Every spring, the world’s most elite watch and jewelry producers gather in Basel, Switzerland to showcase their latest creations and innovations. Rolex has always been an industry trendsetter, and this year is no different. Last year we saw Cerachrom bezels, jubilee bracelets, and celebrated 50 year anniversaries. You can see last year’s Baselworld Rolex releases here and those from 2016 here. In 2018 it’s all about updated calibres, Everose Gold and luxury gemstones.
Check out the new 2018 Rolex Baselworld releases:
GMT-Master II (Ref #: 126710BLRO, 126711CHNR, 126715CHNR)
About the watch:
The GMT Master II originally launched in 1955 to aid pilots in their flight navigation. Pan American World Airways, better known as Pan Am, even named the GMT Master II its official watch.
With a rotating bidirectional bezel and a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, world travelers can read the hour in two time zones at once.
What’s new:
Travel the globe in style with three new versions that each feature a new calibre 3285 movement. The first brings together an Oystersteel, five link Jubilee bracelet and the circa 1955 iconic Pepsi bezel.
The GMT-Master II is also available for the first time in 18 ct Everose gold and in Everose Rolesor, a combination of Oystersteel and 18ct Everose Gold, both showcasing a black and brown Cerachrom insert.
Retail Price: Contact Jonathan’s for price
Datejust 36
(ref. 126231, 126203, 126233, 126231, 126283RBR, 126281RBR)
About the watch:
This classic Rolex timepiece was the first self-winding, waterproof wrist watch to display the date at 3 o’clock on the dial, making it one of the most recognizable still today.
What’s new:
The Datejust 36 has upgraded calibre 3235 technology and redesigned lugs and sides. The 2018 versions just released are showcased in a flattering combination of Oystersteel and Everose Rolesor or yellow Rolesor, each available with a variety of stunning dials, including a champagne color with diamond-set hour markers and a white dial with 18 ct pink gold Roman numerals.
Retail Price: contact Jonathan’s for price
Datejust 31 (ref. 278289RBR, 278278)
About the watch:
Classics pieces like the Datejust 31 will never lose their appeal. The Datejust release in 1945 marked the first time Rolex consolidated all its innovations together in one watch, including the 3 o’clock date feature.
What’s new:
The new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 offers a redesigned case and the updated calibre 2236 and is available in 18 ct white, yellow or Everose gold with a wide range of brand new, original dials. Command the room with a mother-of-pearl or brilliant green malachite dial, both offered with a diamond-set bezel.
Retail Price: contact Jonathan’s for price
Cosmograph Daytona (ref. 116595RBOW)
About the watch:
The introduction of the Cosmograph Daytona in 1963 allowed professional race car drivers to measure average speeds up to 400 kilometres or miles per hour. Both functional and luxurious, the Cosmograph Daytona has become a Rolex icon over the years.
What’s new:
Crystals, diamonds and sapphires, oh my. This stunning version of the Cosmograph Daytona in 18 ct Everose gold is drenched in gemstones, featuring 36 baguette-cut, rainbow-colored sapphires on the bezel instead of the regular tachymetric scale.
Diamonds adorn the case-56 to be exact, all set into the lugs and crown guard, and pink gold crystals comprise the chronograph counters. Go bold or go home in this upgraded Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona.
Retail Price: contact Jonathan’s for price
Rolex Deepsea (Ref. 126660)
About the watch:
Originally developed for professional divers, the Deepsea Sea Dweller is waterproof to 3,900 metres or 12,800 feet, and able to withstand immense pressure without compromise. The Deepsea remains one of the most recognizable and functional models of the Rolex family.
What’s new:
The technology remains identical other than an upgraded caibre 3235 movement, but the new Oystersteel Deapsea boasts a broader bracelet and a 44 mm case with enhanced lugs and sides. The deep-blue to pitch black gradient dial on this Deepsea was originally launched in 2014 to commemorate the DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition, which featured filmmaker James Cameron along with the National Geographic Society.
Retail Price: $12,550
If you see anything from Baselworld 2018 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.
