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Drawing closer is the horological world's biggest annual event, Watches and Wonders, which gets underway on 14 April. This is a huge event for watchmaking, as brands come together to unveil their novelties for the new year. Watches and Wonders 2026 looks to be bigger than ever, with over 60 brands participating, including huge returning names like Audemars Piguet.
But one of the best parts about Watches and Wonders is the tradition of predicting what Rolex could release at the highly anticipated event. Rolex is the world's largest watch brand, ranked number one, which is why everyone is excited about what the Crown could unveil.
Here at Time 4 Diamonds, we have been part of the prediction tradition in 2024 and 2025; this year is no different. Not only have we shared our predictions, but we have also provided some examples by designing what we would like to see from Rolex in 2026. So, without further ado, here are our Rolex predictions for Watches and Wonders 2026!
Novelties & Releases
Complication to Celebrate 100 Years of the Oyster Case
Concept render created by Time 4 Diamonds. This is not an official Rolex product.
Arguably, Rolex's biggest anniversary in 2026 celebrates a century since the creation of the Oyster case, the world's first waterproof wristwatch case. Developed and patented by Hans Wilsdorf, the case featured a screw-down crown, a bezel and a case back.
A year later, the case was put to the test when a young British secretary, Mercedes Gleitze, swam the English Channel whilst wearing the Rolex Oyster. Once she completed her 10-hour swim, the waterproof wristwatch remained in perfect working condition.
A century is a huge milestone, especially since the Oyster case is vital to Rolex's identity and history. Therefore, it is heavily expected that the Crown will unveil something to commemorate the Oyster case.
The model in Rolex's current catalogue that most closely resembles the first waterproof Rolex Oyster is the 1908. How can you take the Oyster case a few steps further? By adding a complication.
Rolex could create a 1908 with either a moonphase or perpetual calendar. The moonphase complication was last seen very recently, incorporated into the Rolex 1908's predecessor, the Cellini. So, a Rolex moonphase complication for the 1908 is not a crazy prediction.
Alternatively, in 2024, there were rumours of a leaked patent displaying that Rolex were in the process of producing a perpetual calendar. Of course, nothing was released at the time, but could they have been waiting for this century milestone?
If Rolex were to produce a 1908 perpetual calendar, it would most definitely take their brand to another level. Alternatively, despite the brand not officially producing limited editions, this could be the first, or it could be placed in the off-catalogue selection.
Day-Date 36 "70th Anniversary" Model
Concept render created by Time 4 Diamonds. This is not an official Rolex product.
In 2026, Rolex celebrates the Day-Date's 70th anniversary, marking its first production in 1956. Therefore, it would not be unreasonable to expect the Crown to unveil a special Day-Date to commemorate the model's 70th anniversary.
Since the Day-Date's inception, the model has always been 36mm, with the Day-Date II entering the catalogue in 2008 with a 41mm case size and then replaced by the Day-Date 40 in 2015. Due to this, Rolex could solely produce a piece for the Day-Date 36 range, not the 40.
To mark the Day-Date's 60th anniversary in 2016, the Crown released the "Olive", which is the nickname given to the Everose gold Day-Date 40 reference 228235-0025 featuring an olive green dial with Roman numerals. It was not until just under ten years later that the olive green dial was added to the Day-Date 36 reference 128235.
Referring to our prediction, we think Rolex could release an anniversary Day-Date 36 in yellow gold, potentially with a stone dial configuration like the Lapis Lazuli dial. The Lapis Lazuli dial last featured with the yellow gold Day-Date during the 2000s to the early 2010s on the reference 118348.
Stone dials were one of the many horological trends in 2025; Rolex even produced a stone dial of its own through the Tiger Iron dial for the GMT-Master II references 126715CHNR and 126718GRNR. Some trends have carried into 2026, like men wearing elegant ladies' watches, which have been spotted on the red carpets of award shows.
So why not continue the trend of stone dials making a comeback? After all, they are some of the most beautiful forms of art and craftsmanship in watchmaking, so no one would be disappointed with this potential release.
Revival of the Rolex Milgauss
Concept render created by Time 4 Diamonds. This is not an official Rolex product.
Another anniversary that Rolex would be celebrating, if the model were still part of the brand's catalogue, is 70 years of the Milgauss. In the same year as the Day-Date, Rolex officially introduced the Milgauss after creating prototypes in 1954 and 1955. The Milgauss was designed as a tool watch for scientists and engineers, built to withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss.
