A detailed analysis of the new Rolex 2020 models

One of the most awaited events, every year, in the watches’ arena is the new Rolex releases.

This year, Rolex treated its enthusiasts by releasing plenty of new models. The addition of new colors and the change in straps is quite impressive.

As a die-heart Rolex fan, to which we pay tribute by creating curved end leather straps, we’ll have a detailed look at each of these models.

Let's get started!

The new Rolex Submariner

Photo credit by Rolex

The new Rolex Submariner line ended the era of 40mm cases with its 41mm case. The new additions in this historic watch collection, which was the first to introduce a diving depth of up to 100 meters, have newly remodeled bracelets. The slimmer lugs are the most significant aesthetic improvement. It feels more balanced in our opinion.

As far as the dial is concerned, the there hasn’t been many changes in design except for the addition of a small crown between “Swiss” and “Made” etched below the 6 o'clock marker.

Rolex debuted the Caliber 3235 and 3230 in its Submariner line with the 2020 releases. The Caliber 3235 was already used in multiple models, like the Sea-Dweller ref. 126600.

The 3230 powers the Rolex Submariner No Date; whereas, the 3235 powers the Rolex Submariner Date. Both of them are the enhancements of their predecessors with the most important improvement being the increase of power reserve from 48 hours to 3 days (72 hours).

A few of the major features of the Rolex Caliber 3235 include:

• 14 patents
• New Chronergy Escapement
• Mainspring barrel
• Parachrom Bleu hairspring
• Paraflex shock absorbers
• Improved gear train 

Reference	Bezel color	Dial color	Metal	Bracelet	Price
126619LB	Blue	Black	18 ct White Gold	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp – 18 ct White Gold	$39,650
124060	Black	Black	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$8,100
126610LV	Green	Black	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$9,550
126613LB	Blue	Blue	Oystersteel and Yellow Gold	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct Yellow Gold	$14,300
126613LN	Black	Black	Oystersteel and Yellow Gold	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct Yellow Gold	$14,300
126618LN	Black	Black	Yellow Gold	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - 18 ct Yellow Gold	$36,950
126618LB	Blue	Blue	Yellow Gold	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - 18 ct Yellow Gold	$39,950
126610LN	Black	Black	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$9,150

 

The new Rolex Datejust

Photo credit by Rolex

Rolex rolled out 4 new additions in the Datejust line with dials of 31mm. They include various designs ranging from the flashy ones like the ref. 278384 RBR to understated options like the ref. 278274.

All of these are made from white Rolesor, which is basically a combination of Oyster steel and 18 ct white gold.

The most uproar was created by the ref. 278384 RBR, thanks to its bright aubergine (this is just a fancy name given to purple by Rolex) dial, and 46 diamonds on the bezel, which is sunburst-finished. Also, the 6 o’clock Roman numeral marker is slightly bigger than the others in line and is set with diamonds.

Head over to the table below for the dial and bezel information of the other models.

Now, let’s talk about the heart of the watch, its movement. The new Datejust models are powered by Rolex caliber 2236, which has the following major features:

• Automatic mechanical movement
• Syloxi hairspring
• Power reserve of 55 hours
• 31 jewels

Reference	Bezel	Dial color	Metal	Bracelet	Price
278384 RBR	Set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds	Aubergine	Oystersteel and 18 ct White Gold (White Rolesor)	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$16,050
278274	Fluted	White lacquer	Oystersteel and 18 ct White Gold (White Rolesor)	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$7,800
278274	Fluted	Dark Grey	Oystersteel and 18 ct White Gold (White Rolesor)	Jubilee Bracelet with Concealed folding Crownclasp - Oystersteel	$7,800
278274	Fluted	Mint green	Oystersteel and 18 ct White Gold (White Rolesor)	Jubilee Bracelet with Concealed folding Crownclasp - Oystersteel	$8,050

 

The new Oyster Perpetual

Photo credit by Rolex

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 2020 releases are perhaps the biggest surprise of all models. With its colorful dials, Rolex pays a tribute to the vintage Stella dials. No one was expecting that our favorite luxury watch brand would roll out such colorful pieces.

