Stunning video footage of a (fantasy) yellow gold Rolex ‘Hulk’ Submariner emerges, prompting Basel predictions
Luke Benedictus“Forecasting future events is often like searching for a black cat in an unlit room, that may not even be there,” wrote Steve Davidson in The Crystal Ball. The art of predictions, in other words, tends to be an absolute mug’s game. When you’re trying to make forecasts about Rolex – a company that shrouds its plans with MI5 levels of secrecy – it’s even more of a challenge.
But these lousy odds haven’t stopped YouTuber Jenni Elle from peering into her crystal ball to predict Rolex’s new releases for Baselworld 2020. What’s more, she’s created an impressive concept video that “reviews” the three “most wished for” new Rolex models.
Thanks to some whiz-bang special effects, Jenni’s video introduces an all-gold “Hulk” Submariner, a “Coke” GMT-Master II and a Steel “Smurf” Submariner. Yes, these are fantasy watches, but the production values are slick enough to make them larger than life.
Here we review Jenni’s bold predictions and rate the likelihood of them making it out of fantasyland onto a wrist near you.
Stainless Steel ‘Smurf’ Submariner Date
The Oystersteel Submariner Date is currently only available in the classic black bezel/black dial iteration or the green bezel/green dial “Hulk” combo. If you’re after a Submariner with a blue bezel/blue dial you’ll need to go for the white gold, yellow gold, or Rolesor (bi-metal) model.
Drawing up her imaginary creation with a slightly concerning level of detail, Jenni imagines her blue Submariner as featuring a COSC-certified 3235 Calibre with 70-hour power reserve, Oyster bracelet, and Glidelock Oyster clasp.
Will it happen?
James says: “I don’t see this getting off the ground. Rolex has got a longstanding affinity with the colour green and they’ve only ever made blue dial Submariners in solid precious metal or Rolesor combinations. Frankly, I’d be surprised if this changed anytime soon.” Likelihood: 1/5
‘Coke’ Rolex GMT-Master II
Jenni’s next prediction is a reworking of the GMT-Master II that brings back the classic black and red bezel that’s commonly nicknamed the ‘Coke’.
This particular flight of fancy is similar to the current steel GMT-Master II references and includes a Cerachrom bezel, Calibre 3285 and Jubilee bracelet.
Will it happen?
Nick says: “Over the last two years, Rolex has paid greater attention to the GMT-Master II family, releasing the Pepsi in 2018 and Batgirl in 2019. Who’s to say we won’t get the Coke — a model that, let’s not forget, has historical precedents — in 2020?” Likelihood: 3/5
Gold ‘Hulk’ Submariner
Last but not least from Jenni is a ‘Hulk’ Submariner in 18-carat gold – a luxurious upgrade on the current Oystersteel version.
The concept features a 40mm Oyster case with polished sides and a brushed finish on the top. Under the imaginary bonnet is Rolex’s new Calibre 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve.
Will it happen?
Nick says: “This doesn’t seem beyond the realm of possibility to me. There are already precedents for Rolex making a green Submariner and also doing one in gold. It’s not a huge stretch to imagining them putting two and two together.” Likelihood: 4/5