Every year, timepiece connoisseurs eagerly wait for news from Baselworld 2018, one of the top jewelry and watch trade shows around the world, held each spring at Basel, Switzerland. As luxury maisons show their new offerings at the show, we at home can’t help but obsess over each piece. They are the best of the best in the world, each piece a work of art on its own, produced with such mastery and finesse by their respective companies. Rolex, the Geneva-based brand founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdordf and Alfred Davis, has proven every year that they are heavyweights in the industry. They never come to Baselworld without impressing chronophiles with updated versions of older models or taking our breathe away with something completely new and shocking (See the new Cosmograph Daytona if you don’t believe us!).
For Baselworld 2018, they boast an impressive new line-up of luxury timepieces. For instance, the new Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II was introduced to the public for the first time and featured a new Rolex movement, calibre 3285. In addition, both the Datejust 36 and Datejust 31 now has a larger selection of new dials and redesigned cases. The Cosmograph Daytona on the other hand was presented in an 18 ct Everose gold with a new gem-set version complete with sapphires and diamonds (which you’ll either love or hate). Lastly, the impressive new Rolex Deepsea has been redesigned and now has a broader bracelet. Scroll down to see more details of all the new Rolex released from Baselworld 2018…
GMT-MASTER II
The iconic GMT-Master II Oystersteel is now available with a two-color Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic in the bezel with a Jubilee bracelet. It is also designed to display two zones at once, making it the ideal watch for global travelers looking for a wristwatch that is both beautiful and functional. A new-generation movement entitled calibre 3285 has also been developed and included. The new version in Rolex’s Oystersteel is also equipped with bidirectional rotatable bezel.
DATEJUST 36
The first self-wining waterproof chronometer wristwatch was first released in 1946 and has only improved in time. The date displayed at the window is at 3 o’clock on the dial. It has also been redesigned with new case sides and lugs, and equipped with the new cutting-edge movement called calibre 3235. Rolex calls the new Datejust 36 model “the epitome of the classic wrist watch.” Designed to look timeless, the updated version is available in two colors—the Everose (combing Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold) and yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow cold).
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DATEJUST 31
On the other hand, the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 has brand new dials, a redesigned case and lugs, and is equipped with the new-generation calibre 2236. The watch carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which guarantees its excellent performance. First launched in 1945, this new Rolex model is adorned with striking gemstones paved by in-house gemmologists and gem-setters. This group of experts examine each and every piece to make sure that every stone is upholding the brand’s criteria of only including the best of the best. The watch is also waterproof and can go to a depth of 330 ft.
COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA
The new Cosmograph Daytona in 18ct gold is adorned with 56 brilliant-cut sapphires in rainbow hues on the bezel. This particular watch was surely the talk of the town at Baselworld 2018, with numerous articles published online talking about Rolex’s bold new move to include this in their line-up. Whether you love it or hate it, the new timepiece is a sight to behold. The bright gemstones are set in 18cat Everose gold. It is a shocking (but welcome) addition to the Rolex family. It also has 56 brilliant-cut diamonds set into the lugs and crown guard. The dial has 11 baguette-cut sapphire hour makers.
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ROLEX DEEPSEA
Lastly, the new Rolex Deepsea features innovative technology such as a calibre 3235 movement, a newly redesigned case, and a resized Oysterlock. The 44 mm case is the ideal wristwatch for professional divers. A D-blue dial with a deep-blue to pitch-black gradient will be a handy companion when exploring thousands of feet below sea level. The Rolex Deepsea has even partnered with the National Geographic Society and Oscar-winning director James Cameron for a Deepsea Challenge expedition. Cameron descended 35, 787 feeltinto the Mariana Trench, the ocean’s deepest point. The self-wining mechanical movement is in the forefront of watchmaking technology. It is also equipped with a rotatable bezel with a 60-minute graduate Cerachrom insert in black ceramic. This helps divers to properly monitor their decompression time.
Rolex is located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing, City of Dreams, and Greenbelt 5. For more information visit www.rolex.com
