Rolex is demonstrating its complete, uncompromising mastery of all aspects of the art of watchmaking
Baselworld 2014
Press Release
Basel, 26 March 2014
Rolex unveiled at Baselworld 2014 the new models in its
emblematic Oyster collection, and an entirely new range
in the Cellini collection which offers a contemporary
interpretation of the traditional dress watch with a distinctive
Rolex signature.
With these new models, Rolex is demonstrating its capacity for innovation and its complete, uncompromising mastery of all aspects of the art of watchmaking, from the case and the bracelet to the mechanical movement, and from design to gem-setting. This mastery is illustrated by the spectacular red and blue, single-piece Cerachrom bezel insert of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II; the particularly innovative Syloxi hairspring made from silicon for a new generation of women’s watch movements; as well as the reintroduction of the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 4000, a legend in professional diving.
Whether Oyster or Cellini collection, Rolex watches are all entirely designed, manufactured, assembled and tested at the brand’s four sites in Switzerland. Every model is suffused with a rich heritage built on innovation, achievement, elegance and performance.
Red and blue GMT-Master II
In its Oyster collection, Rolex is introducing a groundbreaking innovation in ceramics with a new Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II equipped with a red and blue Cerachrom bezel insert manufactured in a single piece – a world first. This new two-colour bezel insert, protected by two patents, is a technical and aesthetic exploit, the product of years of research into ceramics. It blends the iconic aesthetics of the original GMT-Master of 1955 with the technical performance of the Rolex Cerachrom bezel, a virtually scratchproof and extremely resistant component.
A new generation Sea-Dweller 4000
A professional diving legend is reborn with the introduction of an updated version of the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller, a model created by Rolex in 1967. Designed for the pioneers of deep-sea diving, this technical watch became an integral part of underwater engineering firm Comex’s (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises) equipment for its professional divers. It is waterproof to a depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 feet) and features the latest Rolex standards in innovation, as well as the invention for which it is renowned: the helium escape valve.
New movement with Syloxi hairspring for women’s watches
For its women’s models, Rolex is unveiling a new calibre 2236 featuring a Syloxi hairspring in silicon developed in-house which offers peerless chronometric performance for a ladies’ watch. With a total of five new patents, this selfwinding mechanical movement, entirely manufactured by Rolex, inaugurates a new generation of movements for the brand’s women’s models. It comprises new, innovative and patented solutions that make the most of silicon technology, including the optimized geometry of the hairspring and an efficient design of its fixation systems. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 2236 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. Calibre 2236 is used for the first time on the new gem-set Oyster Perpetual Datejust Pearlmaster 34 models presented at Baselworld 2014.
Gem-set Datejust PEARLMASTER 34
Rolex displays the full extent of its mastery of gem-setting with the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust Pearlmaster 34 watches set with diamonds and sapphires of exceptional brilliance. Only stones of the highest quality are considered worthy to be set on a Rolex watch. The new models masterfully combine Rolex’s watchmaking art with the captivating charms of sublime gem setting on the paved dial, the bezel and the bracelet links of certain models. The new Oyster Perpetual Datejust Pearlmaster 34 watches are the first equipped with calibre 2236, a new movement for women’s watches, with a Syloxi hairspring in silicon developed by Rolex.
New Sky-Dweller models
Rolex is presenting three new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, its most recent and most innovative model, with 14 patents. The new versions in 18 ct yellow, white and Everose gold expand the existing collection by introducing new dials and combinations of bracelets and leather straps. A prestigious watch designed for world travellers, the Sky-Dweller couples a dual time zone display with a particularly reliable and innovative annual calendar. It features an extremely simple function-setting interface: the rotatable Ring Command bezel.
“Z blue” Milgauss
Rolex is introducing a new version of the Oyster Perpetual Milgauss with unique and symbolic aesthetics. It associates the green sapphire crystal with an intense electric “Z blue” dial, an allusion to the emblematic lightning-bolt-shaped seconds hand and the watch’s technical purpose as a paramagnetic timepiece designed for engineers and scientists in the 1950s. Seen through the green sapphire crystal, the dial takes on a powerfully attractive magnetic hue.
Diamond-paved Daytona
Rolex is presenting a new jewelled version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, a marriage of noble 950 platinum and radiant, purest-quality diamonds. The dial is entirely paved with diamonds, except for the ice-blue chronograph counters, a rare, exclusive colour reserved by Rolex for platinum models. The resplendent bezel is set with 36 baguette-cut diamonds.
The quintessential Oyster
Rolex is presenting updated versions of its quintessential Oyster Perpetual model in 31 and 36 mm featuring exclusive new dials. The purest expression of the Oyster concept and having no other function than a clear, accurate time display, the Oyster Perpetual comprises the brand’s renowned waterproof Oyster case and the self-winding Rolex Perpetual movement famed for its precision and reliability. An officially certified chronometer, the Oyster Perpetual is endowed with all the fundamental attributes of the Oyster collection and affords full access to the Rolex legend. This model stands out with its eye-catching new dials in elegant and sporty colours.
Cellini, CLASSICAL elegance by Rolex
Rolex is introducing the new Cellini collection, a contemporary celebration of classicism and the eternal elegance of traditional timepieces. Consisting of 12 classically inspired models, this new collection combines the best of Rolex know-how and its high standards of perfection with an approach that heightens watchmaking heritage in its most timeless form. The lines are sober and refined, the materials noble, the finishings luxurious: every detail respects the codes of the art of watchmaking. All the new Cellini models feature a high-precision selfwinding mechanical movement, certified as a chronometer and entirely manufactured by Rolex. The collection is divided into three families, each with four models, exclusively in 18 ct white or Everose gold: Cellini Time, the quintessential expression of a watchmaking classic; Cellini Date, which adds a date function via a hand on a sub-dial; and Cellini Dual Time, which indicates the time in two time zones simultaneously. In the purest traditional style, the Cellini models are available with shiny alligator leather straps with an 18 ct gold buckle. They fully assume their role as refined guardians of time, symbols of luxury steeped in values that reveal an authentic art de vivre.
About Rolex
Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its Oyster watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities, as well as philanthropic programmes.