A Look Back at Rolex's Baselworld 2016 Model Releases

As Baselworld 2017 approaches, predictions about model updates have dominated the chatter amongst Rolex enthusiasts. While I have already posted my predictions and desires for this year's releases, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at which models were updated at Baselworld 2016. I covered last year's event on this blog, but I went back to their press release to get an idea for how they introduced each update to get a feel for what we might expect to see this year. 

Rolex Daytona, Air-King and Datejust Models from Baselworld 2016 (photo: Rolex)

The image above shows the star of Rolex's Baselworld 2016 stand, the Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN. This model update dominated coverage of the brand for months after the trade show and still demands a waiting list to get your hands on one. Next to it is the Air-King, which was re-introduced in a larger size with a unique logo with a yellow crown and green lettering. The Datejust received an upgrade in terms of size, with a 41 millimeter case this time around fitted with the new 3235 movement.

Everose Gold Rolex Models from Baselworld 2016 (photo: Rolex)

Everose gold was a common theme last year, with the Lady-Datejust 28, Pearlmaster and Yacht-Master getting rose gold configurations. The Lady-Datejust features a 2236 movement that is powered by the watchmaker's patented Syloxi silicon hairspring. The Pearlmaster above offers a blinged out watch for women that surely had their gem-setters busy for some time. The Yacht-Master 40 received an Everose Rolesor configuration with a chocolate dial. The combination of a chocolate dial with rose gold is a common theme in the Rolex Oyster collection.

Rolex Explorer and Cellini Models from Baselworld 2016 (photo: Rolex)

At first look last year, I wasn't sure what the update to the Explorer I was. Over time I discovered that they actually added luminescence to the large characteristic Arabic 3, 6, and 9 and also elongated the minute hand. Rose gold once again is featured, this time on the Cellini model shown above. Based on hindsight, it is likely that Rolex will stick to this method for their Baselworld 2017 model releases. They will likely feature one of their materials, like the Everose gold was features in 2016. All bets are on the Sea-Dweller 4000 receiving a full update for its 45th anniversary and the watchmaker will likely take advantage of the press from the show to introduce small but meaningful updates to existing models, like they did with the Explorer and Datejust 41 last year.

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