Rolex’s new models for 2021 are both highly anticipated and disappointing. As fans wished, Explorer II launched its fifth-generation revision on its 50th anniversary, and Explorer also launched a new model. However, the adjustment of both models is not as large as expected. Basically, they are replaced with a new generation of movements to maintain the impression of the original models in the minds of fans. However, the “hidden version” of GMT-Master II is unexpected. The steel version of the Pepsi bezel and the blue and black bezel of the Oyster strap have returned to the arena. The blue and black bezel can finally get rid of the title of BatGirl when paired with the Jubilee strap. In addition, Sky-Dweller launched a model paired with the Jubilee strap, starting with the chain strap, giving watch fans a different image experience.
Explorer II 50th Anniversary
Gently Revamped Fifth Generation
2021 is the 50th anniversary of Explorer II since its release in 1971. Therefore, it was predicted before the exhibition that this year would definitely focus on Explorer II or even Explorer. Many rumors, including changing the ceramic bezel, reducing the diameter of the watch, changing the color of the orange needle, etc., were predicted to be rampant. The final announcement was a surprise to everyone. Model 226570 replaced 216570. Basically, the solid appearance of the Explorer II tool watch has not changed much. The diameter is still 42mm, and the brand’s crown logo is added in the middle of the SWISS MADE words at 6 o’clock on the dial. There are also white Polar White Dial and black Matte Black Dial. It is equipped with a new generation of 3285 automatic winding movement, with a power reserve of 70 hours and a daily error of plus or minus 2 seconds.
The new generation Explorer II has made very slight adjustments in appearance. First, by narrowing the lugs and slightly increasing the width of the bracelet, the overall visual proportion of the watch is adjusted to solve the problem of the previous model being slightly top-heavy; second, the PVD 18K white gold black frame of the hands and hour markers of the white dial has been changed from glossy to matte, and the relatively low-key gloss is more in line with the tool watch image of Explorer II; third, the brand’s crown logo is added in the middle of the SWISS MADE words at 6 o’clock on the dial. Although there are no surprises in the revision, it maintains the image essence of Explorer II and upgrades with the pace of the brand.
Explorer small diameter 36
and new half-gold model
Rolex ROLEX 2021 new models coincide with the 50th anniversary of Explorer II Explorer II, and Explorer is also one of the highlights of the year. Although the design and appearance have hardly been adjusted, the small diameter 36mm size has been launched, returning to the size of the first generation, and the half-gold Two-tone material has been launched for the first time.
Since Explorer is positioned as an entry-level model of Rolex, the two-tone material immediately makes the price rise a lot. Without the price factor, it is relatively less attractive. However, there are also voices that the 36mm diameter is just right for wearing and can be used as a watch for your significant other. It can be seen that if it is worn as a casual daily watch with a retro style, this diameter may be suitable for Asians.
Datejust 36 New Pattern
Palm Leaf Tropical Style
The new Datejust 36 has launched a new laser-decorated dial, including a palm leaf-decorated dial with green, silver or gold colors, and another grooved pattern surface with gold, silver or blue, etc., each with an Oyster strap, Jubilee strap, triangular grooved bezel or bright bezel, and the luxury version has two-tone material or bezel with diamonds. The combination of many combinations has always been Rolex’s strategy to promote products; and the glossiness of the laser-decorated dial is believed to be one of the focuses of buyers.
Meteorite-faced Daytona
A more noble chronograph
Daytona’s luxurious meteorite face fills the gap in 2021, so that every precious metal material has a meteorite face. Although there are only three official flagship models, including white gold material with black ceramic ring and rubber strap, gold material with chain strap, and rose gold material with chain strap, but in fact, the online models of the three precious metals have ceramic rings and rubber straps, or metal chain straps. Since they are all made of precious metals, they are priced high, but the unique Widmann texture on the surface of the meteorite face is a gift from the universe. The number of complete and large enough meteorites will only decrease. Moreover, each model has its own unique texture direction, which is equivalent to uniqueness, thus adding more noble texture.
Steel version GMT with Oyster strap is back
Popular models are even more popular
Compared with the new models in 2021, several other low-key models have attracted more attention from sharp-eyed watch fans. One is that the stainless steel GMT-Master II is once again paired with an Oyster bracelet, which means that the original combination formula of precious metal = Oyster bracelet, stainless steel = Jubilee five-bead bracelet in the positioning of ROLEX GMT-Master has been broken!
Since the red and blue Pepsi bezel 116710 was discontinued in 2007, the Pepsi bezel 116719 finally returned to the market with a ceramic bezel in 2014 after many years, but the platinum material is quite expensive; until 2019, the stainless steel Pepsi bezel was re-released and replaced with a Jubilee five-bead bracelet, equipped with a new 3285 movement with a power reserve of 70 hours, and the blue and black bezel 126710BLNR in 2020 is also paired with a Jubilee five-bead bracelet. I originally thought that the combination formula of GMT-MASTER II precious metal or Two-tone = Oyster strap, stainless steel = Jubilee strap had been formed, but I didn’t expect it to be broken in 2021. The “new” red and blue circle and the “new” blue and black circle were quietly launched with Oyster straps, equipped with a 3235 automatic winding movement.
English 
Russian 
Italian 
German 
Danish 
French 
Swedish 
Dutch