Every new Rolex launched in 2026, including the 100 Years of The Oyster edition

Rolex has unveiled its most significant collection in years. Seven new watches, including a centenary Oyster Perpetual, an all-new gold alloy, a reborn regatta chronograph, and a Daytona unlike any before it, make this Rolex’s boldest Watches and Wonders showing in memory.

The star of the show, and my personal favourite, is the Oyster Perpetual 41 in yellow Rolesor. This is Rolex’s official tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Oyster, the watch that started it all.

Its slate dial carries the inscription ‘100 years’ at 6 o’clock, its winding crown is engraved with the number 100 in relief, and each five-minute interval on the minute track is marked with a green square – the brand’s signature colour. It is quietly celebratory and is a sure-fire hit with collectors.

Alongside it, Rolex has introduced Jubilee Gold – a brand-new 18 ct gold alloy conceived, developed and produced entirely in-house. It glows with tones of tender yellow, warm grey and soft pink.

It makes its debut on an exclusive version of the Day-Date 40, paired with a bright green aventurine dial set with ten baguette-cut diamonds and a President bracelet. It is extraordinary.

The Cosmograph Daytona also arrives in a configuration that turns heads. It pairs Oystersteel and platinum, a first for the model, with a white enamel dial made using the grand feu technique at temperatures exceeding 800°C.

Its anthracite Cerachrom bezel is a new shade, formed from ceramic enriched with tungsten carbide. The numerals on the tachymetric scale now sit horizontally, referencing the original 1963 design. The case back is transparent, revealing a yellow gold cut-out oscillating weight.

The Yacht-Master II has been completely rethought. Launched originally in 2007, this regatta chronograph returns with a redesigned movement, calibre 4162, and an overhauled countdown function that is now programmed exclusively via the two side pushers, removing the need to interact with the bezel ring system.

The countdown minute and seconds hands turn counterclockwise, a first for Rolex, making the remaining time immediately legible. It comes in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold.

The Datejust 41 gains a new green lacquer ombré dial on a white Rolesor case.

The colour gradient is achieved entirely through lacquering – a first for an ombré dial since the technique returned to the catalogue in 2019. It is an elegant, understated addition to the collection. Not the most dramatic watch here, but possibly the one that will sell fastest.

While the 100 Years Celebration model might be my favourite watch of the bunch, this is the model that will get all the attention and headlines. The Oyster Perpetual 36 takes a different approach entirely. Its dial features the Jubilee motif, the Rolex name rendered in ten contrasting colours, originally introduced in the late 1970s.

It takes virtuoso craft to apply those colours one after another with any precision. The result is super joyful and distinctive.

Finally, Rolex refreshes its smaller Oyster Perpetuals. The 28 arrives in 18 ct yellow gold with a green stone lacquer dial. The 34 comes in 18 ct Everose gold with a blue stone lacquer dial.

Both feature a genuine first for the brand: hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock cut from natural stone, heliotrope on the 28, dumortierite on the 34. These are precious, quietly luxurious watches. The case and bracelet carry a satin finish, itself a first for Oyster Perpetuals made entirely in precious metal.

Across all seven watches, Rolex has upgraded its Superlative Chronometer certification for 2026. Three new criteria have been added – resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability, on top of the precision, waterproofing, self-winding and power reserve standards set in 2015.

Every watch must achieve accuracy of between –2 and +2 seconds per day after casing. That is tighter than the official movement certification standard. The green seal and five-year international guarantee accompany every model as before.

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