As the much-awaited Baselworld 2019 finally opened its doors this week, haute horology enthusiasts the world over were at the edge of their seats to see exactly what the top names in watchmaking would be unveiling. In particular, anticipation for the latest designs from much-loved Swiss horology pros Rolex were at an all time high. And it did not disappoint, releasing several superb additions to its classic Oyster Perpetual range. Here are three particular designs that merit special mention.
Cosmograph Daytona
Long the favoured watch of racing drivers the world over, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona first debuted in 1963. The recently-unveiled model, though, is a stark departure from the traditionally ruggedly masculine design aesthetics. Injecting an element of haute joaillerie into the mix, the black lacquer dial boasts champagne-coloured counters and a shimmering diamond surface, while the classic tachymetric scale on the bezel has been replaced entirely by baguette-cut diamonds. Despite its flashy looks, the Calibre 4130 movement within remains at the very cutting edge of haute horology.
Sea-Dweller 43mm
The first Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller first debut over half a century ago as part of Rolex’s bid to appeal to serious deep-sea divers. While the brand had already introduced its first dive watch – the Submariner – this particular model was created to function in even more extreme underwater conditions. The latest design is the model’s first-ever yellow Rolesor gold-Oystersteel incarnation, and outsizes its predecessors with its 43mm diameter. Waterproof to a staggering 1,220m depth, this may just be Rolex’s most advanced tool watch yet.
Datejust 31
Another debutante Oystersteel-yellow Rolesor gold model is the femme-focussed Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31. Targetted at the burgeoning segment of lady collectors, it features an unusual olive-green sunray-finish dial, with its only concession to outré femininity evident in the diamonds adorning its 6 o’clock hour marker. Even more excitingly, the Datejust 31 features an all-new Calibre 2236 movement which is said to offer even more superior performance thanks to deft touches like its silicon Syloxi hairspring.