, recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions are coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The new versions of the Cosmograph Daytona are equipped with calibre 4130.
Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36
Nothing like sparkling diamonds to accentuate the brilliance of these timepieces. The diamonds on the Day-Date 36 are meticulously set by a gemologist who selects the stones and the gem-setter who sets them one by one into the dial, bezel, case or bracelet. This is teamwork at its best.
The new versions of the Day-Date 36 feature hour markers and alligator leather straps in matching colours. 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. With these watches, the prestigious and iconic Day-Date 36 is reimagined in swathes of diamonds.
These new versions of the Day-Date 36 are equipped with calibre 3255.
