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.

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2017 Rolex GMT-Master II 'Coke' Concept Design

With Baselworld 2017 coming up this month, predictions have been swirling on the Internet, leading many enthusiasts to discuss what model updates they want to see from Rolex. Among the most talked about rumors is the addition of a GMT-Master II configuration with a black and red Cerachrom bezel, a combination known as 'Coke' by fans of the brand.

I took to Photoshop to create a visual of the configuration based on the current GMT-Master II models. Most of the comment and forum threads suggest that a stainless steel version is the most desired. It will be interesting to see if Rolex grants their wish, as many surmise that adding another stainless steel configuration will cannibalize sales of their current BLNR model. Right now they offer the GMT2 in stainless steel with either a black bezel or the 'Batman' bezel, a combination of blue and black.

The GMT-Master II BLRO is available in white gold, know as the 'Pepsi' for the bezel's semblance to the soda company's logo. Rolex could just as easily add a white gold 'Coke' to the mix, which would be less of a threat to the BLNR based on the price point of the precious metal configurations. Looking at the current collection of Daytona models suggests that the watchmaker is more likely to offer several options on precious metal configurations while limiting the variety of stainless steel models.

The 2017 Rolex models will not hit Authorized Dealers until the summer, but we will receive confirmation on which configurations they will introduce in only a few weeks. I offered my opinion on what I would like to see from the watchmaker in a previous post. My material choices may be ambitious based on Rolex's reticence to introduce new configurations based on current trends, but you never know. This may be the year that Rolex goes out on a limb. It has happened in decades past, after all.

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