As we’ve entered 2024, there’s been growing anticipation for Rolex’s new releases, scheduled for unveiling on April 9th at the Geneva Watch and Miracle Fair. Continuing from previous discussions, this article follows another prediction by the international media outlet Monochrome for Rolex’s 2024 lineup. Monochrome has a tradition of grounding its predictions in reasoned speculation, impressively rendering their concepts through detailed renderings that, at a glance, could be mistaken for official brand images.
Since around 2014, Monochrome has annually speculated on Rolex’s new models, becoming a pre-release tradition for enthusiasts eager to see their forecasts. Despite these predictions often not materializing post-exhibition, the imaginative possibilities they present hold their own appeal, serving more as entertaining speculation than precise forecasts, offering a glimpse into potential surprises Rolex might have in store.
Prediction 1: The Return of the Milgauss with an Anti-Magnetic Movement
A notable piece of “hidden news” from Rolex’s 2023 releases was the discontinuation of the green glass Milgauss 116400. While the model’s cessation was somewhat anticipated, it was unexpected that Rolex didn’t introduce a successor alongside its discontinuation. In today’s market, where anti-magnetic watches are increasingly performant yet not the hottest topic, the Milgauss’s lack of specification improvement made it less competitive. Monochrome speculates that the discontinuation is temporary, proposing that Rolex could reimagine a new Milgauss based on the Air-King’s design. This would allow shared case components between the two while retaining distinctive Milgauss elements like the lightning bolt second hand and orange minute markers. They also suggest that the new Milgauss might feature an updated 32xx series movement with enhanced anti-magnetic properties, possibly incorporating silicon or non-ferrous parts.
Prediction 2: A Subtly Redesigned Yacht-Master II (Model 126680 or Similar)
With recent updates across Rolex’s portfolio, models starting with “11XXXX” are becoming rarities, including the Yacht-Master II. Since its 2007 debut, it hasn’t seen major revisions apart from a slight dial update in 2017. Monochrome hints at a possible 2024 refresh, perhaps introducing a slightly smaller diameter, a standard 60-minute bezel scale, and possibly an Oysterflex rubber strap option to diversify its design.
Prediction 3: The Long-Awaited Return of the Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird”
The Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird,” a precursor to Rolex’s sports watches and part of the Datejust family, has been absent since its 2013 discontinuation. Monochrome muses that a relaunch could incorporate a rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale on a ceramic material, maintaining the Datejust’s versatile detailing with options for different bracelet styles.
Prediction 4: A New Meteorite Dial Daytona
After the reintroduction and subsequent discontinuation of the meteorite dial Daytona, Monochrome speculates about its return in the newly redesigned Daytona lineup. They suggest the new meteorite versions could all feature ceramic bezels and maintain the 4131 movement, possibly with a transparent case back to highlight the unique dial and refined movement.
Prediction 5: Expansion of the 1908 Series with New Complications
Following the introduction of the Perpetual 1908 series as a successor to the discontinued Cellini, Monochrome predicts further diversification with advanced complications like dual-time functions or even a moon phase, enriching the lineup’s appeal without needing groundbreaking design or functionality innovations.
These predictions, rooted more in wishful thinking than insider knowledge, reflect enthusiasts’ excitement and hope for Rolex’s future directions. Whether or not these forecasts come true, they certainly add to the anticipation and discussion surrounding Rolex’s yearly unveilings.For more insights and updates, please stay tuned to Clean Factory.
