After much anticipation and speculation about what Rolex would present at Baselworld 2017, we can now look back at their new model introductions with a critical eye. There have been mixed reviews about their 2017 model configurations, as is usually the case, but most of the updates have been well-received by enthusiasts. The watchmaker didn't actually introduce any new models this year. Instead, they focused their presentation on new material configurations, mostly in combinations of stainless steel and precious metals.

The 2017 Rolex watch models come at a lower price point than configurations introduced in years past. This comes after the watchmaker made pricing available on their website for their most modestly-priced timepieces. It is clear that they are taking a pragmatic approach to making money while the Swiss watch market has seen years of decline in wristwatch sales. Stainless steel configurations offer the best opportunity for Rolex to take care of their bottom line while sales of precious metal timepieces remain stagnant.

I have posted live photos of the Rolex stand at Baselworld and information about their new model introductions previously. Price guides for the 2017 Sky-Dweller and Daytona configurations are available in the Rolex Shopping Guide section. I have consolidated all of the information coming out of the trade show below for a comprehensive look at the 2017 models including new features and pricing.

2017 White Rolesor Rolex Sky-Dweller

2017 White Rolesor Rolex Sky-Dweller (Reference # 326934)

There weren't too many rumors or predictions about the Sky-Dweller model leading up to Baselworld this year. Rolex's decision to change it up came as a welcomed surprised to enthusiasts around the world. Dealers are already creating waiting lists for the white Rolesor version shown in the photo above. Time will tell if the fervor for this configuration will match that of last year's ceramic Daytona, but for now it is safe to say that the 2017 Sky-Dweller is the runaway hit from the international trade show.

New Features & Options
The 2017 Sky-Dweller model configurations feature the same Calibre 9001 self-winding mechanical movement that the precious metal versions do. Their functionality, therefore, remains the same. However, the display and materials have been modified to make way for a set of two-tone Rolesor configurations. In addition to white Rolesor, there are also yellow gold two-tone versions available with either white, black, blue or champagne dials. The hour markers are now rectangular and the dial color is uniform with the off-center 24-hour disc.

Pricing
I have added pricing for every 2017 Sky-Dweller configuration, including precious metals, in a price guide for easy price comparisons. The white Rolesor version shown in the photo above is the most affordable, priced at $13,700 (suggested retail price in USD, may vary from dealer to dealer around the world).

2017 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona on Oysterflex

2017 Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex (Reference #116518LN)

One of the predictions that was prevalent early this year was the addition of the Oysterflex elastomer bracelet to new model configurations in 2017. My guess was that it would be featured on the 50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller, but as it turns out the precious metal Daytona configurations were the ones to see an Oysterflex configuration this year. The Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert that was added to the stainless steel Daytona last year was also added to the new precious metal versions.

New Features & Options
The Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex is available in yellow gold, white gold or Everose gold. All of the Oysterflex configurations come with the black Cerachrom bezel insert that displays the tachymeter. A gold Oysterlock safety clasp is featured on the elastomer bracelet for security. The Everose version is available with either an ivory, black, chocolate brown or pink dial.

Pricing
I created a pricing guide for every 2017 Daytona model, including the yellow gold Oysterflex configuration shown above, priced at $26,200. With the addition of the rubber watchband, there are now precious metal Daytona models at a more affordable price to the consumer.

2017 Rolex Yacht-Master II

2017 Rolex Yacht-Master II (Rerence #116680)

To say that Rolex introduced a new Yacht-Maser II configuration in 2017 would be a bit of an exaggeration. Like they did to the Explorer model last year, the watchmaker improved the display of the YM2. It is a minimal change that yields maximum results, however. As you can see in the lume photos I posted previously, the Chromalight display has benefited greatly from this tweak and the end user will benefit from it in the end.

New Features & Options
The hands of the previous Yacht-Master II model were swapped our for the Mercedes-shaped hands characteristic of most Rolex professional models. The small, square hour markers were enlarged and the marker at 12 o'clock is now triangular with the 6 o'clock marker rectangular. This allows the wearer to better tell the time in the dark with minimal design changes to the original model. All other features and options remain the same.

Pricing
The good news for consumers is that the minimal changes made to this model come at no additional cost. The pricing for all Yacht-Master II models remain the same, with the stainless steel Yacht-Master II shown retailing for approximately $17,800.

2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary Edition

2017 50th Anniversary Rolex Sea-Dweller (Reference #126600)

The most talked-about model prior to Baselworld was certainly the Sea-Dweller. With the 50th anniversary of its introduction celebrated in 2017, it was a no-brainer that there would be a new edition this year. However, the modifications to this model were surprising to most. I compared the new version to the previous model in a post that lists the differences between the configurations in detail. Even though most people wouldn't have predicted the updates, they are welcomed by most, with the exception of those who have issues with the Cyclops magnifying lens.

