The list we’ve all been waiting for, these are the new Rolex watches for 2023. We’re breaking down all the latest references, highlighting their changes from the previous year, while also looking at the calibres that make them tick. Of course, there are some big changes in material, a new RLX Titanium Yacht-Master 42, a gorgeous Yellow Gold GMT-Master II, and the star of the show, a Platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with ice blue dial and chestnut brown ceramic bezel. Let’s check out all the new Rolex watches for 2023.
Check out more of the best from Watches & Wonders 2023 below:
Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2023
New Rolex Line-up for 2023 at a Glance
Our list of all the new Rolex watches for 2023 goes like this.
- Rolex Cosmograph Daytona – from $21,350 AUD
- Rolex GMT‑Master II – from $23,200 AUD
- Rolex 1908 – from $31,100 AUD
- Rolex Yacht‑Master 42 in RLX Titanium – from $19,850 AUD
- Rolex Sky-Dweller – from $22,350 AUD
- Rolex Explorer 40 – from $10,800 AUD
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Bubble Dial’ – from $9,050 AUD
- Rolex Day-Date 36 ‘Emoji Dial’ – from $TBA
- Rolex Day-Date 36 – from $TBA
Cosmograph Daytona
Diameter: Ø 40.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 4131
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Material: Oystersteel, Yellow Rolesor, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Everose Gold, 950 Platinum
Price: from $21,350 AUD
To mark the 60th anniversary of the watch, Rolex has revisited the entire range of Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, releasing new references that visually incorporate new designs on the dial, a redesigned Oyster case that offers more light reflections on the lugs and case sides, and Cerachrom bezel options have a thin line of the same metal that’s used on the middle case.
We’re big fans of the ice blue dial 950 platinum variant pictured above where the monobloc Cerachrom bezel is finished in a lovely chestnut brown ceramic. New virtually scratchproof ceramics have been used across the range, specifically on the bezel to prevent any corrosion.
The new calibre 4131 movement utilises Chronergy escapement and builds on the outgoing calibre 4130 with new visuals on the transparent case back – the aforementioned platinum variant even gets an 18ct gold oscillating weight. All models receive a similar transparent treatment that highlights a new weight design, while the bridges are embellished with Rolex Côtes de Genève, the brand’s reinterpretation of a well-known decoration in watchmaking.
Of course, the new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona’s carry the Superlative Chronometer certification promising accuracy of −2 /+2 seconds per day. This is a standard feature across the entire Rolex line-up.
Check out the Cosmograph Daytona
GMT‑Master II
Diameter: Ø 40.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 3285
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Material: Yellow Rolesor, 18ct Yellow Gold
Price: from $23,200 AUD
First unveiled in 1982, two new GMT‑Master II references join the Rolex line-up for 2023. First, the star of the show which is an 18ct Yellow Gold variant, and second, a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold). Both include a two-colour, 24-hour graduated monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in grey (new for 2023) and a black ceramic option. Maybe the most notable addition is the jubilee bracelet with an Oyster clasp and Easylink comfort extension.
In terms of construction, special ceramics are being used for the bezel and bezel inserts (see a theme here). These cannot corrode and are “virtually scratch-proof,” not that you’d want to test that theory at your closest brick wall. The Rolesor version of the new GMT-Master II features yellow Rolesor on the bezel, winding crown and bracelet centre links, while the middle case, case back and bracelet outer links are in Oystersteel.
A calibre 3285 Rolex movement enables the watch to display the date and an additional time zone in 24-hour format (a true GMT), as well as the hours, minutes and seconds. Of course, the new GMT‑Master II references carry Superlative Chronometer certification promising accuracy of −2 /+2 seconds per day.
1908
Diameter: Ø 39.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 7140
Power Reserve: 66 hours
Material: 18ct Yellow or White Gold
Price: from $31,100 AUD
A quick moment of silence for the Rolex Cellini that has been removed from the Rolex website, replaced by this elegant piece. The new 1908 is named after the year Hans Wilsdorf devised the name ‘Rolex’ to sign his creations, we’re big fans of this elegant dress watch that breaks the norm of the brand’s infamous sports pieces.
More than just a new reference, the Rolex 1908 is the first in a line of watches set to join the new ‘Perpetual collection’, described as “a reinterpretation of traditional watchmaking style imbued with quintessential watchmaking expertise and the aesthetic heritage of Rolex.” We can only assume that this range will focus on simplified dress watches with high-calibre movements.
Domed, finely fluted, and available in 18 ct yellow or white gold with a transparent case back. It certainly ticks all the boxes of a great dress watch. Dial colours are either intense white or intense black, while time is displayed with Arabic numerals 3, 9 and 12, and faceted index hour markers.
The small seconds subdial is a great touch, complementary to the circular hour hand, as the ‘Superlative Chronometer’ text is simultaneously displayed in an arc shape over the subdial.
Utilising the calibre 7140 movement, the same Rolex Côtes de Genève text is displayed on the bridges as found on the new Daytona, while the movement enables the Rolex 1908 to display the small seconds, as well as the hours and minutes. Could this be the Rolex release that we look back at in 10 years and say “this was the one”? Potentially.
