Lower than two months… That is the time left earlier than the primary watch truthful of the yr, often known as Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 – beginning April 1st, 2025. One thing that has turn out to be greater than a convention however a extremely anticipated occasion in our yearly publication calendar, the MONOCHROME group has gotten artistic to foretell what Rolex – undoubtedly the model that generates essentially the most anticipation – may unveil. In a few month and a half, the Crown will current its 2025 assortment. And so, it’s time to look into our crystal ball and picture which fashions shall be unveiled. Like our predictions for 2014 – 2015 – 2016 – 2017 – 2018 – 2019 – 2020 – 2021 – 2022 – 2023 – 2024 – we’ve been laborious at work guessing and designing the longer term Rolex collections. Listed here are our Rolex Predictions 2025, the watches we anticipate Rolex may current this yr.
Please be aware that this text is a figment of our creativeness. These are simply predictions. Nothing is official. It’s based mostly on our personal expectations and analyses.
As most of you may know, for the previous 10 years, these predictions have turn out to be a ritual for us at MONOCHROME. We genuinely love doing them and know that you just, our readers, take pleasure in them too. What began as a enjoyable dialogue between a few of our group members – we’re, firstly, similar to you, watch lovers – has turn out to be a extra severe train, and we take nice care in producing lifelike renderings and correct portrayals of potential fashions. Nevertheless, issues have gotten more and more complicated, and imagining what Rolex may launch isn’t as straightforward because it was. The Crown was once extra predictable, with a well-oiled plan of motion concerning the renewal of its important collections. But, for the previous few years, Rolex has revealed a extra artistic streak. Take into consideration the Emoji-theme Day-Date or the Celebration Dial Oyster Perpetual. In the identical vein, we might by no means have predicted a full gold Deepsea or a guilloché dial at Rolex. Issues have modified; Rolex isn’t as conservative because it was once. For that purpose, this train in predictions is trickier however nonetheless plenty of enjoyable.
So, let’s transfer on to the rationale you might be right here: what we predict, suspect, or count on Rolex to launch. Welcome to our Rolex Predictions 2025.
70 years of the GMT-Grasp… A Blueberry-inspired Platinum version (ref. 126716)
As we defined on this article masking all the important anniversaries to be celebrated in 2025, in addition to in our in-depth history article about the GMT-Master collection, the model’s traveller’s watch was first offered in 1955 and is celebrating its seventieth anniversary this yr. And due to this, we’re betting on not less than one celebratory version… However as a result of we have been impressed, we really imagined two. Earlier than we transfer to the watch, which all people has been asking for for years, we’ve got one thing a little bit bolder in thoughts.
Meet our imaginative and prescient of an unprecedented platinum GMT-Grasp II. And sure, there’s a little bit of a “blueberry” inspiration right here. So, let’s unwrap the explanations behind this watch. To begin with, platinum has by no means existed on the GMT-Grasp II, and this seventieth anniversary could possibly be an ideal event to have this materials within the assortment – in the identical vein as Rolex offered a platinum Daytona in 2013 for the fiftieth anniversary of the mannequin. We don’t foresee any main adjustments for the reason that watch is already geared up with the latest calibre 3285 and all of the model’s refinements.
Now, we have to speak concerning the color. It’s well-known that Rolex usually associates platinum with light blue. Nevertheless, we don’t count on an ice-blue sunray-brushed dial to be applied on the GMT-Grasp II Platinum. As a substitute, we’ve got gone for a lighter color on the decrease a part of the bezel, mixed with darkish blue for the night-time part. As for the dial, we’re guessing it’s the identical dial that Rolex used on the 126719BLRO white gold Pepsi… Or, as a result of it really seems to be fairly gorgeous with this two-tone blue bezel, a silver meteorite dial.
In fact, this potential platinum GMT-Grasp II reference 126716 (if we comply with the model’s nomenclature for the reference numbers, 6 is shorthand for platinum) could possibly be out there on the very good Jubilee bracelet or perhaps on an Oyster bracelet. In any case, this revamp of the Blueberry GMT-Grasp in platinum can be extremely interesting, positioning itself because the endgame GMT Rolex…
Time for the long-awaited GMT-Grasp II Coke… in White Gold (ref. 126719NRRO)
Subsequent in line for our Rolex Predictions 2025 is a ordinary suspect, a watch that we and principally all the watch-collecting group have been anticipating for years: a brand new Rolex GMT-Grasp II Coke bezel. Coinciding with the seventieth anniversary of the gathering this yr, this could possibly be the right time for Rolex to (lastly) ship what its fan base has been asking for therefore a few years: a basic black-and-red bezel for its traveller’s watch.
Nevertheless, Rolex being Rolex, we don’t see this watch coming in a chrome steel case however as a substitute in 18k white gold, making it the potential GMT-Grasp II reference 126719NRRO (or 126719RONR). It might additionally come alongside or as a substitute for the present 126719BLRO (white gold Pepsi). That being mentioned, we don’t count on many evolutions apart from the usage of a brand new color mixture for the bezel, which might depend on a basic theme of the gathering – primarily used through the Eighties – with a black higher part and a pink decrease part – therefore the nickname “Coke” – and a few pink accents on the dial (GMT hand and identify of the watch).
