Rolex unveils 6 new watches for 2022, including a blacked-out Yacht-Master and a surprise left-handed GMT Master II

Dominick ReuterMar 31, 2022, 23:15 IST

Rolex

Rolex unveiled six new watches during the annual Watches and Wonders conference in Geneva.
The Swiss brand introduced new colors, materials, and movements for five of its mainstay lines.

First up, the Air-King, Rolex's classic offering for aviators since 1958.

Rolex

Notably, the dial now features a zero in front of the five for a more balanced look, and a new Calibre 3230 movement.

Rolex

"Unlike the predecessor, this model is now made with crown guards, giving it a much sportier look like the GMT and Sub," said Paul Altieri, CEO of Bob's Watches.

Rolex

Next, the Day-Date 40 in platinum with its classic President bracelet, and, for the first time, the Rolex fluted bezel.

Rolex

The new ice-blue dial lets the world know what this watch is made of.

Rolex

The waterproof case is machined from a solid block of 950 platinum and closed using a tool that is exclusive to Rolex watchmakers.

Rolex

Continuing with the colorful dials, the new Datejust 31 features 24 flowers centered by a diamond at the center of each.

Rolex

Three versions will be available: azzurro blue and white gold; olive green and yellow gold; and Everose gold and silver.

Rolex

The new Datejust 31 carries the Calibre 2236 movement, as it has since 2018.

Rolex

Rolex says this year's Yacht-Master 40 is "inspired by the aurora borealis and the glow of dawn."

Rolex

The rotatable bezel features trapeze-cut stones — pink sapphire, light blue sapphire, diamond, purple sapphire, and dark blue sapphire — in a sequence repeated eight times.

Rolex

The rotatable bezel features trapeze-cut stones — pink sapphire, light blue sapphire, diamond, purple sapphire, and dark blue sapphire — in a sequence repeated eight times.

A triangular diamond marks 12 o'clock, and the case is embedded with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Rolex

Traditionally offered in white gold, the Yacht-Master 42 is now available in 18 carat yellow gold.

Rolex

The yellow gold contrasts luxuriously against the black dial, and the markings have a new luminescent material that will glow brighter than ever.

Rolex

The bi-directional bezel in matte black ceramic features raised graduations and numerals, and the Oysterflex bracelet finishes the blacked-out look.

Rolex

Last, but not least, the novel GMT-Master II is sure to cause more than a few double-takes.

Rolex

"A GMT-Master II for lefties? No one saw this coming," Altieri said.

Rolex

Rolex says moving the stem and date window to the other side of the watch actually required a considerable amount of engineering in order to maintain its official Superlative Chronometer certification.

Rolex

Rolex says moving the stem and date window to the other side of the watch actually required a considerable amount of engineering in order to maintain its official Superlative Chronometer certification.

"No doubt this will be a tough piece to acquire," Altieri said. "It might encourage double wristers — I want one!"

Rolex

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Rolex unveils 6 new watches for 2022, including a blacked-out Yacht-Master and a surprise left-handed GMT Master II

First up, the Air-King, Rolex's classic offering for aviators since 1958.

Notably, the dial now features a zero in front of the five for a more balanced look, and a new Calibre 3230 movement.

"Unlike the predecessor, this model is now made with crown guards, giving it a much sportier look like the GMT and Sub," said Paul Altieri, CEO of Bob's Watches.

Next, the Day-Date 40 in platinum with its classic President bracelet, and, for the first time, the Rolex fluted bezel.

The new ice-blue dial lets the world know what this watch is made of.

The waterproof case is machined from a solid block of 950 platinum and closed using a tool that is exclusive to Rolex watchmakers.

Continuing with the colorful dials, the new Datejust 31 features 24 flowers centered by a diamond at the center of each.

Three versions will be available: azzurro blue and white gold; olive green and yellow gold; and Everose gold and silver.

The new Datejust 31 carries the Calibre 2236 movement, as it has since 2018.

Rolex says this year's Yacht-Master 40 is "inspired by the aurora borealis and the glow of dawn."

The rotatable bezel features trapeze-cut stones — pink sapphire, light blue sapphire, diamond, purple sapphire, and dark blue sapphire — in a sequence repeated eight times.

A triangular diamond marks 12 o'clock, and the case is embedded with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Traditionally offered in white gold, the Yacht-Master 42 is now available in 18 carat yellow gold.

The yellow gold contrasts luxuriously against the black dial, and the markings have a new luminescent material that will glow brighter than ever.

The bi-directional bezel in matte black ceramic features raised graduations and numerals, and the Oysterflex bracelet finishes the blacked-out look.

Last, but not least, the novel GMT-Master II is sure to cause more than a few double-takes.

"A GMT-Master II for lefties? No one saw this coming," Altieri said.

Rolex says moving the stem and date window to the other side of the watch actually required a considerable amount of engineering in order to maintain its official Superlative Chronometer certification.

"No doubt this will be a tough piece to acquire," Altieri said. "It might encourage double wristers — I want one!"