Two new 36mm Explorers, one of them two-tone, headline Rolex’s 2021 introductions, released today. Other new models include a Daytona with a meteorite dial, a diamond-studded Day-Date with orange accents and a fully set Lady-Datejust
The Explorer is sized down a notch to 36mm from 39mm. But it’s really back to the beginning – the Explorer was 36mm when it was introduced in 1963, which also bore the iconic 3,6 and 9 numeral placement. The two-tone 18k yellow gold and Oystersteel combo is new. The dial is lacquered now, in keeping with its notch up the scale into gold territory. Inside is the caliber 3230, featuring Rolex’s signature Chronergy escapement and a blue Parachrom hairspring, with a power reserve of 70 hours. $10,800
The second new stunner from Rolex is out of this world in more ways than one. Not only is it likely to be even more unattainable than the standard Daytona at retail, but it has a solid meteorite dial. The 18k white gold version is the same size, same movement, same ceramic bezel, same Oysterflex bracelet as the standard model, but the meteorite dial somehow changes everything. It is now more than a sports watch, more than an investment piece. It is a fashion statement! There are also yellow gold and Everose gold versions, but this dial is more than perfect on the white gold version, which is priced at $34,050.
Rolex is also demonstrating its metiers and gemsetting prowess with two jeweled watches this year: a diamond paved Day-Date 36 with orange enameled numerals and an orange alligator strap to match; and a fully set Lady-Datejust set with more than 500 diamonds – there are also turquoise and burgundy editions. The numerals on the Day-Date shine with the unmistakable glow of enamel. On the Lady-Datejust, the numerals are made of gold with a black PVD coating. The Lady-Datejust is set with 1,089 diamonds.
Source: Carol Besler Contributor Forbes