For the remaining, this potential 2025 Rolex GMT-Grasp II White Gold Coke 126719NRRO can be similar to all other models in the collection, with a 40mm case housing the calibre 3285, and due to the sporty look of that bezel, we expect an Oyster bracelet is extra applicable. So sure, we expect it’s about time for the GMT Coke to resurface.
Stone Dials (malachite, lapis lazuli) for the Perpetual 1908
One of many greatest traits within the watch trade for the previous two years has been the return of stone dials. They’re in all places. As you may know, Rolex has a protracted historical past of stone dials, which have primarily appeared in the Day-Date collection but in addition on the Daytona or the Datejust. Additionally, if you happen to’ve been following Rolex on social media just lately, you may need seen that the model has firmly targeted its communication round its dial-making experience. All in all, this could possibly be an indication of the arrival of extra stone dials within the assortment.
And what could possibly be higher than the Perpetual 1908 collection, a lineup that has already been handled to a guilloché dial, to herald the comeback of laborious stones? Because of this, as a part of our Rolex Predictions 2025, we’ve got imagined a sequence of stone dials for Rolex’s elegant costume watch candidate, with malachite and lapis lazuli choices – two classics which have existed prior to now on the Day-Date and the Datejust. To present a further twist to the watch in white or yellow gold instances, we’re pairing these textured inexperienced or blue dials with matching leather-based straps.
Along with the introduction of stone dials on the Perpetual 1908, we’ve got made some mechanical modifications. Contemplating that these stones are complicated supplies to work with, we’re guessing the model must create flat dials. This explains why we’ve got modified the show of the Perpetual 1908 to a central hours-minutes-seconds as a substitute of getting a sub-seconds at 6 o’clock with a recessed sub-dial – which might be difficult to execute with these laborious stones. That being mentioned, the result’s fairly spectacular and would make a worthy addition to the gathering. Lastly, the Perpetual 1908 Moonphase and Perpetual 1908 Dual-Time we imagined last year in our predictions might nonetheless be a chance.
The Sea-Dweller 43 in RLX Titanium (ref. 126607)
If we have a look at the model’s portfolio, one of many watches that has had the longest run with out an replace is the Sea-Dweller 43mm, a bigger tackle what was once an evolution of the Submariner with extra water-resistance. This watch (reference 126600) was first introduced in 2017 for the 50th anniversary of its creation, whereas a Rolesor edition was presented in 2019. Since then, nothing has modified for the single-red 43mm dive watch. It may be time for an replace. And whereas we’re secretly hoping for a extra compact model according to the old 40mm SD4K (the reference 116600, in addition to the neo-vintage 16600 or 16660), we don’t see the Crown succumbing to a smaller measurement. The transfer to a 43mm case was consider to separate the Sea-Dweller from its smaller sister, the Submariner.
So what might Rolex do to the Sea-Dweller 43mm to make it extra fascinating? We now have a relatively radical (or perhaps not that a lot) concept: make it in RLX Titanium. Following the introduction of titanium on the Deepsea Challenge 126067 and the Yacht-Master 42 reference 226627, it wouldn’t be such a controversial concept. Not solely this is able to separate this watch much more from the basic Submariner, however it might additionally make it much more comfy, extra instrument-looking and extra proof against corrosion.
So what have we accomplished right here? Apart from the usage of titanium for the case and the Oyster bracelet, which ends up in this darker, extra tool-oriented look, we’ve got added polished chamfers on the aspect – used on each the Deepsea Problem and the YM42 Titanium and a trademark of RLX titanium fashions – in addition to a special bezel insert, which could possibly be made in brushed ceramic. This is able to produce a wonderful matte, monochromatic fashion, completely according to its vocation as knowledgeable diving instrument.
As for the dial of this potential Sea-Dweller RLX Titanium reference 126607, we’ve got made a matte black dial (once more, similar to the Deepsea Problem and the YM42) to reinforce legibility and stay in keeping with the general matte look of the case and bracelet. Final however not least, simply because we will, we’ve got made it a double-red Sea-Dweller, a nod to the previous, besides that right here, the second pink line doesn’t point out “Submariner 2000” however is used for the depth score. No adjustments contained in the case, because the calibre 3235 remains to be a high-performance, completely up-to-date motion.
A smaller, Unisex Submariner 37mm assortment
Shifting from a high-performance dive watch to a extra delicate tackle the aquatic timepiece, we’ve got determined, as soon as extra, to incorporate a smaller tackle the Oyster Perpetual Submariner in our 2025 Rolex Predictions. We first launched this concept in 2019, however contemplating the present pattern for smaller watches and unisex fashions (watches that may simply be worn by males but in addition by ladies who don’t need one thing girly and paved with diamonds… and there are numerous), we’ve got imagined a brand new Submariner 37mm. One thing that Tudor has already accomplished with the Black Bay 54.
