Has Rolex run out of ideas? YES AND ＮＯ.
The highlight of this year’s new releases is definitely the new Daytona references. Released in 2016 and produced for only 7 years, the 116500 series have been replaced by the new 126500 that has a new case design and a new movement. Also, the platinum Daytona now has a display caseback that showcases the new movement. The ceramic Daytonas now has a metal ring around the ceramic bezel and all new models get some new dial designs, some of which resemble the 1652x series Daytona while the metal ring resembles the design of 626x series. The display caseback of the platinum 126506 is likely a reply to modified Rolex which has been in vogue for some years. It is not the first time Rolex has done something in response to popular demand. The release of the Oysterflex rubber straps was also likely an answer to the trend of installing Rubber B straps.
While there is not much too new on the Daytona, Rolex is known not to make changes too radical to their existing models. To me, the case of the new Daytona has lost its slimness and become similar to those of the Sub and GMT. The metal rings of the ceramic models is are the major feature distinguishing between them and the first ceramic generation. Notably, the green and meteorite dials are now discontinued. I have a feeling that the meteorite dial won’t stay out of the lineup for too long.
Who says Rolex cannot be creative? The real surprise of this year’s show is actually the Daydate puzzle. Coming in rose old, white gold and yellow gold with a turquoise or orange enamel dials with puzzles and rainbow sapphire markers, the date wheel displays emojis instead of dates while the day wheel displays “Happy,” Eternity,” “Gratitude,” Peace,” “Faith,” “Love,” and “Hope.” This is an unexpected release from a conservative manufacture like Rolex and looks like an extension of the colorful Oyster Perpetuals. Surely these are no traditional Daydates and some may even find them ugly, but these models are going to be a big hit among rappers and NBA stars. These new models could also help promote the Daydate to younger collectors who may find the presidential Rolex a bit old-fashioned.
(All images are from Google. Courtesy to the owners of these images.)