The evolution of Switzerland’s leading high-end watchmaker continues at Baselworld 2017, with the latest to join Rolex’s Oyster and Cellini collections
Rolex, the world’s most valuable watch brand, has outdone itself again — this time on the stage of Baselworld 2017, where it unveiled its updated Oyster classics, and an entirely new model for the Cellini collection.
Each of Rolex’s latest flagship models comes equipped with new-generation mechanical movements and updated components for increased legibility and novel styles. And, as always, all timepieces produced by Rolex have the brand’s Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolised by its iconic green seal. The certification guarantees each timepiece will satisfy performance criteria that exceed watchmaking norms and standards in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding movements.
New moon
The Cellini Moonphase makes its debut in Rolex’s Cellini collection with an exclusive display driven by a self-winding mechanical movement entirely manufactured by Rolex. The brand’s patented complication allows the wearer to keep track of the full and new moon, as represented by a meteorite applique and a silver ring, respectively, on a blue enamelled disc. Its 39mm case in 18-carat everose gold is fitted on a brown alligator leather strap with a folding crown clasp that is also in 18-carat everose gold — a first for a Cellini model.
The sky’s the limit
For the first time ever, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller has been introduced in yellow and white rolesor versions, which combine 904L stainless steel with 18-carat yellow or white gold, respectively. The new dials feature index hour markers, a luminescent chromalight display and lengthened hands for better legibility and a modernised aesthetic look.
Fast and furious
The highly sought-after Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is now available in 18-carat yellow (pictured), white or everose gold — all of which are fitted on an elasto mer-coated titanium Oysterflex bracelet developed and patented by Rolex. True to its heritage, the latest evolution of this legendary chronograph fuses high technology with sleek aesthetics via a monobloc cerachrom bezel in black ceramic.
Legend of the deep sea
In celebration of the model’s 50th anniversary, a new generation of the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller has been introduced with a larger 43mm case and calibre 3235. The movement is backed by 14 patents, including that for the exclusive Chronergy escapement and a power reserve of about 70 hours. Notably, this reinvented technical divers’ watch comes equipped with a cyclops window on the crystal at three o’clock for a more legible view of the date. Its dial also carries the “Sea-Dweller” name in red, in reference to the first model.
Bejewelled beauty
With this striking version of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 in 18-carat everose gold, Rolex’s emblematic nautical watch showcases the brand’s gem-setting expertise combined with the sporty functionality of its innovative Oysterflex bracelet. The timepiece’s rotatable bezel is meticulously set with a halo of multicolour sapphires and green tsavorites, with a single triangular diamond pointing downwards to 12 o’clock.
Sailing to new horizons
Function and style are taken to greater heights in this regatta chronograph built for yachting competitions. A new dial and hands characteristic of the Rolex Professional models grace the refreshed Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II, giving the watch face greater legibility, along with an enhanced aesthetic appeal. The dial now features a triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock and a rectangular marker at six o’clock, while a luminescent disc on the hour hand clearly distinguishes it from the minute hand.
Steely resolve
Rolex’s redefined Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 comes in two versions this year — 904L steel or white rolesor with an 18-carat white gold bezel. Both are equipped with the redesigned 41mm case, a wide selection of dials, as well as the new Rolex calibre 3235 with a power reserve of up to 70 hours.
Ladies’ choice
The classic Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust 28’s white rolesor combines 904L steel with either an 18-carat white-gold fluted bezel or a gem-set bezel. The reinvented classic features the larger 28mm case and calibre 2236, a new-generation mechanical movement with Rolex’s patented Syloxi hairspring in silicon.
This article appeared in Issue 779 (May 15) of The Edge Singapore.
