Picture of Basel Switzerland by Etienne Ehret

Rolex seems to come to Baselworld with new watch designs every single year.  Each year, they tweak their awesome timepiece lineup and make perfection even more perfect.  We could only guess at what this year might bring - well that is what this article is about.  In part we will be guessing what we think Rolex might bring to the forefront.  Also, in some ways we will be hoping these are some of the items that will be on the agenda for Rolex's 2020 unveiling.  No matter what comes of this year's event, we expect big things and will be eagerly anticipating what they reveal.

New Submariner and Sea-Dweller

The Submariner and Sea-Dweller from Rolex are two timepieces that seem to have been overlooked in the past few years.  These timepieces are hugely popular as they are, with or without changes to them.  Rolex has added some tweaks to the Submariner over the years and had a major rework about 10 years ago.  However, now the new higher power reserve caliber that is being sported by most other Rolex timepieces, is starting to make the Submariner look like the Cinderella scrubbing floors in the evil step sister's basement. 

The Submariner is nearly a perfect timepiece.  However, the new caliber will give the Sub an equal standing with the GMT- Master II and the DateJust which got such beautiful reworks last year. 

Besides an enhanced caliber, I expect there to be some new designs that will enhance the look of the Submariner.  Although I would probably holding my breath to see a platinum version of the Submariner, it would be interesting to see some gemology added to the diving timepiece. 

Another enhancement I fully expect to see in the new Sub and Sea-Dweller is the use of Oysterflex bands. We have seen that Rolex has adopted a similar approach to Vulcanized rubber bands as the premier maker of Rolex rubberized straps - Rubber B.  Rubber B straps have always had a unique T design at the curved end link between the lugs, which compliments Rolex watch models nicely. 

Rubber B is known for their T shaped design since they first came onto the market. It took me a while to get used to rubber visually, but the design really does work and eventually it won me over. We have seen that it also won over Rolex, and last year we saw that Oysterflex was added to the Daytona. 

Rubber B makes watchbands for all kinds of Rolex timepieces, Panerai, AP, and even Rolex's sister company Tudor.  They have always features this cool looking T-design.  Rolex can't afford to ignore this tremendous trend of rubberized bands - especially when designing this new Submariner. 

The T shape is easily recognizable. I’ve see it on all kinds of celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Prince Andrew and most recently Kevin O’Leary who absolutely loves them.

Besides the "T" design, the comfort of a rubberized band makes it a timepiece open for a much larger audience - watch owners that not only want to own the luxury of Rolex, but also the comfort and ease of use of a rubberized band. 

One of the biggest benefits of getting a http://rubberb.com band is adding color to the timepiece.  A green submariner would look even better with a green band.  A blue sub with a blue band.  Why not swap out with a red or white band, depending on the season or where your whim takes you.  Even Rolex has only released a black Oysterflex band thus far.  I expect that to change in the future.

The Showpiece Daytona

Every single year, Rolex comes to Baselworld with a fantastic new design of the latest Daytona.  Two years ago there was a rainbow colored Rolex with different colored gems around the bezel.  Last year the gold Daytona with Oysterflex band became the timepiece that dominated billboards the world over in 2019.  I don't know what this year has in store for the Daytona-Rolex's most popular timepiece today.  But it will sure to be big.

Milgauss, Air King and Explorer Reworks?

It is largely doubtful that Rolex will rework all of these timepieces in one year.  Rolex loves to spread things out over time and release new versions slowly.  However, with the new caliber available and the Oysterflex bands, as well as Rolex's gemologists starting to tinker with adding their artistry to standard Rolex timepieces, I fully expect one of these timepieces to get some love. 

If I were a betting man, the Rolex Explorer II will get the first rework of the three.  However, I would love to see the Milgauss and the Air King to get a revision or two themselves. 

The Rolex Cellini

This timepiece seems to not fit in with the rest of Rolex's lineup.  It rarely gets any love from the Rolex expert designers.  However, the classic watch needs some classic Rolex redesign.  Not only should it have a new calibre added with a better power reserve, but the classic design needs to have some new enhancements to add interest.  Perhaps adding a tapestry design or a skeleton dial to create interest.  Adding some of the gemology magic from Rolex's highly touted sapphire and diamond cutters, could add some bling to a rather ho-hum timepiece. 

And of course the band itself.  The leather strap is so 1940's.  Today, going with a vulcanized rubber band is more ethically sound, but also has the ability to adapt to multiple color offerings.  Rather than being limited to just a brown or black leather band, Cellini owners could go with white, red, yellow, orange, green or blue.  Whatever suits their tastes at the moment.  Plus the rubber bands can have better wear and tear and offer the owner the ability to use their Cellini in the pool or in sporting activities without damaging their band. 

The Cellini itself should also be certified to go deeper with waterproofness that matches other Rolex Oyster cases.  Otherwise, why buy a Rolex Cellini?