Yacht‑Master 42
Diameter: Ø 42.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 3235
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Material: RLX Titanium
Price: from $19,850 AUD
Grade 5 RLX Titanium makes its way to the Rolex Yacht‑Master 42 for 2023, utilising the particularly strong but lightweight alloy that’s combined with an Oyster bracelet for the first time. We’re in love with the stain finish and visible grain, extending to the middle case sides, the edges of the bracelet links and the sides of the clasp cover. Other material features include contrasting high-sheen finish, utilising chamfered top edges of the middle case lugs and polished grown guard.
The trusty Rolex Calibre 3235 movement makes its way into the Yacht‑Master 42, offering date as well as the hours, minutes and seconds.
Again, the bezel material is a special ceramic that cannot corrode, while the 42 mm Oyster case of the new Yacht-Master 42 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The versatile Oyster bracelet, developed at the end of the 1930s, is a three-piece link that remains one of the most versatile and comfortable units in the industry. RLX titanium variants offer patented ceramic inserts to enhance flexibility and longevity.
Sky-Dweller
Diameter: Ø 42.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 9002
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Material: 18ct White Gold, Everose Gold, Oystersteel and white gold.
Price: from $22,350 AUD
A new calibre 9002 movement joins the Rolex Sky-Dweller line-up for 2023, alongside a notable 18 ct white gold version on an Oysterflex bracelet pictured above. This is the first time a precious metal has been introduced to the Sky-Dweller on a black elastomer bracelet.
Displaying two time zones simultaneously alongside an annual Saros calendar, the calibre 9002 has a big task on its hands. It’s so smart, in fact, that the annual calendar automatically differentiates between 30- and 31-day months. Months of the year are shown in 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial, and beyond the hour marker, the current month is shown in red. It’s truly a work of mechanical art.
The two other variants introduce two new dial colours for the model. We’re big fans of the mint green-dialled white Rolesor version, a colour that was reserved for the Datejust until now.
Explorer 40
Diameter: Ø 40.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 3230
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Material: Oystersteel
Price: from $10,800 AUD
Rolex has gone a size larger in the Explorer model for 2023, and at first instance, we’re not quite sure why? While we’re yet to get one on our wrist, the 36mm version was seemingly the perfect size for a watch that was first launched in 1953 after the first successful summitting of Mount Everest. Clearly, the small watch trend doesn’t apply to the worlds leading watch brand.
If anything, the larger size means increased legibility, suitable for all circumstances thanks to its Chromalight display that emits a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions and, in daylight, is noticeable for its particularly bright white hue.
A Rolex calibre 3230 inside the watch provides only the essential functions – hours, minutes and seconds. With a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and a Superlative Chronometer certification, which promises accuracy of −2 /+2 seconds per day, this is a favourite amongst the value-seeking Rolex buyers for good reason.
Oyster Perpetual Lacquered Dial
Diameter: Ø 31.00mm, 36.00mm, and 41.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 2232, and calibre 3230
Power Reserve: 55 hours, 70 hours
Material: Oystersteel
Price: from $9,050 AUD
Differently sized bubbles fringed with black make their way to the Oyster Perpetual range for 2023 and are available in 31 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm sizes. Reminiscent of the lacquered dials introduced in 2020, – candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green – these are proving to be great investment pieces years down the line.
The reliable calibre 2232 movement finds its way into the 31mm version, while the Oyster Perpetual 36 and Oyster Perpetual 41 are both fitted with calibre 3230.
Day-Date 36 ‘Emoji Dial’
Diameter: Ø 36.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 3255
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Material: 18ct Yellow or White Gold, 10 baguette-cut sapphires in six different hues set according to the main colour of the dial.
Price: On request
It’s hilarious that a Rolex Day-Date doesn’t show either the day or the date for 2023. Instead, ‘Happy’, ‘Eternity’, ‘Gratitude’, ‘Peace’, ‘Faith’, ‘Love’ and ‘Hope’ make their way to the 12 o’clock window daily on the new watch. Simultaneously, the window at 3 o’clock reveals daily one of 31 exclusive emojis in place of the date.
Worn by many of the world’s political figures, directors and visionaries, we can’t wait to see which President wears this one in public first.
Day-Date 36
Diameter: Ø 36.00mm
Movement Type: Calibre 3255
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Material: 18ct Yellow, White, or Everose Gold, stone studded with diamond-set hour markers and Roman VI and IX.
Price: On request
Maybe the most underrated of all the Rolex watch releases of 2023 is this carnelian Day-Date 36 with an 18ct Yellow Gold case and president bracelet. Also available in green aventurine and turquoise, all three are endowed with a bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds and fitted on the iconic President bracelet with an elegant concealed Crownclasp. Interestingly, the Rolex configurator will allow you to drop the diamond-set bezel and opt for a simple fluted option. That would be our pick of the bunch.
You’ll also like:
Rolex’s Certified Pre-Owned Program has Arrived
Swiss Watch Exports Hit $38 Billion in 2022, Data Reveals
Rolex Deepsea Challenge vs OMEGA Seamaster Ultra Deep: Who is the Real Master of the Deep?
