It’s that time of year again – Baselworld 2017 is here! For those of you that don’t know, Baselworld is the premier fine watch and jewelry trade show that is held in Basel, Switzerland every year. For more information on the Rolex releases at least year’s show, see our Baselworld 2016 post here.
Every year, Rolex puts out new watches for Baselworld that tend to define the upcoming trends in the fine watch world. Last year it was a ton of rose gold, and this year it’s about Cerachrom bezels, jubilee bracelets, and 50 year anniversaries!
Here are the new Rolex releases of Baselworld 2017:
Sea-Dweller (Ref. 126600)
About the watch:
The Sea-Dweller was originally created for deep sea divers, but has become extremely popular as a daily wear. It’s a rugged, stylish watch best known for its extreme waterproofness. One of its defining features is a helium escape valve that was patented by Rolex in 1967.
What’s new for 2017?
This is the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller, and Rolex decided to create a throwback to the original model while making great technological improvements. The 2017 Sea-Dweller now features a larger 43mm case, a cyclops lens at 3 o’clock, and the red “Sea-Dweller” lettering on the face that was found on the original model.
Retail price: $11,350
Yacht-master II (Ref. 116860)
About the watch:
One of the newer models in the Rolex lineup, the Yacht-master II was created in 2007 as a professional regatta watch. Its defining feature is the countdown timer on the bezel, which is an essential part of yacht racing.
What’s new for 2017?
Most notably changed for this year is the defined look on the face and bezel. Rolex decided to make the watch more readable like their other professional models. The Yacht-master II now features new hour markers and a new dial with sharper numbers and lettering.
Retail price: $18,750
Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 116518LN)
About the watch:
The Daytona has been a staple for Rolex since 1963, and it’s not slowing down any time soon (literally). Known as the professional watch for racing, the Daytona has gone through many style changes over the years, but always keeps its iconic tachymetric scale on the bezel.
What’s new for 2017?
Three new models are available in 2017 for the Daytona: White, Everose gold, and 18ct yellow. Rolex also opted to add the comfortable Oysterflex bracelet to complete the look, and the new black Cerachrom Bezel is a throwback to the black plexiglass insert found on the original Daytona.
Retail price: Contact Jonathan’s for price
Sky Dweller (Ref. 326933)
About the watch:
The Skydweller is an insanely functional watch for world travelers. This watch is truly a masterpiece of engineering and design, and has 11 patents to protect its features. Here are just a few of the Skydwellers complications: dual time zone, local time read, a reference time display in a 24 hour format, month display, and yearly calendar.
There’s a lot to this watch (and it looks great too).
What’s new for 2017?
From a technical standpoint, not too much has changed. However, Rolex has rolled out new color variations and a Jubilee bracelet option that is getting enthusiasts excited. The Skydweller is now available in two-toned Rolesor and White Rolesor models.
Retail price: $17,150
Datejust 41 (Ref. 126334)
About the watch:
The Datejust 41 is a true classic and the quintessential daily wear. Its simple yet effective design has made it a staple in watch collections for decades. Originally created in 1941, the Datejust makes use of a cyclops lens at 3 o’clock and clean, easy to read styling on the dial.
What’s new for 2017?
The changes for the Datejust 41 this year are mainly cosmetic. Rolex has created a 904L steel version along with a Rolesor 18k white gold/steel model as well. A fluted bezel has been added, and the case was redesigned with the addition of the calibre 3235 to power the watch.
Retail price: $9,350
Lady-Datejust 28 (Ref. 279160)
About the watch:
The Lady-Datejust 28 was created in the late 1950’s to compliment the original Datejust made in 1941. This is a slender watch that is packed with style for women who prefer a smaller design.
What’s new for 2017?
Very similar to the changes for the Datejust 41 this year, the Lady-Datejust 28 is now available in 904L steel as well as a white Rolesor model. The case has been redesigned for carrying the calibre 2236 to power the watch.
Retail price: $6,300
Cellini Moonphase (Ref. 50535)
About the watch:
This is actually a brand new design in the Cellini collection from Rolex in 2017. The idea behind the Moonphase is a complication that displays the full lunar cycle. This is achieved by a blue disc at 6 o’clock on the dial that shows the new moon and full moon.
The Moonphase is set in Everose gold and features a 39mm case.
Retail price: Contact Jonathan’s for price
If you see anything from Baselworld 2017 that you want for yourself, let us know!
Jonathan’s Fine Jewelers has the ability to overnight new watch models directly to our showroom.
Contact us here for more information.
We’ll be watching Baselworld 2017 all week long, so be sure to follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and see our watch posts on our personal Instagram accounts:
