Feature: Rolex launches new models at Watches & Wonders 2026
This year’s stand-out Watches & Wonders releases from Rolex include an Oyster Perpetual in a vibrant Jubilee motif, a Daytona in Rolesium and the unexpected return of the Yacht-Master II, which disappeared from the brand’s line-up last year. Rolex has also introduced its brand-new gold alloy, named Jubilee, whose warm tones of yellow, grey and pink will bring a whole new aesthetic to its most prestigious models.
Daytona, reference 126502
The latest Daytona sees Rolex case its legendary chronograph in Rolesium for the very first time. This combination was first seen in the Yacht-Master model in 1999 and means that the case and bracelet are made from 904L Oystersteel, while the bezel is crafted from 950 platinum.
You’ll notice a difference on the tachymeter bezel, too, where Rolex has chosen to pay tribute to the first Daytonas by presenting the numbers horizontally for better legibility.
Within the anthracite-grey Cerachrom bezel sits a white metallic-effect ‘Grand Feu’ enamelled dial with matching sunken subdials.
This watch runs on the tried and tested Calibre 4131 which can be viewed through the open caseback, something Rolex has introduced to its platinum Daytonas in recent years.
Oyster Perpetual Jubilee edition, reference 126000
Next up is a series of new Oyster Perpetuals to celebrate the collection’s centenary year. The 36mm Jubilee edition is the one that stands out the most on account of its vibrant technicolor lacquer dial, made up of the Rolex name repeatedly spelt out in different coloured letters within different coloured squares.
This motif is a nod to celebratory models made by Rolex in the late 70s and is almost certainly going to be the most in-demand Oyster Perpetual this year. This watch also comes in other standard OP case sizes.
Two other versions of the 36mm OP come in mauve and black, which the average customer will find far easier to get hold of.
Rolex has also released a large number of Oyster Perpetuals in 28mm and 34mm cases with dozens of different configurations, a testament to how revered it is in the Rolex story, despite its entry-level status.
Oyster Perpetual, reference 134303
Another Oyster Perpetual that few would have predicted is a two-tone 41mm “100 Years” model, which is two-tone steel and yellow gold, albeit with a difference. Like early-generation models of the Oyster Perpetual, only the case is two-tone, boasting a gold bezel and crown, while the Oyster bracelet is all-steel, without the gold middle links.
Sitting below the 6-o’clock marker on the grey dial is printed “100 Years”, referencing the anniversary, while the number “100” also appears on the winding crown.
The Rolex logo and the 5-minute small-square markers outside the batons are in signature Rolex green. This watch is also available in 36mm.
Datejust Green Ombre dial, reference 126334
Rolex has also released this new version of the Datejust 41 in Rolesor white gold and steel with a Green Ombre dial. Set to be a classic, it comes on an Oyster bracelet and features the signature Datejust fluted bezel. Besides this, Rolex has launched myriad versions of the Datejust in a number of new configurations, including the Green Ombre dial in plain steel with a smooth bezel and Jubilee bracelet.
Day-Date 40 Aventurine dial, reference 228235
The 100-year celebrations also extend to the Day-Date 40, which introduces a 41mm model in the brand’s new 18k Jubilee gold alloy. This is a more muted alloy than Rolex’s own versions of rose or yellow gold, with the brand describing it as “glowing with tones of tender yellow, warm grey and soft pink.”
It comes with a light green Aventurine dial reminiscent of the brand’s legendary Stella dials, but the effect is less in-your-face―although it does feature baguette-cut diamonds as hour makers, and the bracelet is, naturally, of the three-link President variety.
Yacht-Master II, references 126680/126688
We thought Rolex had discontinued the Yacht-Master II line last year, but it was clearly just dormant. It returns in 2026 with a slightly new look and a brand-new movement exclusive to the model.
The bezel no longer bears the words “YACHT-MASTER II” in huge capital letters―which was disliked by many― while the Regatta countdown timer, previously a horse-shoe shaped display on the inner dial, has now been moved to the periphery of the dial. The small-seconds display remains at 6 o’clock.
The 44mm case is also thinner than its predecessor thanks to the new Calibre 4162 movement, replacing the 4161 found in previous models. As with the previous model, Rolex’s ingenious Ring Command bezel unlocks and controls the programmable 10-minute regatta countdown timer.
It comes in stainless steel (pictured) or 18k yellow gold.
Discontinued models
In another surprise, Rolex has now discontinued all its iconic Pepsi GMT-Master II models―the famous blue and red bezel dropping out of the collection for the first time since it was introduced in the 1950s―although it’s highly likely to make a comeback at some point.
It has also dropped its white-gold so-called “Cookie Monster” Submariner, the reference 126619LB with the blue bezel and black dial, leaving no white-gold Submariners in the current line-up. Again, this is a gap Rolex is likely to plug at some point.
