Every spring Rolex presents its new watches at Watches & Wonders in Geneva. 2026 is a special year: the Oyster case turns 100. Here are all the new Rolex models of 2026, what changed and what they mean if you are thinking about buying a Rolex.
The Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch case, was patented by Rolex in 1926. A hundred years later, the 2026 collection celebrates that anniversary while bringing real technical news: a completely reworked Yacht-Master II, a new gold alloy and a first Cosmograph Daytona in steel and platinum.
At a glance: Rolex 2026
- Oyster Perpetual 41 anniversary edition for 100 years of the Oyster case.
- Yacht-Master II fully redesigned, with the new calibre 4162.
- Day-Date 40 in Jubilee Gold, a new Rolex gold alloy.
- Cosmograph Daytona in steel with a platinum bezel and a white enamel dial.
- New dials for the Oyster Perpetual 28, 34 and 36 and the Datejust 41.
Oyster Perpetual 41: 100 Years of the Oyster
The centrepiece of the anniversary is an Oyster Perpetual 41 (ref. 134303) with a yellow gold bezel and crown on an Oystersteel case and bracelet. The slate dial carries subtle centenary details, such as green five-minute markers, and the winding crown shows a raised “100”. Inside is calibre 3230 with a power reserve of about 70 hours. It is one of the most talked-about pieces of the year.
Oyster Perpetual 36, 34 and 28: New Dials
The Oyster Perpetual 36 (ref. 126000) receives a multicoloured “Jubilee” dial, a reinterpretation of a Rolex design from the late 1970s, where the word Rolex is repeated in ten different colours, each applied in a separate step.
Two smaller models move into precious metal with stone hour markers: the Oyster Perpetual 34 (ref. 124205) in 18 ct Everose gold with a blue dial and dumortierite markers, and the Oyster Perpetual 28 (ref. 276208) in 18 ct yellow gold with a green dial and heliotrope markers. Both have satin-finished cases and bracelets, which gives them a softer, more understated look than polished gold.
Datejust 41: A Green Lacquered Ombré Dial
The Datejust 41 (ref. 126334) in steel with a white gold fluted bezel gets a green ombré dial. The gradient from light green in the centre to almost black at the edge is created entirely with lacquer, layer by layer. The rest stays classic Datejust: Cyclops lens over the date, calibre 3235 and around 70 hours of power reserve. See our Datejust collection for the current models in stock.
Yacht-Master II: The Biggest Technical Update
The Yacht-Master II, the Rolex regatta chronograph, is the most important technical novelty of the year. Rolex presents a new generation in Oystersteel (ref. 126680) and 18 ct yellow gold (ref. 126688), both 44 mm with a blue Cerachrom bezel and a white dial.
The countdown function has been completely reworked for better legibility and easier use. It is now set and operated only with the pushers, and the countdown hands run anticlockwise. Inside is the new calibre 4162, an evolution of the previous 4161, made exclusively for this model, with about 72 hours of power reserve. Current models are listed under Yacht-Master II.
Day-Date 40 in Jubilee Gold
For the Day-Date 40 (ref. 228235 JG) Rolex introduces a new 18 ct alloy called Jubilee Gold, produced in its own foundry. Depending on the light, its colour shifts between yellow, warm grey and soft pink. The model pairs it with a light green aventurine dial, ten baguette-cut diamond hour markers, a fluted bezel and the President bracelet. Inside is calibre 3255 with about 70 hours of power reserve. Explore the Day-Date models we currently have.
Cosmograph Daytona in Steel and Platinum
For the first time, the Cosmograph Daytona (ref. 126502) combines Oystersteel with platinum, a combination Rolex calls Rolesium. It has a white enamel dial, an anthracite Cerachrom bezel with a redesigned tachymeter scale with horizontal numerals inspired by the early Daytona, and a sapphire case back showing calibre 4131. It is one of the most exclusive new pieces of the year. Current Daytona models are listed in our Daytona collection.
What the 2026 Releases Mean for Buyers in Dubai
New Rolex models are usually very hard to get from an authorised dealer in their first year, especially the steel sports models and the anniversary pieces. Many buyers therefore look at two alternatives:
- Unworn or pre-owned watches from recent years, for example the GMT-Master II with grey and black bezel (2024) or the Deepsea in yellow gold (2024), which are now available on the market.
- Classic references that hardly change, such as the Submariner, Datejust and Day-Date, which keep their appeal regardless of the newest releases.
Whatever you choose, make sure the watch is inspected before you pay. Read how we authenticate every watch and our guide How to Spot a Fake Rolex. For an overview of the market, see Rolex Prices in Dubai: Retail vs Pre-Owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Rolex present its new watches?
Rolex presents its new models every year in spring at Watches & Wonders in Geneva. The 2026 novelties were presented in April 2026.
What is the most important Rolex release of 2026?
Technically, the new Yacht-Master II with calibre 4162 is the biggest update. For collectors, the Oyster Perpetual 41 anniversary edition and the Daytona in steel and platinum attract the most attention.
What is Jubilee Gold?
Jubilee Gold is a new 18 ct gold alloy developed and cast by Rolex itself. It was introduced in 2026 on the Day-Date 40 and changes its tone between yellow, grey and pink depending on the light.
Can I sell my current Rolex to upgrade to a new model?
Yes. Many clients sell or trade in their current watch to finance a new one. We usually make an offer within 60 minutes. See Sell your Rolex in Dubai.
Looking for a Rolex in Dubai?
See all Rolex watches in stock, each one inspected by our specialists, or visit our showroom in the Dubai Gold District.
