For Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, Rolex introduced the Datejust with a green lacquer ombré dial, a redesigned Yacht-Master II, and off-catalogue versions of the Day-Date 40 and Cosmograph Daytona. We take a close look at them.
Datejust 41
The Rolex Datejust is a versatile watch perfect, one that is perfect for daily wear, a formal setting, and an active lifestyle. It meets the criteria for the “perfect one watch.” The new Datejust 41 with its green lacquer ombré dial is a gorgeous interpretation of this horological icon.
It features a green lacquer ombré dial. Hands and hour-markers are made from 18K white gold, coated with Chromalight (long lasting luminescence, blue-glow), except for the seconds hand. Its Oyster monobloc case measures 41 mm (diameter) * 11.60 mm (thickness). Lug width: 21 mm. Middle case is made from Oystersteel, polished finished. Fluted bezel is made from white gold. Solid caseback is made from Oystersteel, screwed to the middle case and features fine fluting. Twinlock crown at 3 o’clock is made from Oystersteel. A screw-down crown, it features a double waterproofness system. Dial side features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Cyclops lens above the date at 3 o’clock features double anti-reflective coating. Water resistant up to 100 metres or 330 feet.
The watch comes with an Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links. Made from Oystersteel, the centre links are polished, and the outer links are satin-finished with polished edges. The bracelet is fitted with a folding Oysterclasp, made from Oystersteel, featuring an Easylink comfort extension link (approximately 5 mm).
It is powered by Calibre 3235, a Manufacture Rolex automatic movement (bi-directional self-winding via a Perpetual rotor) that drives the hours, minutes, and seconds with a stop seconds function and instantaneous date at 3 o’clock. It comprises 31 jewels, beats at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Movement features include the brand’s innovations such as the Paramagnetic blue Parachrom Hairspring, Rolex overcoil, variable inertia large balance wheel, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers and Chronergy escapement, among others. Accuracy: -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Name: Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41. Case reference: 126334. Bracelet reference: 72610 Oyster. Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC certification + Rolex certification after casing). Guarantee: International five-year. Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 10,450 (Including VAT).
The Datejust 41 with green lacquer ombré dial can be configured with a smooth bezel and Jubilee bracelet as well. Please click here to try the various configurations on the brand’s website.
Yacht-Master II
The new generation Rolex Yacht-Master II is the new generation of the brand’s regatta chronograph. It has been completely redesigned, including the movement. It is presented in two versions: Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold.
“Sleek, simplified, modernized and with enhanced legibility, the regatta chronograph by Rolex makes a grand comeback with the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II. The programmable countdown function of this nautical watch – featuring a mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization – has been entirely redesigned to more effectively assist sailors during the critical start sequence of races.”
Oystersteel version
It features a white matt lacquer dial. Hands and hour-markers are made from 18K white gold, coated with Chromalight (long lasting luminescence, blue-glow), except for the centre seconds hand, coated in red lacquer, small seconds hand, and countdown minute hand that features a triangular tip coated with red lacquer on its edges. Its Oyster monobloc case measures 44 mm (diameter) * 13.90 mm (thickness). Lug width: 22 mm. Middle case is made from Oystersteel, satin-finished with polished sides. Bidirectional rotatable bezel is made from Oystersteel with a Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. Solid caseback is made from Oystersteel, screwed to the middle case and features fine fluting. Triplock crown at 3 o’clock is made from 18K Oystersteel. A screw-down crown, it features a triple waterproofness system. Dial side features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Water resistant up to 100 metres or 330 feet.
The watch comes with an Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links. Made from Oystersteel, the centre links are polished, and the outer links are satin-finished with polished edges. The bracelet is fitted with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp made from Oystersteel, featuring an Easylink comfort extension link (approximately 5 mm).
It is powered by Calibre 4162, a Manufacture Rolex automatic chronograph movement (bi-directional self-winding via a Perpetual rotor) featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch that drives the central hours, minutes, and small seconds with a stop seconds function, and Regatta countdown via the minute hand (with the triangular tip) and centre seconds hand (coated in red lacquer, anti-clockwise rotation). It comprises 47 jewels, beats at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Movement features include the brand’s innovations such as the Paramagnetic blue Parachrom Hairspring, Rolex overcoil, variable inertia large balance wheel, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers and Chronergy escapement, among others. Accuracy: -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Name: Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II. Case reference: 126680. Bracelet reference: 78KA10 Oyster. Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC certification + Rolex certification after casing). Guarantee: International five-year. Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 18,100 (Including VAT).
