The brand marked the centenary with new Oyster Perpetual models, a Rolesium Daytona, a Jubilee Gold Day-Date and the return of the Yacht-Master II.
Rolex marked the 100th anniversary of the Oyster at Watches and Wonders 2026 with a series of new releases across some of its most recognisable collections. The focus this year was on the Oyster case, first introduced in 1926, and the role it continues to play across the brand’s watchmaking.
The Oyster Perpetual was the clearest link to the anniversary. Rolex introduced a new Oyster Perpetual 41 in yellow Rolesor, combining Oystersteel with 18 ct yellow gold. The update gives the model a more elevated finish while keeping the design simple and familiar. It remains one of Rolex’s most direct designs, but the anniversary context adds more significance to the release.
The Oyster Perpetual line also expanded with new dial and material options. A 36 mm model appeared with a multicoloured Jubilee motif dial, bringing a more graphic look to the collection. Smaller 28 mm and 34 mm versions were also introduced in gold, with more decorative dials and stone-set details. Together, the updates give the Oyster Perpetual range a wider spread, from classic everyday watch to more precious executions.
The Daytona also received a notable update. Rolex introduced a new Cosmograph Daytona in Rolesium, a combination of Oystersteel and platinum. The watch features a white enamel dial, an anthracite Cerachrom bezel and a transparent sapphire caseback. Inside is the calibre 4131 chronograph movement.
The use of enamel gives the Daytona a more refined look, while the grey-toned bezel keeps the watch sharp without feeling too stark. The sapphire caseback is also important, as Rolex has traditionally used closed casebacks on most of its watches. Here, it gives the Daytona a more open view of its movement while keeping the rest of the design firmly recognisable.
For the Day-Date 40, Rolex introduced Jubilee Gold, a new 18 ct gold alloy developed by the brand. The new version comes with a light green aventurine dial and diamond hour markers. The Day-Date has always been one of Rolex’s most formal and prestigious watches, and this new material gives it a slightly softer character than traditional yellow gold.
The Datejust 41 was updated with a green ombré dial in white Rolesor. It is a simple addition, but one that fits the model well. The Datejust has always relied on proportion, dial variation and everyday wearability, and the new dial gives it a more distinctive finish without changing the core design.
One of the bigger technical announcements was the return of the Yacht-Master II. The regatta chronograph has been redesigned with a new programmable countdown function and the calibre 4162 movement. The updated model improves legibility and gives the watch a clearer purpose within Rolex’s professional range. It is available in Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold.
The Yacht-Master II has always been one of Rolex’s more specialised watches, designed around sailing and competitive timing. Its return shows that Rolex is still willing to support more technical models in its catalogue, even when they serve a narrower audience.
Overall, Rolex’s 2026 releases were measured rather than dramatic. The brand used the Oyster anniversary to update key models with new materials, dials and technical details, without changing the identities of the watches themselves. The Oyster Perpetual carries the anniversary most directly, while the Daytona, Day-Date and Yacht-Master II add stronger collector interest.
For Rolex, the message this year was clear: the Oyster remains central to the brand, not only as a historic invention, but as the foundation for much of what Rolex continues to make today.
