One of the most highly anticipated days of the year is the day that Rolex announces its new releases. 2021 was no exception – there has been so much hype and speculation around this year’s novelties. However, as has been the case for the past few years now, Rolex’s 2021 releases have been somehwat lacking in creativity, imagination and innovation. However, some properly exciting stuff has been introduced.
Let’s have a look at Rolex’s releases for 2021!
The New Datejust 36
The name of the game (at least for most of the non-sports models) is dials, dials, and more dials.
On the Rolex Datejust 36mm, two all new dials have been introduced to the collection. The first – dubbed “Palm-Leaf Motif” – has a very exotic feel. Meanwhile the second – the “Fluted” motif – is a translation of the fluted bezel of the Datejust on the dial.
These two dials are, respectively, paired with an Oystersteel version with an Oyster bracelet, a steel-and-gold (Rolesor) version with an Oyster bracelet, and a steel-and-rose gold (Rolesor Everose) case with a Jubilee bracelet.
The New Explorers – I & II
For 2021, Rolex decided to give a new look to the Explorer I, with characteristics that harken back to the original Explorers from 1953. Well, at least in the size department. Yes: the perfect dimensions return once again – 36mm. This is quite a peculiar size because it isn’t entirely formal, nor is it totally sporty, either. Oh, and another thing – there’s a steel-and-gold version now.
Retail Price for the steel version (ref. 124270): €6,100
Retail Price for the steel-and-gold version (ref. 124273): €10,350
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II model, and we think that Rolex really missed out on an exciting opportunity to do something truly great. It would appear that they weren’t too interested in adding something new to celebrate this momentous occasion. This is especially disappointing when considering the attention that the Submariner was given for its own 50th. Instead, the only novelty here is a new caliber: the 3285 – which isn’t even all that new, because it was actually first seen in 2018.
Safe to say we expected a lot more.
Retail Price for both ref. 226570: €8,100
The Sky-Dweller with a Jubilee Bracelet
Just like the GMT a few years ago, this year, the Sky-Dweller is the latest addition to the “Rolex sports watches with a Jubilee bracelet” series. In recent memory, whenever Rolex has employed this tactic, a lot of newfound attention gets directed towards that model. We are certain that it will be no different for this collection, too.
The Sky-Dweller is offered in two metals: Oystersteel and Rolesor (steel-and-gold). The former’s case can be paired with the usual blue, black, or white dials. Likewise, the champagne, black or white dials can be used for the steel-and-gold model.
Retail Price for the steel version: €14,400
Retail Price for the steel-and-gold version: €17,550
The New Meteorie Dials for the Daytona
In absence of new watches and movements (or much else for that matter), Rolex has decided to introduce new Meteorite dials for 3 versions of the Daytona in 2021. Truth be told, they aren’t even a totally new type of dial for Rolex as we’ve seen them employed on the GMT (and the Daytona in the past).
The iterations from the press release were: full yellow gold, full rose gold (Everose) and white gold with an Oysterflex strap.
Retail Price for the yellow gold version: €39,300
Retail Price for the rose gold version: €41,900
Retail Price for the white gold & Oysterflex model: €32,650
The New Day-Date Dials
Like the Datejust, the Day-Date is also given all-new dials. The first is a more classic, elegant ardesia grey, and the other is a far more eccentric hard stone dial.
Retail Price for the Eisenkiesel model: Price Upon Request
Retail Price for the Ardesia Grey model: €37,600
The not-so-new Pepsi & Batman
Rolex tends to do their own thing when it comes to releases, but it would appear that they, for once, have listened to the requests of their followers: for the return of the Oystersteel (and Oyster bracelet) GMT Pepsi and Batman.
So, what’s actually new? Well, apart from the Rolex crown logo underneath the 6 o’clock hour marker, not much. It’s a re-issue, basically.
As happy as many may be, I don’t think this release sat too well with those who bought the white gold version just to have the Oyster bracelet a couple of years ago….
Retail Price for both versions: €9,100
Final Thoughts
We could write quite a lot about our disappointment, but we’ll just say this:
In terms of new, new releases for 2021, we certainly expected a lot more from Rolex. We can let them off for last year because of the pandemic, which jumbled everything up, but it appears that this year, the approach hasn’t changed.
Pandemic entirely aside, we were truly taken aback by the absence of anything special to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II, just as we are perplexed at the decision to make a simple steel re-issue of the Batman and Pepsi.
What do you all think? As always, let us know in the comments below!
-Translated by Patrick R.