New Features & Options
The addition of the Cyclops magnifying lens was one of the most surprising new features on the 2017 Sea-Dweller. The Deepsea and Sea-Dweller models have never featured date magnification in previous years. The case was upsized to 43mm, just 1mm smaller than the Deepsea in diameter now. The name is colored in red on the dial in homage to the 1967 introductory model configuration.

Pricing 
The suggested retail price for the 2017 50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller is $10,800. This puts it over $2,000 more expensive than the Submariner Date and about $700 less expensive than the Deepsea.

2017 White Rolesor Rolex Datejust 41

2017 White Rolesor Rolex Datejust 41 (Reference #126334)

The classic Rolex Datejust is now available in a combination of white gold and 904l stainless steel with a case diameter of 41mm. The combination of steel and white gold with a blue dial was a common theme at the Rolex stand, with Sky-Dweller and Oyster Perpetual models also featuring the color combination.

New Features & Options
The Datejust was presented as shown above and also with diamond hour markers and Jubilee bracelets. One of the most important new features on this model is not aesthetic, though. A new Calibre 3235 now gives this model a 70 hour power reserve, increased from 48 hours in previous model years.

Pricing 
The Datejust 41 shown above is priced at approximately $8,900. This is the most varied model, however, so pricing on different configurations varies accordingly.

2017 Stainless Steel Rolex Lady-Datejust 28

2017 Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 (Reference #279160)

According to Vogue magazine, pink is the hottest color amongst Millennials. Rolex isn't in the habit of capitalizing off of watch trends, but their latest Lady-Datejust 28 configuration offers a pink dial at a price that is somewhat affordable to younger consumers. Like the Datejust 41, it is available in 904l stainless steel and white gold as shown in the photo above.

New Features & Options
When it comes to the Datejust, there are more options available than with any other Rolex model. It is also the most varied in terms of case sizing, with cases as small as 28mm and as large as 41mm. It is no longer available in 26mm, though. The only model available in that size is now the stainless steel Oyster Perpetual. The Lady-Datejust 28 benefits from a new generation Calibre 2236 featuring a Syloxi hairspring.

Pricing
The Lady-Datejust 28 in white Rolesor retails for about $6,000. Depending on the configuration, however, the prices go up to $54,300.

2017 Gem-Set Rolex Yacht-Master 40

2017 Gem-Set Rolex Yacht-Master 40 (Reference #116695 SATS)

The gem-set Yacht-Master 40 shown above is the most unique model configuration introduced at Baselworld. It has been met with confusion by enthusiasts and dealers. Some even liken the aesthetic of the rainbow-colored gems that cover the bezel to Candy Crush. While brands like Moschino embrace the likeness of the colorful video game, it seems a bit out of place for Rolex, especially on the rose gold Yacht-Master 40. This configuration is likely designed to appeal to shoppers in Dubai and other areas that embrace diamond and gems on their timepieces.

New Features & Options
The only new feature on this configuration is the addition of the 32 sapphires, 8 tsavorites and triangular diamond onto the bezel of the Yacht-Master model that was originally introduced in 2015.

Pricing
There is no price listed for this configuration in the official price guide provided by the watchmaker. It is not listed on their official website, either. The price is likely available upon request.

2017 Rolex Cellini Moonphase

2017 Rolex Cellini Moonphase (Reference #50535)

The Cellini Moonphase shown above is the pièce de résistance of the 2017 Rolex models. It features a beautiful display that harkens back to the mid-twentieth century. The moonphase indicator is colored in deep blue to contrast with the white dial. The case, hands and markers are made from Everose gold and the strap comes in dark brown alligator leather. It is secured by a gold Cronclasp in 18 ct Everose gold.

New Features & Options
While there is only one option for the new Moonphase, it certainly meets the needs of anyone looking for a classic dress watch with a low profile and vibrant display. The moon appliqué is made using a rhodium-plated meteorite. This makes the pattern of each one unique, as the material used is not found on earth. Another excellent addition to this model is the date displayed around the circumference of the dial and indicated by a light blue date hand.

Pricing
The Cellini Moonphase is priced at $25,500. It is the most expensive of the collection, which is priced in the $15,000 to $20,000 range.


Rolex has added most of these models to their official website at rolex.com, with the exception of the gem-set Yacht-Master 40. You can watch short videos of each model on their YouTube channel and other official social media accounts. While the 2017 models are ready for viewing, they will not hit dealers for purchase before the summer. However, if you are interested in any of the more popular configurations, it would be wise to call your trusted Authorized Dealer and place your name on the list for it. After all, there are still people waiting to get their hands on the ceramic Daytona introduced at Baselworld 2016.

>>BACK TO SHOPPING GUIDE

Baselworld 2017

Baselworld 2017 opened to the public today and Rolex placed all of their 2017 model configurations on display. They are only visible through a glass display case, so the photos below represent the best I could do with my smartphone. Even though the watchmaker posted their main model updates onto their official website yesterday, I was surprised to see some of the alternate configurations shown in the display case. Click here for official photos and details on every 2017 Rolex model configuration.

Rolex Stand, Baselworld 2017

The photo above shows the Rolex Stand, familiar to those who attended the event last year. It follows the modern design aesthetic that the watchmaker's design team presented at the Oscars a month ago.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Display, Baselworld 2017

Perhaps the most surprising configurations presented are the Sky-Dweller models, now available on Oyster bracelets in Rolesor.

Rolesor Sky-Dweller Models on Oyster Bracelet, Baselworld 2017

The two-tone models above take from the classic Datejust aesthetic, with white, gold and black dials on steel cases with gold fluted bezels. Their Oyster bracelets are made from steel with yellow gold center links.

White Rolesor Rolex Sky-Dweller Display, Baselworld 2017

Even more interesting is the white Rolesor Sky-Dweller with a blue dial. The dial display has been altered to feature luminescent baton-shaped hour markers, replacing the white gold roman numerals on past configurations.

Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex Bracelet, Baselworld 2017

I was expecting the Oysterflex bracelet to make a splash this year, but I did not anticipate it on the Daytona model. The yellow, white and rose gold Daytona models now feature black Cerachrom bezels and black rubber Oysterflex bracelets.

Rolex Yacht-Master II, Baselworld 2017

The Yacht-Master II models shown above are relatively unchanged, save for their hands and hour markers at 12 and 6 o'clock.

Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary, Baselworld 2017

The Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary model features a 43mm case, a Cyclops magnifying lens over the date aperture and the name colored in red.

Blue and White Rolesor Display, Baselworld 2017

In the photo above, the white Rolesor Datejust models are positioned next to the new Sky-Dweller in the same material configuration.

Yellow Gold Display, Baselworld 2017

The yellow gold display shown above features Lady-Datejust models next to Day-Dates and the yellow gold Sky-Dweller.

Ice Blue Platinum Display, Baselworld 2017

Rolex maintains the combination of Ice Blue dials with their platinum models, shown above for men and women with and without diamond settings.

Blue Oyster Perpetual Display, Baselworld 2017

The blue Oyster Perpetual model configurations shown above feature displays similar to the Explorer model. Blue and white seems to be the most common color configuration of the year, replacing the Everose gold that dominated past presentations.

Oyster Perpetual Display, Baselworld 2017

The Oyster Perpetual models shown above feature a variety of dials, including a dial similar to that of the Z-blue Milgauss.

Click back in the next week for more a more detailed look at the new configurations presented by Rolex at this year's Baselworld 2017 trade show. They have shown a desire to diversify their stainless steel product offerings, something that falls in line with luxury watch sales figures from the past year.

>>BACK TO ROLEX MODELS

Rolex Datejust Featured on Instagram (photo: Rolex Instagram)

In the days leading up to Baselworld 2017, Rolex has placed a heavy emphasis on the Datejust model on their official social media accounts. Most of the predictions leading up to the event focus on their professional models. However, if their social media updates serve as an indication of what they will be presenting, it looks like the Datejust may be the model to watch out for.

This is the watch that was destined to become a classic. #Rolex #Datejust #TBT

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Feb 16, 2017 at 8:00am PST

The video above was posted to the official Rolex Instagram account in mid-February. It ties the history of the Oyster case and date aperture at 3 o'clock to the introduction of the Datejust model as a Throwback Thursday post. A week later, the video below was posted featuring the current Rolesor Datejust configuration.

A perfect play of light on the fluted bezel, one of the most iconic Rolex details. #Rolex #Datejust #Rolesor

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Feb 20, 2017 at 9:30am PST

Finally, the video below was posted one week ago. It also featured the #tbt hashtag.

The Rolex Datejust, the world's first fully waterproof automatic wrist chronometer. #Rolex #Datejust #TBT

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Mar 9, 2017 at 8:00am PST

Today, they debuted the Baselworld 2017 teaser on their official site and social media accounts, embedded below from Instagram.

Unveiling March 22nd #Rolex #Baselworld2017

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Mar 17, 2017 at 2:11am PDT

Click back on March 23rd for confirmation on which model configurations will be featured at the Rolex stand at Baselworld 2017. Click here for more information on the Datejust model and visit our Rolex Models section for Baselworld predictions.

>>BACK TO ROLEX MODELS

Rolex Baselworld 2016 Conference Room (photo: Rolex/Cédric Widmer)

As a daily lurker on watch forums, I enjoy reading threads like this one with speculations about Rolex's Baselworld 2017 new model lineup. There is always someone claiming to have inside information direct from the watchmaker. The information posted (and the original poster's creditability) is then analyzed by forum members, with opinions and conflicting theories adding pages and pages to the thread.

I highly doubt that any definitive information would be leaked considering the amount of buzz they need to generate at the event to sustain sales in the year to come. However, I have spent enough time on Reddit and forums to know that marketers do seem to use these platforms as a virtual focus group for their products. I wouldn't doubt it if they give some misdirection to keep people guessing while also leaking certain details to gauge a reaction. Even though the trade show is only a couple months away, the watchmaker can certainly tailor their presentation based on the moods and expectations of their customer base before the show.

When I think of how much time they need to prepare for Baselworld 2017, I remember reading that Rolex created the Deepsea Challenge watch that went down with James Cameron into the Mariana Trench in 2012 with only four weeks' notice before the dive. If they had the capacity to create that watch within weeks, they can certainly prepare marketing materials and display models by March 2017 for any new model. It's not like they will be fulfilling orders at the event. They have months to produce the timepieces, but the show is a way for them to set their sales and marketing in motion for the year to come. They most likely have most of the updates set in stone, but I wonder if they have decided which configuration will be the breakout star, like the Ceramic Daytona of 2017.

As I mentioned in the last post of 2016, I think it's always a good idea to indulge in rumors and predictions. It's like fantasy football or a virtual soapbox for collectors and enthusiasts to express their desires and expectations from the watchmaker. While I'm sure the company spends money on formal marketing research, there's no reason for them not to put their ear to the ground and listen to the rumblings on the internet as well. What would they have to lose?

>>BACK TO FAQ

Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet (photo: Rolex/Thomas Hensinger)

2016 Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 (photo: Rolex)

With 2016 coming to an end and Baselworld 2017 approaching, many wonder how watchmakers like Rolex plan to change their collections to mark the passage of another year. Forum members and bloggers have already begun speculating which models will receive new configurations and which may be discontinued. I have put together a few of my ideas on the subject based on past years below while we wait for the official announcement leading up to Baselworld next March.

Anniversaries
One thing that I have noticed about Rolex is that they like to mark the anniversaries of their models' introductions with special edition watches. The biggest anniversary being celebrated in 2017 is that of the Sea-Dweller, originally introduced fifty years ago. It is more than likely that this milestone will be marked with a new configuration, maybe featuring a blue bezel or dial, an Oysterflex strap or a size increase. Other models with anniversaries in 2017 are the Yacht-Master with its 25th anniversary, the YM2 introduced ten years ago and the original GMT-Master II which was introduced thirty-five years ago. Will Baselworld 2017 bring a GMT-Master II 'Coke' as many predict? Or will Rolex present a Sea-Dweller on Oysterflex Bracelet instead? We will have to wait and see.

Materials
One of the biggest model configurations introduced in recent years, the ceramic Daytona (Reference # 116500LN) proved that the demand for models with their Cerachrom bezel insert is high. Their Oysterflex strap is another interesting feature that I feel may appear on more models in the coming year. The watchmaker introduced many Everose gold configurations in 2016 on their sports and dress watches, making it another popular material to look out for. As I mentioned in a previous post, I also hold out hope for a bronze configuration, though many enthusiasts find it improbable. The idea of an Explorer II with a bronze case and leather strap still excites me, though.

Sizes
One of the ways in which Rolex introduces new model configurations is by changing their case sizes. The Datejust and Explorer models have seen increased case sizes in recent years and the big watch trend does not seem to be going anywhere, so I think it is likely that they will come out with new case sizes for one or more of their models. With the current selection of Sea-Dweller and Submariner models sized at 44 millimeters and 40 millimeters, I think that there is a possibility for a 42 millimeter Sea-Dweller 4000 configuration. I also see the possibility for a Yacht-Master configuration in a new size.

Predictions
One of the 2017 Rolex model predictions that has already gained traction on forums is the discontinuation of the 44 millimeter Deepsea. While I am not entirely convinced, I do think that the watchmaker would benefit from positioning a new Sea-Dweller configuration closer to the Deepsea in size while slowly phasing out the Deepsea over time. I think it is also more likely to see more Everose gold configurations than the introduction of a bronze model, though I think bronze would be a bold move. The Cerachrom bezel insert and Oysterflex strap may make appearances again, perhaps this time on more colorful configurations.

For more information on the 2016 Rolex model lineup, check out my Rolex Shopping Guide or visit rolex.com.