Rolex’s new collection for 2021 is a feast of new versions of its iconic watches. We look at three of them

Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona 

With its unique tachymetric bezel and a high-performance mechanical movement, the Cosmograph Daytona has been an icon in the world of watches since it was launched in 1963 to meet the requirement of professional racing drivers and teams for measuring time intervals and average speeds. It is still a benchmark for those with a passion for driving and speed. Three new versions have been launched as part of the new collection. All feature dials are made from metallic meteorite, a rare natural material from outer space, and black chronograph counters are at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The 18K white gold version is fitted with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic with a moulded tachymetric scale. It comes with an Oysterflex bracelet. The 18K yellow gold and 18K Everose gold versions feature metal bezels with engraved tachymetric scales, and Oyster bracelets. All three are equipped with calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with a power reserve of 72 hours.

Oyster Perpetual Explorer

The legendary watch first achieved fame on the wrists of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their historical ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. The 2021  version comes in a case in the original size of  36 mm from the 1950s, but this time in yellow Rolesor, an original Rolex alloy, which is a combination of Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold. The lacquered black dial features index hour markers and emblematic 3, 6, and 9 numerals that are the cornerstones of the model’s personality. It is powered by the self-winding Calibre 3230 movement, which is fitted with a hairspring made from blue Parachrom. This paramagnetic alloy makes the watch up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The hairspring is also equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. Power reserve of 70 hours. 

Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 

Unveiled in 1971, this robust watch, over the years, has become an essential tool for explorers travelling to the far corners of the globe, often in extreme conditions. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish between day and night time, particularly useful in the polar regions and the underground. The 2021 version is in Oystersteel, and features a redesigned case and bracelet. On the white lacquer dial, the hour markers, whose black coating is applied using PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition), and the black lacquer hour, minute, and seconds hands, stand out for their matt finish. The new-generation Explorer II also benefits from an optimised Chromalight display. In dark conditions, the intensity of the blue glow emitted by the hour markers and hands now lasts longer, thanks to the innovative and exclusive luminescent material with which they are filled or coated. In daylight, these display elements also have a brighter white hue. Equipped with calibre 3285, the bidirectional self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of around 70 hours.