All good things must come to an end! And Rolex is no exception to this rule. Rolex enthusiasts have eagerly awaited to see which models the luxury watch brand would discontinue in 2023 and the new models for 2023. Finally, the wait is over, and we now know which models will no longer be in production. In this blog post, we will discuss discontinued Rolex models in 2023 and what that means for the pricing on the secondary market..
Rolex discontinues certain models to keep inventory fresh, as well as make room for exciting new models. Since Rolex only manufactures a certain amount of watches annually, discontinuing models is a good way to keep things interesting.
Discontinued Rolex Daytona Watches
All previous generation Daytona watches with references 116xxx have been discontinued and replaced with the new generation Daytona 126xx series. Although Rolex has replaced many of the previous Daytona variations with updated references, there have been a few discontinued models without any replacements.
The Rolex Daytona John Mayer has been discontinued in 2023. As of 2023, these popular Rolex Daytona watches are no longer available in the current catalog:
| Reference Number | Description |
| 116505 | Everose Daytona with brown dial |
| 116508 | Yellow Gold Daytona with green dial “John Mayer” |
| 116509 | White gold Daytona with blue dial |
| 116515LN | Everose Daytona with black ceramic bezel and black dial |
| 116518LN | Yellow gold Daytona with black ceramic bezel and black dial |
| 116519LN | White gold Daytona with black ceramic bezel and black dial |
Now that these Daytona models have been dropped from the lineup, it’s likely that the demand for them, particularly the “John Mayer” Daytona, will increase on the secondary market.
Discontinued Rolex Milgauss
Say goodbye to the Milgauss as Rolex has discontinued the entire collection of its antimagnetic watches with lightning-bolt seconds hands. Many thought Rolex would update the range this year, but the brand decided to let go of it altogether. The last two remaining Milgauss watches that were discontinued in 2023 include:
| Reference Number | Description |
| 116400GV | Milgauss with black dial |
| 116400GV | Milgauss with Z-Blue dial |
Discontinued Rolex Daytona with a Meteorite Dial
The Rolex Daytona has been a popular model among Rolex enthusiasts for decades. Among its various models, the Rolex Daytona with a Meteorite Dial was particularly captivating. The dial of this watch is made from a meteorite that fell to Earth millions of years ago, making it a unique and sought-after timepiece. However, as of 2023, the Daytona with a Meteorite Dial has been discontinued.
The six models of the Rolex Daytona with a Meteorite Dial that have been discontinued are as follows:
| Reference Number | Model |
| 116505 | Everose gold with black subdials and Oysterflex bracelet |
| 116508 | Yellow gold with champagne subdials |
| 116509 | White gold with blue subdials |
| 116515LN | Everose gold with black ceramic bezel and black subdials |
| 116518LN | Yellow gold with black ceramic bezel and black subdials |
| 116519LN | White gold with black ceramic bezel and black subdials |
Discontinued Rolex Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial
The Rolex Datejust is a classic model that exudes elegance and sophistication. In 2019, Rolex released the Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial, featuring a dial made from a meteorite that fell to Earth millions of years ago. However, as of 2023, this model has been discontinued.
The reference numbers for the six models of the Rolex Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial that have been discontinued are as follows:
| Reference Number | Model |
| 126301 | Steel and Everose gold with Jubilee bracelet |
| 126301 | Steel and Everose gold with Oyster bracelet |
| 126331 | Steel and Everose gold with Jubilee bracelet |
| 126331 | Steel and Everose gold with Oyster bracelet |
| 126334 | Steel and white gold with Jubilee bracelet |
| 126333 | Steel and yellow gold with Jubilee bracelet |
| 126333 | Steel and yellow gold with Oyster bracelet |
| 126334 | Steel and white gold with Oyster bracelet |
| 126303 | Steel and yellow gold with Jubilee bracelet |
| 126303 | Steel and yellow gold with Oyster bracelet |
Discontinued Rolex Sky-Dweller Watches
Similarly, all the previous generation Sky-Dweller models with references 326xxx have been discontinued and replaced with the new generation 336xxx series with the new 9002 movement. That said, it appears that Rolex has included updated replacements for most if not all of the previous Sky-Dweller configurations.
| Reference Number | Description |
| 326238 | Sky-Dweller in gold |
| 326235 | Sky-Dweller in Everose |
| 326933 | Sky-Dweller in steel |
| 326935 | Sky-Dweller in Everose |
Discontinued Cellini
Not much of a surprise here, but Rolex has bid farewell to the Cellini collection in 2023. The last remaining model of the Cellini collection was the Moonpase ref. 50535, which has now been discontinued in 2023.
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 takes over from the Cellini as the Rolex dress watch collection with leather straps.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of these Rolex models in 2023 has left many collectors and enthusiasts with mixed emotions. While it marks the end of an era for these iconic timepieces, it also means that they will become even more sought-after and valuable as their rarity increases.
The Rolex brand has always been synonymous with innovation, precision, and style, and the discontinuation of these models is no exception. As Rolex continues to push the boundaries of horology with new models and technologies, these discontinued watches will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of a Rolex timepiece.
Whether you are a long-time collector or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of a well-made watch, these discontinued Rolex models are a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic brand.
As always, we buy and sell most pre-owned Rolex watches! Our inventory is constantly changing, and if you would like to either buy or sell one of the discontinued Rolex models, just contact us, if we don’t have it, we can source it!
