Rolex Celebrates their 120th Anniversary! What could the Crown Unveil at Watches and Wonders 2025?
In under a month’s time, the highly anticipated watch event Watches and Wonders will take place in Geneva and in the build-up to the watch fair, fans and enthusiasts of the horological world prepare predictions of what will be released ahead of this year.
Mainly, the hype is focused on Rolex because unlike other brands such as Patek Philippe, they let zero secrets out, so everyone has to wait till this event kicks off. But, this year is slightly more exciting than usual as 2025 marks the 120th anniversary of Rolex, therefore there are high expectations for what could be released.
Predictions for Rolex are a yearly tradition, and this year is no different with rumours circulating from every angle of what models could be discontinued from the Rolex catalogue and potential new designs and ideas to be unveiled. Importantly, we must reinforce that these are only predictions and without further ado, here are our Rolex Predictions for 2025!
70 Years of the GMT-Master! A New GMT Model to be Released? Does "Seeing One Enter" mean Seeing One Go?
An Anniversary Model, Inspiration from the 116718LN 50th Anniversary Model
Not only does 2025 see Rolex celebrate the brand’s 120th anniversary, but also the 70th anniversary of the GMT-Master which debuted in 1955. One of Rolex’s most successful collections could see an addition that is released as a ‘celebration’ model, potentially released in two different ways.
Introducing our GMT-Master 2 “Anniversary” Model with inspiration taken from the 50th anniversary model reference 116718LN. Only cast in 18ct yellow gold with the option of an oyster or jubilee bracelet, also two different dial colours- in green and black to match the ceramic bezel.
The GMT-Master 2 reference 116718LN was released in 2005 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GMT-Master, discontinuing in 2019. This could be considered as a remastered version of that piece and it is absolutely stunning!
Green has been used to celebrate Rolex anniversaries in the past and has been very successful, so it would be no surprise if Rolex were to incorporate the colour again.
Will this year finally see the long-awaited release of the GMT Master 2 “Coke’?
This is a prediction that has been stuck on watch fan’s minds for some time, in fact it was a huge belief last year because there were strong rumours of the GMT Master 2 “Pepsi” being discontinued. No difference in 2025 as the belief is back and stronger than ever; many think that this has to be the year for a “Coke” model to be unveiled at Watches and Wonders and we are part of the bandwagon.
If this model was to be released, the belief relies in a stainless steel and white gold variation, similar to the “Pepsi” reference 126710BLRO and 126719BLRO. The stainless steel “Coke” model would feature the black dial only, but the white gold piece would feature a red dial or meteorite dial which looks stunning!
What GMT Models might be Discontinued?
There are two GMT-Master 2 models that we believe might get discontinued this year- they are the “Pepsi” (reference 126710BLRO) and “Sprite” (reference 126710VTNR).
Starting with the “Pepsi” model reference 126710BLRO, it has been in production for 7 years released in 2018, being an in-demand piece instantly. Last year, the rumour of a discontinuation for the “Pepsi” was strong due to leaked news surrounding Rolex struggling to fade the red and blue bezel in production. This year is no different with the “Pepsi” rumoured to leave the beloved GMT-Master 2 collection.
Enhancing this model’s discontinuation prediction is the “Coke” model because if this model was released, there is no doubt that ADs would be up to their ears with requests whilst also having to manage the, already in-demand “Pepsi” model. Controlling the demand for both of these models would be an immense struggle, therefore Rolex’s solution would be to discontinue the “Pepsi” in order to sustain control.
Alternatively, there are thoughts flying around of the “Sprite” model, reference 126710VTNR, to be discontinued. Also known as the “Lefty” due to the crown being placed on the left side of the case, is a watch tailored for left-handed people and for that reason is the least popular out of the GMT range.
Sadly, due to popularity reasons, the “Sprite” could get discontinued which would be difficult news because the green and black bezel is perfect and the model is some people’s favourite out of the current GMT collection.
Could there be more discontinuations?
Most definitely. In fact, there is potential confirmation of a model’s discontinuation before Watches and Wonders has taken place. This news involves the Oyster Perpetual “Celebration” dial; a model that shocked fans with Rolex experimenting dial art.
Simply seen as a potential ‘leak’ from reports, nothing has been confirmed whether the Oyster “Celebration” had been discontinued as the model remains displayed on Rolex’s website. Overall, the “Celebration” model has gained mixed reception and has served its time fairly well, we hope that Rolex can create some more pieces that are different and unique in the future.
Now, the yellow gold Deepsea reference 163338LB. There are no solidified talks of a discontinuation for this model, so this is most likely the first of this rumour. Purely stemming from the hatred of this piece, some members here at Time4Diamonds want this model scrapped from the catalogue.
