The novel, exclusive dials of the Datejust 36 and Cosmograph Daytona are imbued with other sources of unique ancient energy. One comes from materials created deep within the Earth. The other has travelled from the outer reaches of our solar system.
The novel, exclusive dials of the Datejust 36 and Cosmograph Daytona are imbued with other sources of unique ancient energy. One comes from materials created deep within the Earth. The other has travelled from the outer reaches of our solar system.
Rolex makes some of the most recognisable watches of all time, and for those who are wearing one of the newly released Datejust 36 or Cosmograph Daytona models, they certainly will be attracting much attention. Pushing the desirability of these iconic timepieces to a higher level, Rolex has endowed the watches with spectacular new dials that will intrigue from a distance and beguile up close.
The new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel with a new palm motif dial in olive green that evokes lush, tropical forests
Earth’s Bounty
Launched in 1945 as the world’s first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a date window at the three o’clock position, the Datejust is the archetypal classic watch that doesn’t go out of style. Constantly evolving with aesthetic and technical updates, the collection is also no stranger to fascinating dial designs, employing unique materials from malachite to mother-of-pearl and sporting eye-catching patterns such as the Rolex monogram on a Jubilee dial.
The dial of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 shines with spirit and vitality, springing to life as light falls across its surface
This year, the new dials on the Datejust 36 feature a palm motif inspired by tropical forests, or a fluted motif that incorporates one of Rolex’s signature aesthetic styles. Made from age-old materials mined from the Earth such as copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, titanium and silicon, the dials are brushed in a radial fashion before undergoing a cutting-edge technological process mastered in-house by Rolex to confer the new motifs. The unique technique imbues the dials with depth and texture, catching and reflecting light at various angles to accentuate the evocative motifs.
The new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 features a fluted dial motif, showcasing the pattern found on a range of Rolex bezels that has become one of the brand’s signature aesthetic styles
The palm motif is available in three Datejust 36 variants: an Oystersteel version fitted with an olive green dial paired with an Oyster bracelet; a yellow Rolesor version (Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold) with a golden dial on an Oyster bracelet; and an Everose Rolesor version (Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold) with a silver dial on a Jubilee bracelet. The fluted motif, on the other hand, is available in a yellow Rolesor version with a golden dial on a Jubilee bracelet; an Everose Rolesor version with a silver dial on an Oyster bracelet; and a white Rolesor version (Oystersteel and 18 ct white gold) with a bright blue dial on an Oyster bracelet.
Rolex uses age-old materials combined with cutting-edge technology to create the deep, vibrant metallic colours of its new dials
While the new Datejust 36 models retain the esteemed attributes of the collection, it also benefits from the latest technological advancements of Rolex. Equipped with calibre 3235, Datejust 36 offers outstanding performance and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. This is thanks to the highly efficient and dependable Chronergy escapement, the blue Parachrom hairspring that is 10 times more precise than traditional ones in case of shocks, and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers.
Heaven-sent
Dominating the wish lists of many watch enthusiasts, the Cosmograph Daytona was launched in 1963 to meet the needs of professional racing drivers with its characteristic tachymetric bezel and high-performance mechanical movement. This year, Rolex elevates the ultimate timing tool with dials that are made from a material that was literally sent from up above – metallic meteorite.
The new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18 ct white gold comes with a meteorite and black dial, fitted with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic with a tachymetric scale, and an Oysterflex bracelet
Metallic meteorite, which is primarily composed of iron and nickel, is a material derived from an asteroid that exploded millions of years ago. Before landing on Earth, the natural extraterrestrial material had travelled between planets and cooled by a few degrees Celsius every million years, forming a unique crystallisation that is impossible to recreate artificially. It is rare and challenging to work with, but once it is cut into thin sections and a chemical treatment is applied, the great beauty of its interwoven internal structure is revealed. Otherwise known as Widmanstätten patterns, the crystalline formations give the metallic meteorite its distinctive look.
Metallic meteorite is rare and challenging to work with, but once it is cut into thin sections and a chemical treatment is applied, the great beauty of its interwoven internal structure is revealed. Rolex works with leading experts in the field to carefully select only sections with particularly well-formed and texture-rich surfaces to adorn the Cosmograph Daytona.
The metallic meteorite features patterns that were formed as the heart of an asteroid cooled slowly on its journey through the cosmos
Befitting the celestial origins of the dials, the trio of new Cosmograph Daytona models are all dressed in gold. The 18 ct white gold version contrasts the subtle shimmer of the metallic meteorite with a black Cerachrom tachymetric bezel and a black Oysterflex bracelet; while the noble sheen of the 18 ct yellow gold and 18 ct Everose gold versions sets off the astronomically hewn mystique of the dial with evocative brilliance.
The new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18 ct yellow gold with a meteorite dial fitted with an Oyster bracelet
All Cosmograph Daytona models are fitted with calibre 4130, an in-house developed and manufactured self-winding movement that boasts a column wheel and vertical clutch, ensuring an instantaneous and extremely precise start for its chronograph function. Equipped with a blue Parachrom hairspring that bolsters its precision in case of shocks, the Cosmograph Daytona also impresses with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.
While Rolex’s technical prowess in the realm of watchmaking remains undisputed, the new Datejust 36 and Cosmograph Daytona models demonstrate that it is also relentless in pushing the envelope of horological aesthetics. Engaging our age-old appreciation of the Earth’s riches and our unending fascination with the cosmos, the new dials of these beloved icons show that Rolex’s creativity and expertise know no bounds.
Discover more on Rolex’s new 2021 watches.
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