The thought behind this potential Submariner 37mm isn’t just a few extra compact case measurement or one thing vintage-looking (that wouldn’t be very Rolex); it’s a few much less instrument-oriented watch with a extra luxurious and slimmer presence. Because of this, we’ve got imagined its 37mm case to characteristic extra polished components than a basic 41mm Submariner – the lugs, for example, but in addition the bracelet’s mid-links – in addition to a case that could possibly be round 10mm or 10.5mm in thickness, versus 12mm for the standard full-size Sub. For that, we’ve got imagined a barely diminished water-resistance of 200m or 660ft, which might stay ample for many leisure diving periods however would enable for a thinner profile – slimmer caseband, slimmer crystal, slimmer caseback.
Wanting extra carefully, this Submariner 37mm would in any other case stay very near the 41mm model, with a shiny black dial, giant utilized markers and a basic Mercedes handset. Because of the smaller case measurement, you’ll be able to see that the date window and the Cyclops have been moved nearer to the periphery of the dial, and, in fact, the depth score has been up to date accordingly. We now have imagined three variations of this potential Submariner 37mm: basic metal no-date with black dial and bezel, date model in metal with black dial and bezel, and at last, a barely extra female Rolesor version utilizing Everose gold on the fingers/markers, bezel, crown and mid-links. All can be worn on an Oyster bracelet, as a Submariner ought to.
That being mentioned, it might be related to additionally provide this smaller and extra each day oriented model of the Submariner on a rubber bracelet – what the model calls Oysterflex – to offer it extra versatility. Altogether, this could possibly be a superb alternative to draw extra ladies to the skilled line of Rolex (which is at present very male-oriented) in addition to providing one thing extra compact to males preferring smaller timepieces.
Our dream watches, the Explorer 36 and Explorer 40 Polar Dial
Our Rolex predictions wouldn’t be the identical with out our signature Explorer Polar Dial. We now have been together with these watches in our predictions ever since 2018 – with out a lot luck, to be absolutely sincere. And sure, we’re conscious that the possibilities of seeing it being launched by the Crown are low, however we’re nonetheless together with the Polar Explorer 1 in our predictions, hoping that maybe Rolex will lastly pay attention.
The recipe is fairly easy. Take the present Explorer 36 reference 124270 and Explorer 40 reference 224270, hold every thing similar – identical case, motion, bracelet, handset – and easily create a mirror picture of its black dial and switch it right into a white “polar” dial model. The entire idea isn’t only a figment of our creativeness since white dial Explorer watches have existed prior to now – see this extremely rare example once auctioned by Christie’s, based mostly on a classic reference 6610. And regardless that this white dial Rolex Explorer will undoubtedly retain its unicorn standing, we will nonetheless dream of it returning to straightforward manufacturing in a contemporary form.
Because the discontinuation of the Oyster Perpetual 39 White Dial reference 114300, there hasn’t actually been another clear, sporty white dial watch within the assortment. Expensive Rolex, it is a nice alternative… Please make our dream Explorer Polar Dial a actuality in 2025.
A full gold Explorer 36 (ref. 124278)
Staying on the subject of the Explorer, we’re, as soon as once more, together with the potentiality of a full gold Explorer 36 reference 124278 in our 2025 Rolex Predictions. Whereas a couple of years in the past, such a watch would have been thought of virtually a sacrilege, Rolex has been breaking the principles lately. First, there may be already a Rolesor version of the Rolex Explorer 36 within the assortment, under the reference 124273. Second, after seeing a full gold Deepsea final yr, we will’t make sure of something now, and Rolex may merely launch a gold model of its whole skilled assortment.
For that purpose, and in addition as a result of it seems to be fairly spectacular, we’ve got imagined a full yellow gold version of the Explorer 36, with an identical bracelet and a basic 3-6-9 shiny black dial with utilized markers and fingers in stable gold. Adjustments, aside from the fabric, would stay minimal, and all specs can be shared with the Explorer 36 steel 124270 and Rolesor 124273.
A jubilee bracelet for the GMT-Grasp II Root Beer (ref. 126711CHNR)
Lastly, by widespread demand, we’ve got imagined a minimal replace to the GMT-Master II 126711CHNR, the Rolesor version with Everose gold accents and a black-and-chocolate ceramic bezel. Since its introduction in 2018, this contemporary tackle the “Root Beer” idea has solely been out there with an Oyster bracelet. Contemplating the sturdy attraction of the Jubilee bracelet, we might simply think about Rolex introducing it to this reference along with the basic 3-link bracelet. A minimal replace, which might even be accomplished silently. However one that will make the watch much more fascinating.
Notice: This Rolex Predictions 2025 article relies on our personal Photoshop mock-ups; Rolex has offered nothing formally. These are predictions based mostly on our creativeness and expectations. All photos are underneath the license of MONOCHROME and shouldn’t be used with out settlement or copyright (©Monochrome-Watches, 2025).
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