Sadly, the Milgauss was discontinued in 2023; the last references were the 116400 and the 116400GV, with GV standing for "Glass Verte", which is French for green glass, as the model was specifically known for its unique green sapphire crystal.
Interestingly, this was not the first time the magnetic-resistant tool watch was dropped from the roster. It ceased production in 1988 and was brought back in 2007, nearly 30 years later. Although the model has only been out of the collection for three years, we think it could make a comeback in 2026 to commemorate its 70th anniversary.
Unlike other tool watches and dress models alike, the Milgauss never received an upgraded movement and updated reference, jumping from the 1164xx to the 1264xx. So, this is the time for the Milgauss to get the upgrade it fully deserves, with even a potential date version: the Milgauss Date, which has a nice ring to it.
Could they release a "GV" version? Absolutely! This could also mean the beautiful Z-Blue dial could be brought back with it, which has become a collector's piece in recent years. We would expect to see the Milgauss in Oystersteel, maybe even titanium, because the metal is non-magnetic, combining perfectly with the function of the model.
The new Milgauss references could include the 126400, 126400GV and the 126407, all powered by the Calibre 3230. Judged similarly to the way the Submariner Date is referenced, the Milgauss Date references could be the 126410, 126410GV and 126417, and, of course, powered by the Calibre 3235, also identical to the Submariner Date.
Titanium Expansion for the Crown's Tool Watches
Concept renders created by Time 4 Diamonds. These are not official Rolex products.
Having briefly mentioned titanium already with our prediction of the Milgauss, the metal is given its own prediction, as it is believed by our team at Time 4 Diamonds that Rolex could expand the use of titanium across its tool watches. We heavily use the word expand because there are only two models currently cast in titanium: the Yacht-Master 42 reference 226627 and the Deepsea Challenge reference 126067.
Rolex's titanium is called RLX Titanium, which is a Grade 5 titanium alloy, known for being incredibly lightweight, strong and corrosion-resistant. Compared to Oystersteel, RLX Titanium is significantly lighter and more durable, making the metal far superior for everyday wear.
One thing that has been noticeable from brands over the past few years is that they seem to be inspiring each other. Very recently, Cartier released a titanium Santos de Cartier, which looked very cool, so they are experimenting with titanium; why should Rolex not do the same? Actually, it begs the question as to why Rolex have not utilised titanium more, as the metal feels more Rolexy. What titanium Rolex models could be released?
We are talking about a titanium Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Deepsea, Explorer, Explorer II and Air-King. This would not make things heavily complicated for the Crown, as it is simply a new metal option within these model lines. Due to titanium having a grey aesthetic, we would expect dial configurations to be kept quite simple, with either black, silver, white or red faces.
Land-Dweller Range Expansion & New Configurations
Concept renders created by Time 4 Diamonds. These are not official Rolex products.
This prediction is bound to happen. Last year, Rolex introduced the Land-Dweller 36 and Land-Dweller 40 to the collection, which was the Crown's first in-house mechanical high-frequency watch, featuring the impressive Calibre 7135.
Rolex released the Land-Dweller in white Rolesor, Everose gold and platinum for both the 36 and the 40. But what is lacking with the Land-Dweller currently is variation.
For the white Rolesor Land-Dweller 36 and 40, there is only a white honeycomb dial available, so there need to be more options. The beauty of white Rolesor allows for versatility, so keeping the unique honeycomb pattern, Rolex could produce a black, blue, green or silver dial, which would all work perfectly with the brand's patented metal.
For the Everose gold Land-Dweller 36 and 40, there are two dials available: a white honeycomb dial with hour markers and Arabic numerals, or a white honeycomb dial with baguette-cut diamond hour markers, which is also paired with a baguette-cut diamond bezel. Similar to the white Rolesor Land-Dweller, one or two configurations are not enough, so Rolex could produce a chocolate, rose, pink or purple honeycomb dial, which would all look beautiful.
Whilst the platinum Land-Dweller 36 and 40 features an ice blue dial with either Arabic numerals and hour markers or baguette-cut diamond hour markers, we believe that it should remain that way, similar to the Daytona reference 126506.
1908 Settimo Bracelet Expansion
Concept render created by Time 4 Diamonds. This is not an official Rolex product.
