Time and time again, generation after generation, Rolex has been the undefeated champion for men’s watches. They provide stability, functionality, style, and to a certain degree, power and status. This time is no different. With the new 2018 Baselworld collection from the brand, the timeless watch company has given us five new pieces for us to indulge in, covet, and add to our own personal collection.
SWAGGER recently had the privilege to take another up close and personal look at these gorgeous bezels at the Rolex Boutique by Raffi Jewelers at SquareOne mall, so we thought we’d share with you an intimate overview of the collection.
2018 Baselworld Collection
GMT-Master II
It was originally designed to assist pilots in their navigation in the skies, but the GMT-Master has become a distinctive icon among Rolexes. Over time, its crest-like bezel has been showcased in numerous colours (both single and two-toned combinations). It is the standout feature of its singular and instantly distinguishable aesthetics.
With a traditional hour, minute, and seconds display hands; a 24-hour hand; and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, it is possible to see the time in two time zones at once: either the local time and a reference time, or the local time and another time zone as desired. The date, shown at 3 o’clock, is synced with the local time display.
Datejust 36
Second is the Datejust 36. Rolex’s Datejust is the epitome of the classic watch with functions and aesthetics that never go out of style. Released in 1945, it was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to show the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial, and reinforced all the major innovations that Rolex had given to the modern wristwatch until then.
Aesthetically, the Datejust has transcended eras while maintaining the enduring codes that today still make it one of the most identifiable of watches.
Datejust 31
Rolex is releasing the new generation of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31, with reimagined case sides and lugs. In 18 ct white, yellow or Everose gold, the new versions are produced with calibre 2236, at the forefront of watchmaking technology.
Like all Rolex watches, the new-generation Datejust 31 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which guarantees uncomparable wrist-performance. A great choice as a milestone gift for the special lady in your life.
Cosmograph Daytona
A shimmery gem-set version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. On this new 18 ct Everose gold version, in place of the emblematic tachymetric scale, the bezel is set with a barrage of sapphires in rainbow shades. The case is showered with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds set into the lugs and crown guard, and the dial displays 11 baguette-cut sapphire hour markers, each of which matches the colour of the correlating point on the bezel. The chronograph counters are in pink gold crystals, a material with a particular shimmer effect, constructed during the crystallization of a pink gold alloy under a special process developed by Rolex. Next to the Datejsut 31, this has to be the “flashiest” and next heaviest watch in the collection.
Deepsea
Last, but certainly not least is our personal favorite, the Deepsea. Intended for deep sea diving, it boasts a 44 mm case with reworked lugs and sides and a broader Oyster bracelet, as well as a correspondingly adaptive Oysterlock folding safety clasp. This professional divers’ watch is packed, for the first time, with calibre 3235 at the forefront of watchmaking technology. This new Rolex is made of Oystersteel and sports a D-blue dial with a deep-blue to pitch-black gradient.