Something Green and Out of This World are Part of Rolex and Tudor's 2021 Collection

The big news for Rolex this year is its new Explorer collection. First, the new generation Explorer now comes with a new bi-metal variant aside from the all-steel version. The unusual inclusion of precious metal for the new generation Explorer watch gives this timepiece a refreshing new look for 2021. The 18 carat yellow gold and Oystersteel combination was designed as a tribute to the mountaineers and explorers who made their mark in the 20th century.

New Explorer collection

Rolex had been part of many extreme adventures and milestone conquests, including the very first time that man set foot on the world’s highest peak—Mount Everest—in May of 1953 as a valuable timekeeping instrument for Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

Photo by Rolex.

Compared to the previous model which had a case diameter of 39 mm, the case is back again to 36 mm in diameter, similar to its 1953 model watch. Rolex says the new Explorer is a nod to an era when the world’s highest peaks were still shrouded in mystery and as yet unconquered.

Inside the new generation Explorer beats Rolex’s newly introduced Calibre 3230 movement that was unveiled in other watches last year. This movement incorporates the exclusive Chronergy escapement and the blue Parachrom hairspring and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The high precision movement is also resistant to shocks, temperature variations and magnetic fields, making it the perfect tool watch for all sorts of extreme environment.

Photo by Rolex.

The new generation Explorer II model on the other hand, has also been completely updated as well. On the surface, the layout is as legible as its predecessor models. Its hour markers and hands continue to stand out in sharp contrast against the white or black lacquer dial, and a 24-hour display sports an orange hand and engraved bezel, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II has been considered by alpinists and explorers as a benchmark timepiece, thanks to its remarkable technical performance and reliability which has proved invaluable in the extreme conditions. The new generation Explorer II is redesigned and re-proportioned for optimized display and legibility. The new Chromalight hands and hour markers are covered or coated with Rolex’s exclusive luminescent material giving longer-lasting intensity of glow in the darkness. The watch is fitted with the Calibre 3285 Rolex movement for maximum robustness and dependability.

Plant-based dials

Photo by Rolex.

What’s new for the elegant Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 3-hander watches with date aperture are the palm motif and fluted dials that come in olive green, silver or gold finishes. The lush tropical palm leaf patterns are a refreshing new take on Rolex dials which contrasts with the industrial look of the new fluted motif. Fashioned from various materials such as copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, titanium and silicon, Rolex uses cutting-edge technology to create deep, vibrant metallic colors for this year’s dials.

A dial that’s out of this world

Photo by Rolex.

For this year’s popular and highly sought-after Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona chronograph model. Although the stainless steel version hasn’t changed, the solid gold case models which come in 18 ct yellow, white or Rolex’s Everose gold sports a new meteorite dial. Fashioned and patterned using materials from the core of asteroids trekking millions of miles and years to complete its journey on one’s wrist, each dial has a unique internal structure, making each timepiece one-of-a-kind.

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K and Chrono

The main spotlight for Tudor this year goes to the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K and the revival of the Black Bay Chrono collection. For the first time, Tudor has come up with an 18 carat yellow gold case with an open case back to showcase the movement. The 58 name is a nod to the year 1958 where the first Tudor diver’s watch with reference number 7924 or known as the “Big Crown” was introduced. The 39mm diameter case has the classic characteristic proportions favored by vintage watch aficionados. The entire case is satin-finished to give it a very sporty matt effect, instead of the traditional bright polished gold finish.  

Photo by Rolex.

Tudor calls its dial and bezel “golden green” tone with solid gold in matt finish details. The brand uses its “Snowflake” hands and hour marker appliqués that are made of 18 carat yellow gold. The watch as a choice of fabric strap, still woven in France on 19th century Jacquard looms by the Julien Faure company in the St-Etienne region, known for its manufacturing quality and comfort on the wrist.

Tudor also marked the 50th year of making chronographs with the relaunch of its Black Bay Chrono models. It comes with two dial options with contrasting sub-counters. In 1970, Tudor introduced its first chronograph watch, the Oysterdate. The new reissued Black Bay Chrono is powered by Tudor’s Manufacture Chronograph Calibre MT5813, and like in other Tudor watches, it is certified by Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), and the movement features a silicon balance spring, a 70-hour power reserve, a column wheel and vertical clutch.

Photo by Rolex.

The column wheel gear design is known for its smoother operation that offers more refinement associated with activating the chrono function in lesser movements.  The watch comes with three the options – black Jacquard fabric strap, cuff in black aged leather and stainless steel riveted bracelet.

For a complete view of the 2021 Rolex and Tudor collection visit their website (link here) www.rolex.com and www.tudorwatch.com