18K Yellow Gold version
It features a white matt lacquer dial. Hands and hour-markers are made from 18K yellow gold, coated with Chromalight (long lasting luminescence, blue-glow), except for the centre seconds hand, small seconds hand and countdown minute hand that features a triangular tip. Its Oyster monobloc case measures 44 mm (diameter) * 13.90 mm (thickness). Lug width: 22 mm. Middle case is made from 18K yellow gold, satin-finished with polished sides. Bidirectional rotatable bezel is made from 18K yellow gold with a Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. Solid caseback is made from 18K yellow gold, screwed to the middle case and features fine fluting. Triplock crown at 3 o’clock is made from 18K yellow gold. A screw-down crown, it features a triple waterproofness system. Dial side features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Water resistant up to 100 metres or 330 feet.
The watch comes with an Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links. Made from 18K yellow gold, the centre links are polished, and the outer links are satin-finished with polished edges. The bracelet is fitted with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp made from 18K yellow gold, featuring an Easylink comfort extension link (approximately 5 mm).
It is powered by Calibre 4162, a Manufacture Rolex automatic chronograph movement (bi-directional self-winding via a Perpetual rotor) featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch that drives the central hours, minutes, and small seconds with a stop seconds function, and Regatta countdown via the minute hand (with the triangular tip) and centre seconds hand (coated in red lacquer, anti-clockwise rotation). It comprises 47 jewels, beats at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Movement features include the brand’s innovations such as the Paramagnetic blue Parachrom Hairspring, Rolex overcoil, variable inertia large balance wheel, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers and Chronergy escapement, among others. Accuracy: -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Name: Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II. Case reference: 126688. Bracelet reference: 78KA18 Oyster. Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC certification + Rolex certification after casing). Guarantee: International five-year. Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 51,500 (Including VAT).
Day-Date 40 and Cosmograph Daytona
Rolex has unveiled two exceptional versions of the Day-Date 40 and Daytona. Part of the brand’s off catalogue series, they are among the holy grail of Rolex. As the name suggests, they are not presented in the catalogue, remain concealed from public view and are only offered only to top customers of the brand.
Day-Date 40
Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date is a symbol of prestige and a horological icon. It is known as the “presidents’ watch” ever since President Lyndon B. Johnson, (the 36th president of the United States) wore one inside the White House. The version unveiled by the brand debuts Jubilee Gold, a new alloy.
“The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 is unveiled in 18 ct Jubilee Gold. Glowing with tones of tender yellow, warm grey and soft pink, this brand-new alloy, entirely developed and produced in-house, illustrates the innovation capability of Rolex and its technical mastery in the field of precious metals. The prestige of this watch is further elevated by the choice of light green aventurine for its dial, whose hue complements the gilded effect of the case and bracelet.”
It features a light green aventurine dial. Hands are made from 18K Jubilee Gold. Ten baguette-cut diamond hour-markers feature 18K Jubilee Gold settings. Its Oyster monobloc case measures 40 mm (diameter) * 12 mm (thickness). Lug width: 21 mm. Middle case is made from 18K Jubilee Gold, polished finished. Fluted bezel is made from 18K Jubilee Gold. Solid caseback is made from 18K Jubilee Gold, screwed to the middle case and features fine fluting. Twinlock crown at 3 o’clock is made from 18K Jubilee Gold. A screw-down crown, it features a double waterproofness system. Dial side features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Cyclops lens above the date at 3 o’clock features double anti-reflective coating. Water resistant up to 100 metres or 330 feet.
The watch comes with a President bracelet with three-piece solid links. Made from 18K Jubilee Gold, the centre links are polished, and the outer links are satin-finished with polished edges. The bracelet is fitted with a concealed folding Crownclasp made from 18K Jubilee Gold.
