A quick look at our favorite new releases from Rolex at Baselworld 2018.
Rolex GMT-Master II
For the first time since its introduction, Rolex is offering the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II (126170BLRO) with a ceramic bezel in the legendary blue and red ‘Pepsi’ configuration. Ever since the updated GMT-Master II appeared on the market in 2008, many people have wanted to see a steel version of the watch with the famous Pan Am colors. And while many people were speculating that Rolex would reveal the ‘Coke’ version (black and red bezel) at Baselworld 2018, the brand instead reintroduced the classic configuration that started the legend.
This watch features the iconic two-tone ceramic bezel, familiar from the white gold GMT-Master II that was released in 2014. With the introduction of the steel version with the Pepsi bezel, Rolex has also decided to quietly change the dial color from black to blue on the white gold version.
The new stainless steel version features a redesigned Jubilee bracelet and the newly developed Rolex caliber 3285. With the launch of the new Jubilee bracelet, Rolex is bringing back an iconic GMT Master look. Though there are many fans of the Jubilee bracelet, it will be interesting to see whether Rolex introduces a version with the Oyster bracelet sometime in the future.
In addition to the stainless steel version with the classic Pepsi dial, Rolex also announced a bicolor GMT-Master II in 18k rose gold and stainless steel as well as a solid 18-karat rose gold version. Both versions feature the newly introduced black and brown ceramic bezel, the same Rolex caliber 3285, and the Oyster bracelet as seen in the GMT-Master II.
As always, Rolex has made sure that people will start talking about their brand by reintroducing the most iconic version of the GMT-Master and giving it a twist with the newly designed Jubilee bracelet.
- First time Rolex has introduced the popular blue and red ‘Pepsi’ dial for the current stainless steel GMT-Master II
- The stainless steel version with blue and red bezel features the redesigned Jubilee bracelet
- All three models feature the new automatic Rolex caliber 3285
- Water resistant to 100 meters / 328 feet
- The newly introduced GMT-Master II watches are all 40 mm in diameter
- List prices are: stainless steel – 8,400 euros; steel and Everose gold – 13,000 euros; and solid Everose – 33,900 euros
Rolex Deepsea
The second big Rolex announcement was the new version of the Rolex Deepsea, also known by its full name: the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea. The Deepsea is, essentially, the Sea-Dweller’s big brother. This new version features a slightly redesigned 44-mm case, a broader Oyster bracelet, and a black ceramic bezel. Inside this professional diver’s tool watch, Rolex presented the new Rolex automatic caliber 3235, which is able to withstand the greatest challenges the ocean has to offer.
This watch also features a so-called “D-blue dial” with a deep blue to pitch black gradient. This dial was previously introduced on a commemorative version of the Deepsea in tribute to the Deepsea Challenger expedition.
During this expedition, world famous filmmaker James Cameron descended 10,908 meters (35,787 feet) to the ocean’s deepest point, located in the Mariana Trench. For the first time, Rolex is presenting the new Deepsea with this dial color as a standard edition, in addition to the model’s well-known black on black configuration.
The new Rolex Deepsea is further proof that Rolex is focused on creating the ultimate diving watch, a watch that likely won’t become a daily wearer but will be impressive both in the ocean and on land.
- The new Rolex Deepsea is further proof that the Deepsea is the true Rolex professional diving watch
- The D-Blue dial has a remarkable color previously only available on a special edition of the Deepsea
- The Rolex Deepsea features the all-new Rolex automatic caliber 3235
- Water resistant to 3,900 meters / 12,800 feet
- The Rolex Deepsea measures an impressive 44 mm in diameter
- List prices are: stainless steel with a D-blue dial for 11,450 euros; stainless steel with a black dial for 11,200 euros