Simultaneously, it is built on the idea that this watch has zero demand or an extremely low demand as there have been sightings of this model on the market, albeit not many. One of Rolex’s most controversial releases from last year’s Watches and Wonders due to the fact that it is priced so highly and it is almost unwearable.
When this Deepsea model was released, it was retailing for just over £40,000 but has been massively affected by the price changes as it now sits at £50,600! Bearing in mind this features a 44mm case size with a thickness of 17.7mm, cast in full yellow gold weighing 320g, it is a very heavy watch questioning the model’s wearability. Compare that to another well-known heavy Rolex piece, the platinum Daytona reference 116506 which weighs 286g, the yellow gold Deepsea weighs much more.
These reasons suggest why the yellow gold Deepsea lacks demand and is not a favourite amongst fans or enthusiasts, so there is a belief as to why it could get discontinued.
Finally, some members of the Time4Diamonds team believe that the Air-King could face a discontinuation. Regarded as a forgotten watch, this piece is also not many people’s favourite watch from Rolex but is considered as a solid entry-level model. Mainly, the problem stems from the idea that the Air-King lacks trajectory- what can actually be done to excel this model further.
Yes, Rolex could create a two-tone or full gold variation of the Air-King which would be a good idea to help people build rapport and a relationship with the AD by improving spending accounts. But, understanding the price changes occurred to gold models this year, a two-tone or full gold Air-King would enter the catalogue with a hefty fee, alienating customers even more. So, because there is a lack of trajectory, the belief is that Air-King could potentially be retired by Rolex.
What else could Rolex be releasing in 2025?
Starting this section with the 1908, something needs to be done to the 1908 in order to spice this model up as this model lacks demand but it shouldn’t because the model is so classy. Last year, Rolex did try heating up the 1908 by adding a guilloché dial, reference 52506 and it is a beautiful piece, yet there seems to be no urge for consumers to buy a 1908 model.
Therefore, we believe that Rolex should re-introduce the stone dials for the 1908. Stone dials featured on the Day-Date primarily, but were also incorporated for the Datejust and Daytona. Surely, this would emerge an appeal for the 1908 as the stone dials are extremely rare and collectible pieces from Rolex so to see them come back would be amazing! There would be a matching coloured leather strap to blend perfectly with the stone dial and the two we have created are beautiful.
Focusing on material, Rolex could use RLX Titanium on some of their sports models. Currently, the Yacht-Master 42 reference 226627 is the only model to be cast in titanium. Titanium is a lightweight material so why not incorporate this into a heavier watersports model like the sea-dweller. Being the Rolex model that has received no updates for the longest period of time, the Sea-Dweller should be given a subtle addition and why not do that using titanium.
As mentioned, it is a heavyweight in the Rolex catalogue due to the components part of the model required to deliver its function. Titanium is lighter than stainless steel so it would be perfect for the Sea-Dweller which currently weighs 212g. Simply, using titanium would make the model weigh less and be more wearable on one’s wrist which is the main problem. Not only could titanium be applied to the Sea-Dweller, but also the Submariner.
Finally for new releases, Rolex could produce a polar dial for the Explorer 36 and 40, polar being a strong and elegant shade of white. This would be a perfect addition to the model that is lacking variety as there is only a black dial option available in either the steel or two tone Explorer.
An argument could be made that the Explorer 2 with the white dial will lose demand but the Explorer and Explorer 2 are two completely different models which don’t really affect each other. The polar dial suits the Explorer perfectly, combining sport and beauty greatly whilst also displaying a vintage aesthetic.
Does Rolex’s 70th Anniversary mean a Brand New Model?
A prediction that was part of our set of predictions for last year’s Watches and Wonders is the idea of Rolex releasing a perpetual calendar model. At the end of 2023, there was a potential patent leaked displaying information about Rolex possibly crafting a perpetual calendar.
Of course, it is unknown whether this patent was genuine or not but the idea of Rolex releasing a perpetual calendar is simply thrilling. Maybe considered as an awful shout, simultaneously it could happen because as mentioned above, it is Rolex’s 120th anniversary so if a perpetual calendar was to be released, the timing would be very fitting.
Moreover, it is not impossible for Rolex to craft a perpetual calendar having made movements and complications that form a perpetual calendar like their annual calendar function on the Sky-Dweller and the moonphase on the Cellini.
Now, do we really believe that Rolex will release a perpetual calendar?- obviously not. For sure, there is some belief, albeit very little, behind Rolex unveiling a perpetual calendar model.
The likelihood that Rolex will actually follow through with any predictions, flowing through the horological world right now, is very low. However, despite knowing that, it is becoming a yearly tradition full of enjoyment and as always we are excited to see what The Crown unveils this very special year for Rolex.