It is powered by Calibre 3255, a Manufacture Rolex automatic chronograph movement (bi-directional self-winding via a Perpetual rotor) that drives the central hours, minutes, and seconds with a stop seconds function, and instantaneous day (12 o’clock) and date (3 o’clock). It comprises 31 jewels, beats at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Movement features include the brand’s innovations such as the Paramagnetic blue Parachrom Hairspring, Rolex overcoil, variable inertia large balance wheel, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers and Chronergy escapement, among others. Accuracy: -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Name: Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40. Case reference: 228235 JG. Bracelet reference: 83415 JG President. Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC certification + Rolex certification after casing). Guarantee: International five-year. Price: On request. Since not in catalogue, please contact your Rolex authorised dealer for more information.
Cosmograph Daytona
Named after the famous Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, the Cosmograph Daytona is Rolex’s motorsport-inspired three register chronograph. A horological icon, it is among the most sought-after watches in the world. The version unveiled by the brand features an enamelled dial housed in a Rolesium case, the latter a combination of Oystersteel and platinum, used first time in the Daytona.
“The white enamelled dial is unique and is a striking example of Rolex dial-making expertise. Created using the ancestral grand feu technique, it required the development of a special production process. The ‘grand feu’ (literally ‘high fire’) method is so-called because, following application of the enamel powder mixed with water, the future dial is placed in a kiln heated to over 800° C.”
It features a white enamelled dial. Hands and hour-markers are made from 18K white gold, coated with Chromalight (long lasting luminescence, blue-glow), except for the seconds and counter hands. Its Oyster monobloc case measures 40 mm (diameter) * 12.20 mm (thickness). Lug width: 20 mm. Middle case is made from Oystersteel, polished finish. Bezel is made from Cerachrom. Caseback is made from platinum and features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. It is screwed to the middle case and features fine fluting. Triplock crown at 3 o’clock is made from Oystersteel. A screw-down crown, it features a triple waterproofness system. Dial side features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Water resistant up to 100 metres or 330 feet.
The watch comes with an Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links. Made from Oystersteel, the centre links are polished, and the outer links are satin-finished with polished edges. The bracelet is fitted with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp made from Oystersteel, featuring an Easylink comfort extension link (approximately 5 mm).
It is powered by Calibre 4131, a Manufacture Rolex automatic chronograph movement (bi-directional self-winding via a Perpetual rotor) featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch that drives the central hours, minutes, and small seconds (6 o’clock) with a stop seconds function, central chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter (3 o’clock) and 12-hour counter (9 o’clock). It comprises 47 jewels, beats at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Movement features include the brand’s innovations such as the Paramagnetic blue Parachrom Hairspring, Rolex overcoil, variable inertia large balance wheel, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers and Chronergy escapement, among others. Accuracy: -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Name: Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. Case reference: 126502. Bracelet reference: 78HA00 Oyster. Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC certification + Rolex certification after casing). Guarantee: International five-year. Price: On request. Since off catalogue, please contact your Rolex authorised dealer for more information.
Additions to the Superlative Chronometer Certification
Every Rolex is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, a prestigious seal of quality that consists of COSC and Rolex certification, the latter after casing. For 2026, this criterion has been updated.
“New testing criteria – resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability – are now implemented during the design and manufacturing stages of each timepiece. They supplement the criteria established when the certification was redefined in 2015 governing precision, waterproofness, self-winding and power reserve, which are validated during tests conducted on the finished watch.”
Our Thoughts
I was fortunate to handle all the new Rolex models unveiled in Geneva, including the Oyster Perpetual references that we covered in Part-1 of our Rolex feature. Whether it is the Datejust 41 with its green lacquer ombré dial or the ultra-exclusive Day-Date 40 with its light green aventurine dial that debuts the new Jubilee Gold alloy, each reference was unmistakably a Rolex and felt incredibly special on the wrist.
The brand devotes significant R&D into each aspect of a watch, and not just movements. Incremental updates to dials (fonts, markers, hands, luminescence, among others), bezels and cases, bracelets and clasps, and materials (both non precious and precious), and how a watch feels on one’s wrist is the brand’s way of life. It is this singular dedication to quality and excellence that makes the brand’s watches among the most sought after in the world.
Stay tuned on The Cornea Impression social media channels and website as we continue to bring you content from Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026.
