Live Pics: Rolex’s Watches & Wonders 2022 Novelties

Well, the guessing game is finally over: Rolex announced its novelties for 2022 and officially marked its participation at this year’s Watches & Wonders fair, which kicked off this morning. While the titanium models that some hoped for didn’t materialize, the brand has served up some pleasant surprises, some more out of left field than others.

Despite speculation, the Air-King has not been discontinued. In fact, to the surprise of many, it has been updated with a redesigned case and dial. And catching many off-guard, the GMT-Master II is now available with a left-sided crown and green and black bezel.

Additionally, the 950 platinum Day-Date 40 gets a new fluted bezel (also done in this noble metal), while the new Yacht-Master 42 looks even more stunning in 18K yellow gold. There are also fresh, eye-catching floral-motif dials for the Datejust 31.

First up is the updated Air-King, Rolex’s professional tool watch aimed at contemporary aviators.

Inspired by the golden age of aviation in the 1930s, the Air-King was reimagined in 2016 with a distinctive black dial. Now, for 2022, that dial has once again been refreshed, with an optimized Chromalight display as well as the addition of “0” before the “5” on the minute scale. Moreover, the 40mm Oystersteel case has been redesigned and now features a crown guard.
 

This new-generation Air-King is equipped with the automatic Calibre 3230. The movement, first launched by the brand in 2020, features a patented anti-magnetic Chronergy escapement with a blue Parachrom hairspring and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

Priced at $7,400, the 2022 Air-King Reference 126900 essentially replaces Reference 116900.
 

Rolex’s Yacht-Master has been available in a 42mm case since 2019. And while it was already easy on the eyes in 18K white gold, the new 18K yellow-gold Reference 226658 looks even better. 

This warm, precious metal – created and cast at the brand’s foundry in Geneva – contrasts brilliantly with the black lacquer dial, black Oysterflex bracelet, and the bidirectional rotatable bezel with matte black Cerachrom insert.
 

Priced at $28,300, it is equipped with the Calibre 3235 – again with Chronergy escapement – which has powered the Yacht-Master 42 since its launch three years ago.

And the Yacht-Master line also welcomes a spectacular new Yacht-Master 40 featuring colorful sapphire- and diamond-set bezel as well as dazzling diamond-set lugs and crown guard.
 

Finally, Rolex has used what it calls: “high-technology finishing techniques” to create some striking new floral-motif dials for its Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31.

Available in azzurro blue, olive green, and silver, the dials feature 24 flowers, with the edges of their petals in subtle relief. Sunray, matte, and grained finishes add further texture while a diamond lights up the center of each flower.
 

Priced at $10,050, the azzurro blue dialed edition (Reference 278274) is matched with a 31mm “white Rolesor” (Oystersteel and 18K white gold) case.

Meanwhile, the silver dialed edition (Reference 278381RBR) comes with a diamond-set Everose Rolesor (Oystersteel and Everose gold) case and priced at $19,400. Lastly, the olive-green dialed edition (Reference 278288RBR) is paired with a diamond-set 18K yellow gold case and priced at $41,400.
 

For more information, please visit the Rolex website.

(Photography by Pierre Vogel)