Our final novelty prediction is also based on a release from last year's Watches and Wonders show: the 1908 Settimo. In 2025, Rolex introduced a new bracelet called the Settimo, which has a stunning seven-link construction with each mirror-polished link perfectly rounded to ensure robustness. Not only is the structure of the Settimo bracelet impressive, but it really elevates the 1908 from a dress watch to a luxurious masterpiece.
One criticism of the Settimo is that the bracelet is only available with the yellow gold reference 52508; therefore, we want to see the Settimo paired with the platinum reference 52506 and the white gold reference 52509, which would both look incredible.
Potential Discontinuations
Concept render created by Time 4 Diamonds. This is not an official Rolex product.
Predicting what Rolex could discontinue is always difficult, and it seems to be getting quite repetitive year after year, as everybody, including us, is saying the same thing. This is probably going to be the case in 2026, as we have no idea what the Crown could cease from production. The current catalogue is in a very strong state, so it will be a shame to see anything get scrapped. Nevertheless, the predictions must go on.
Day-Date Olive Discontinuation
As highlighted, the Day-Date "Olive" or "Anniversary" reference 228235 was released in 2016 to celebrate 60 years of the model, and after a decade-long production run, the Day-Date "Olive" could be discontinued in 2026. This prediction does heavily rely on our guess that Rolex could produce a 70th anniversary Day-Date model, bringing light to the saying: out with the old, in with the new.
A GMT-Master II Discontinuation: Which One?
Arguably, the Rolex GMT-Master II is one of, if not the most sought-after collection in the catalogue as a whole. What we mean by this is that every GMT-Master II model is in demand: the "Pepsi", "Batman" or "Batgirl", "Rootbeer", "Sprite", "Zombie", and even the "Bruce Wayne" has held its own in this competitive line. But there is a feeling that one has to go in order to control the supply and demand of each model.
The best way of assessing this is by looking at the chances of each model: the gold CHNR and GRNR models almost have a 100% chance of staying in the catalogue. These are the only two full gold and Rolesor models Rolex offer in the GMT-Master II, and the two were given the Tiger Iron stone dial last year, as seen at Watches and Wonders 2025.
Whilst the VRNR models are not many people's favourites, the "Sprite" is the only left-hand drive watch in the entire catalogue, making it unique and appealing to left-handed wearers. Additionally, like the gold CHNR and GRNR models, the VTNR received a new dial last year with a green Cerachrom dial, creating a new white gold model reference 126729VTNR.
A final key point: Rolex CEO Jean-Frederic Dufour is left-handed, and it is believed that he was heavily influential in the development of the GMT-Master II reference 126720VTNR "Sprite". Taking all of this into consideration, we do not think the VTNR models will be discontinued.
The GRNR bezel has an Oystersteel variation, the reference 126720GRNR, which is nicknamed the "Bruce Wayne". This was introduced to the GMT-Master II collection in 2024 and has become quite a popular piece.
Unlike other steel GMT-Master II models, the "Bruce Wayne" appears to be equally as favoured when paired with the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. Therefore, it is easier to manage for Rolex as people are less particular, aligning with their waiting list nature. So, we doubt Rolex could remove the "Bruce Wayne", but there is a slight chance.
The two we feel are in danger are the BLRO and BLNR models. Over the past few years, it has become cliche to say Rolex will discontinue the "Pepsi", but here we are following the annual trend.
Along with the "Pepsi" is the "Batman" or "Batgirl", which have both been in production for a long time, almost reaching a decade. Typically, modern Rolex models do not last in the catalogue as long, so with time ticking by, we could say goodbye to either the "Pepsi", "Batman" or "Batgirl" in 2026.
Explorer II Discontinuation
A bold prediction, but like the Yacht-Master II, the Explorer II could join that model in the category of failed siblings, as we believe it could be discontinued at Watches and Wonders 2026.
The Explorer II feels like a watch that has fallen out of favour with watch enthusiasts, due to its oversized aesthetic and retail price of £8,850. Additionally, there is limited room for potential with the Explorer II, as only a polar white dial and a black dial are currently available.
Yes, Rolex could unveil a full gold model, as they did with the Deepsea in 2024, but we are unsure if it would work well with the engraved 24-hour bezel. So, Rolex could discontinue the Explorer II in 2026, but imagine, after all of this, they produce the latter: a full gold piece.
That concludes our Rolex predictions for Watches and Wonders 2026! Not only do we hope you liked our predictions, but we also hope you enjoyed our mock-ups. If any of these predictions get you excited about owning a Rolex, feel free to browse our bespoke collection or explore our full range of pre-owned Rolex watches.
