INSIGHT: Predicting the Rolex Basel 2018 releases, using the last 7 years as a guide
Daniel SeniaWith Baselworld 2018 just around the corner, fevers around the Time+Tide office are running hot, contemplating what Rolex is likely to drop in Basel in a few days time.
Looking back at Rolex releases in Basel over the past seven years, we assess some of the mic-dropping releases in the Rolex line-up and the likelihood of seeing updates to those models in 2018.
2017 – Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600
Boom. Probably the most talked about watch of Basel 2017, Rolex launched the new Sea-Dweller a mere three years after its previous incarnation, with a 43mm case (to some controversy), cyclops date window (to even more controversy) and red ‘Sea Dweller’ text on the dial (to no controversy at all).
Chances of seeing a new Sea-Dweller at Basel 2018? Somewhere between ‘never’ and ‘impossible’.
2017 – Rolex Sky-Dweller in Rolesor
Rolex made the Sky-Dweller available in stainless steel (with a white gold bezel) for the first time ever, with new dial variants and an accessible price (albeit not availability). The blue-on-blue and black-on-black dials simply stole the show.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex Sky-Dweller at Basel 2018? Too soon.
2016 – Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 116900
2016 saw Rolex put a steroid injection into its entry-level Air-King. With a boosted 40mm case, new movement and funky green and yellow logo combination, the Air-King divided the watch world and created a talking point in the best possible way.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex Air-King at Basel 2018? No need.
2016 – Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN
Was this the only watch released at Basel 2016? No, but it might as well have been. Impossible to attain, if only for its scarcity, waitlists now exceed five years to get your hands on this instant classic. The dial, the bezel, the movement, it’s all ‘Daytona’.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex Daytona at Basel 2018? Maybe in a precious metal new colour combo.
2015 – Rolex Yacht-Master 116655
Completely outside of Rolex’s traditional wheelhouse, the Yacht-Master in 18ct Everose gold was one of the biggest hits of the fair. Matched with a new matte black Cerachrom bezel and Oysterflex bracelet, this watch was a real winner.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex Yacht-Master at Basel 2018? Perhaps, or maybe a new variant of the Yacht-Master II.
2014 – Rolex Cellini Date 50519 and 50515
2014 was a bit of a slow year Rolex release-wise, with an updated Milgauss and Sea-Dweller not living up to the expectations built off 2013’s Batman. The big news in the Rolex camp was the re-release of the Cellini range, with three new models in a new size, new shape and with new movements.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex Cellini at Basel 2018? With new models coming regularly since 2014, definitely.
2013 – Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Batman’ 116710 BLNR
Completely out of left field at the time, the now infamous ‘Batman’ GMT-Master II was the belle of the ball at Basel in 2013 and a must-have for any Rolex lover. There’s even one regularly floating around the office here at Time+Tide.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex GMT-Master II at Basel 2018? Rolex will release an updated GMT-Master II with semi-regularity (‘Pepsi’ in 2014 in white gold, and unfounded rumours of a ‘Coke’ in 2017, also predicted in white gold). It would be good to see a new stainless-steel model in 2018 … however unlikely.
2012 – Rolex Submariner 114060
2012 saw Rolex release a new Submariner with a case update, new bracelet and with Cerachrom bezel insert — which became an instant classic and the hot model for desk divers the world over.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex Submariner at Basel 2018? Perhaps a new movement, but an overhaul is highly unlikely. Though a red line ‘Submariner’ could be all it takes …
2011 – Rolex Explorer II 216570
Forty years after the release of the first Rolex Explorer II, Rolex gave us the all-new model, taking its notes from the original, but with an updated mechanical and aesthetic evolution. Complete with orange highlights as homage to the original, the new Rolex Explorer II had a completely new Rolex movement not seen in any other model, beefed-up 42mm case and enlarged hands for legibility.
Chances of seeing a new Rolex Explorer II at Basel 2018? It’s been a while, so perhaps a ceramic refresh is in order?