New Rolex watches produced only in 2022

The nature of the watch game is that watchmakers can’t sell every watch they produce indefinitely. While it may be sad to see your favorite model exit production and be relegated to the grey market (the limited number of Rolexes currently being delivered means prices are skyrocketing), it makes way for new watches and alternatives.

Or, watches may become victims of their own success and generate such long waiting lists that watchmakers would rather stop producing them than be stuck in manufacturing for the next 30 years. So here are the watches that Rolex will discontinue in 2022.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual in Coral Red (31mm, 36mm, 41mm), Yellow (31mm, 36mm, 41mm) and Turquoise Dial (41mm)

One very popular watch that, at the height of the current zeitgeist, is being phased out is the Tiffany Blue Oyster Perpetual 41mm. Since the launch of the Tiffany Blue Nautilus 5711/1A-018 late last year, the iconic light blue has attracted watch collectors more than ever. With the Nautilus being produced in extremely limited numbers, collectors have looked to other brands like Rolex to fill the light blue void in their collections. But no longer, at least the 41mm size of the Ref. 124300 with a light blue dial has been discontinued. You can still get your Tiffany Blue fix, however, in the more refined 36mm and 31mm diameter Oyster Perpetuals.

In addition to the 41mm light blue, a whole host of other colored Oyster Perpetuals in various sizes are gone, too. The Coral Red version is gone entirely in the 41mm, 36mm, and 31mm, as is the yellow.

Rolex Air King 116900

It’s become quite popular to try and predict which watches Rolex will launch and discontinue each year, and one that’s on the chopping block from several sources is the Air King. They’re right, kind of. Rather than discontinuing it entirely, Rolex replaced it with the Ref. 126900, an updated version with a new case, improved dial, and upgraded movement. The new watch is the same as the old one but better, so there was no reason not to discontinue the 116900.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Platinum 228206 (Smooth Bezel)

Rolex Day Date 40 Platinum 228236 (2022)

One of the most iconic attributes of the Day Date is its fluted bezel, which is why one of the most popular models – in platinum with a light blue dial – is only available with a smooth bezel. The no longer smooth 228206 has been replaced by the sexier fluted 228236.

While it would be possible to continue to produce the smooth-bezel version in addition to the new version, this would likely mean that production of each version would likely be reduced. Given the supply issues Rolex is already facing, this doesn’t sound like a good idea.

Rolex Deepsea 126660

This is a strange one. The Rolex Deepsea Herald 126660 has been discontinued and replaced by the 136660. However, there is no reason to feel sad as the 136660 has the exact same case, movement and styling. The only changes are a hint of platinum PVD and a slightly larger date aperture.

All Rolex Cellini Models (Except One)

Rolex Cellini 50505

The Cellini is dead. Or at least it seems that way as Rolex has axed four-fifths of the remaining Cellini models. It’s goodbye to the two date models and the two time models, leaving only the moon phase. It’s an understandable decision, the Cellini doesn’t add anything to the range that other Rolexes don’t have, and it feels the most unique stylistically, watering down Rolex’s design language.

However, the fact that the moon phase remains means we could see the return of the Cellini as a fully-fledged series at some point, perhaps with a new high-complexity angle. It currently sits in a similar position to the Air King last year, and we’ve seen what Rolex has done with it.

Rolexes discontinued in 2022:
Oyster Perpetual 124300 (41mm, turquoise, coral or yellow dial), 126000 (36mm, coral or yellow dial), 277200 (31mm, coral or yellow dial)
Deepsea 126660 (replaced with 136660)
Air-King 116900 (replaced with 126900)
Day-Date 40 Platinum 228206 (replaced with 228236)
Cellini Time 50505 / 50509
Cellini Date 50519 / 50515

As a Junior Content Producer at Oracle Time, Michael’s need to pay attention to detail makes it a good thing that his dual pleasures in life are miniatures and watches. Although he’s new to the magazine, he’s a lifelong fan of fine timepieces, especially those with a more historical significance – and if it’s got an Art Deco twist, even better.