Pre-Basel 2012: What to expect from Rolex in 2012

What new models might Rolex release at Basel 2012. These are a fair number of watches in the Rolex line-up that are due for a refresh, or could be moved up to the new larger 39 mm, 41 mm and 42 mm case sizes. The one new model which Rolex could release this year that would make the biggest splash would be to release a new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, which we wrote about two days ago, but several other models are also due for a refresh.

We have constantly been wondering what Rolex will do with its "No-Date" Submariner. People have been wondering whether it will see a migration to the new ceramic bezel which has made its way to the other Submariners. Should Rolex decide to update this model, we suspect a new ceramic bezel would be  accompanied by the larger 42 mm case we saw on the Rolex Explorer II last year.

There are some eagerly awaited features which Rolex aficionados would like to see in 2012. Pepsi and Coke bezel for the GMT Master II and a Jubillee bracelet for the Rolex Datejust.

Either a new Daytona, a new No-Date Submariner, Pepsi and Coke bezel for the GMT Master II or a Jubillee bracelet for the Rolex Datejust would be enough to make for a very interesting showing for Rolex at Basel 2012. 

The Rolex Yacht-Master first released in 1993 still uses the old style clasp which has been gradually been replaced in other Rolex watches over the past decade or so. A new larger 42 mm Rolex Yacht-Master with a new clasp is something which Rolex is likely to come out with, and if not this year, in the near future. The other possibility would be to discontinue this design all-together. 

The Rolex Yacht-Master is one watch, which in my opinion, really does not seem to have a clear place on the Rolex line-up.  With Rolex having released the a bi-metal Yacht-Master II in 2011, an all stainless steel version is likely in the works. The bi-metal Yacht-Master II retails at US$25,150. An all steel version would be priced at just over US$20,000. While this would be much more expensive than a new Yacht-Master "I", it might make the need for a new version "I" less necessary.

Another move we are likely to see is the migration of the Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph to the 41 mm case size, unless Rolex decides to discontinue this line all together. 

With Rolex watch prices having increased substantially over the past few years, offering more entry level options would seem to be something Rolex may want to do. Releasing 39 mm models of the lower cost Rolex Oyster Perpetuals and Air King watches which currently have a 34 mm size case diameter, would be in keeping with the times and increase interest in these designs.

Unless Rolex comes out with a completely new, this list probably covers the major design changes see from Rolex at Basel 2012 and 2013, for that matter. We don't expect all of these to happen in one year.