An Overview of New Rolex Watches from Baselworld 2019 Part II

Following our look at the latest Rolex sports models released at Baselworld 2019, we now turn our attention to the newest Rolex dress watches introduced at the fair.

New Rolex Day-Date 36 Models

For 2019, Rolex took their signature status watch model, the Day-Date 36, and fitted it with a new-gen caliber and a bevy of new gem-set dials. Better known as the Rolex President and always exclusively crafted in precious metals, the latest Day-Date 36 watches come in a choice of yellow gold, white gold, and Everose gold. As is tradition, the cases measure 36 mm and are fitted with the famed President style bracelet with semi-circular links. And in true Rolex form, there are fluted and gem-set bezels to choose from.

In terms of dials, we see some colorful ombré options (which look strikingly similar to vintage vignette dials) in green, brown, and blue, some hard stone dials like turquoise and pink opal, and some stunning diamond pavé dials with rainbow-colored sapphire hour markers. It seems Rolex is riding on the popular rainbow watch trend they pushed heavily last year with the Daytona Rainbow. With a slew of diamonds and precious gems, it’s quite clear that Rolex took a feminine approach when designing the new Day-Date 36 watches.

Inside the cases of the latest Day-Date 36 models is the new-gen Caliber 3255—the same automatic movement that made its debut in 2015 on the larger Day-Date 40 models. The new Cal. 3255 offers an improved 70-hour power reserve compared to the precious Cal. 3155’s 48-hour power reserve.

New Rolex Datejust 36 Models

The most Rolex of Rolex watches and the Swiss watchmaking giant’s bread and butter, the Datejust 36 collection welcomes new models to the lineup for 2019. Last year ushered in the newest generation of the Datejust 36 with slightly reshaped case and lugs, along with the latest Caliber 3235. However, only two-tone yellow gold and steel and two-tone rose gold and steel versions were made available at that time.

This year, a batch of steel Datejust 36 models joins the catalog, also with the new Cal. 3235 movement with the amped up 70-hour power reserve. Of course, there are bezel options, ranging from white gold fluted to smooth steel to precious diamond-set, and as is customary for Datejust watches, dial colors and styles are varied too. Rolex offers the Datejust 36 with both the Oyster and Jubilee bracelet, which both are fitted with a folding Oysterclasp and include the Easylink comfort extension link to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

With these new additions, the Datejust 116xxx generation has now been shelved in favor of the latest 126xxx Datejust 36 collection.

New Rolex Datejust 31 Models

Similar to the Datejust 36 collection, Rolex also unveiled updated Datejust 31 models last year with a revamped case shape and a brand new movement—Caliber 2236—with an increased power reserve of 55 hours. Joining last year’s solid yellow gold, white gold, and Everose gold models, are the 2019 two-tone Datejust 31 editions.

Available in either two-tone yellow gold and steel (aka yellow Rolesor) or two-tone Everose pink gold and steel (aka Everose Rolesor), the latest Datejust 31 watches come with the usual assortment of bezels, dials, and bracelet possibilities. We won’t be surprised if next year’s Baselworld involves adding new steel models to the Datejust 31 collection with the same case design tweaking and caliber overhaul.

New Rolex Daytona Gem-Set Model

Okay, this one is a bonus addition to our Rolex dress watch roundup. Technically, this is not a dress watch since it is a Daytona chronograph. But given its over-the-top styling, we just had to include here!

What we have here is yet another gem-set Daytona in the same vein as last year’s ultra-lavish Everose Rainbow Daytona. However, instead of the kaleidoscope of colors on that version, the brand new Daytona ref. 116588 TBR sticks to yellow gold, black, and diamonds—yet it is far from understated. Rather than the ubiquitous tachymeter scale found on most Daytona models, the bezel on top of the 18k yellow gold 40 mm case is set with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds.

The black lacquer dial is home to an intricate pattern of diamond pavé and yellow gold, in addition to diamond hour markers and champagne subdials. Contrasting with the opulence of the yellow gold and diamond case is the sporty black Oysterflex bracelet. We can’t help but think of this as the modern version of the flamboyant Leopard Daytona!

Stay tuned for our next Baselworld 2019 overview, where we will highlight some of the coolest watches from some of the world’s best watch brands released at the fair.

— Featured Photo and Body Photo Credits: BeckerTime’s Archive.