After sharing our excitement about the color burst that we received, let’s talk a bit about the models. Rolex released 7 variations in total with two different case sizes, i.e., Oyster Perpetual 36 (mm) and Oyster Perpetual 41 (mm).

First, let’s talk about the Oyster Perpetual 36. This one has 5 variations with different vivid dial colors, these include, candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red, and green. The hour markers and hands are made from 18 ct white gold.

The Oyster Perpetual 41 has two versions. One of them has a silver dial with 18 ct yellow gold hand and hour markers, while the other has a bright black dial with 18 ct white gold hand and hour markers.

All the models have a blue lume, popularly known as chromalight, on their hands and hour markers, which makes the watch look absolutely stunning in the dark.

As far as the movement is concerned, this new series of Oyster Perpetual watches have the Caliber 3230, which has the same features as the Caliber 3235 explained earlier except for the date.

Reference	Case diameter	Bezel	Dial color	Metal	Bracelet	Price
124300	41 mm	Domed	Silver	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$5,900
124300	41 mm	Domed	Black	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$5,900
124300	36 mm	Domed	Candy pink lacquer	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$5,600
124300	36 mm	Domed	Turquoise blue lacquer	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$5,600
124300	36 mm	Domed	Yellow lacquer	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$5,600
124300	36 mm	Domed	Coral red lacquer	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$5,600
124300	36 mm	Domed	Green lacquer	Oystersteel	Oyster Bracelet with Oyster Clasp - Oystersteel	$5,600

 

The new Sky-Dweller

Photo credit by Rolex

Another twist in the Rolex 2020 releases is the introduction of Oysterflex bracelets in the Sky-Dweller line.

So, what is an Oysterflex bracelet?

An Oysterflex bracelet is basically a rubber or elastomer bracelet. As the name indicates, it is highly elastic, and thus, an excellent choice for watches that are susceptible to frequent water contact.

This watch series, which is the ultimate favorite of the travelers throughout the world, enjoyed 6 new additions in two different materials.

The ref. 326238 is made from 18 ct yellow gold, whereas, the ref. 326235 is made from Everose or simply put, rose gold. The watch hands and hour markers are also made from the same material.

Each of them has the Sky-Dweller’s signature fluted rotatable bezel, which syncs the watch with the Ring Command System.

Last but not least, let’s talk about the movement. Each of these new Sky-Dweller additions is accompanied by the caliber 9001. Its major features include:

• Self-winding mechanical movement
• 72-hour power reserve
• 40 jewels
• Paramagnetic Bleu Parachrom hairspring
• Paraflex shock absorbers
• Bidirectional perpetual rotor

Reference	Case diameter	Bezel	Dial color	Metal	Bracelet	Price
326238	42 mm	Fluted	Champagne	18 ct Yellow Gold	Oysterflex	$40,000
326238	42 mm	Fluted	White	18 ct Yellow Gold	Oysterflex	$40,000
326238	42 mm	Fluted	Black	18 ct Yellow Gold	Oysterflex	$40,000
326235	42 mm	Fluted	Dark Rhodium	18 ct Everose Gold	Oysterflex	$41,500
326235	36 mm	Domed	Yellow lacquer	18 ct Everose Gold	Oysterflex	$41,500
326235	36 mm	Domed	Coral red lacquer	18 ct Everose Gold	Oysterflex	$41,500

 

VariLeer's take on the Rolex 2020 releases

Well, Rolex surely came up with interesting modifications and additions with the 2020 releases. Every Rolex enthusiast, including us, was waiting impatiently for the new models.

The color blast in the Oyster Perpetual was out of the blue, but we are surely positively surprised. Also the new case of the Submariner line is a big improvement.

Now, let’s acknowledge the question that has been burning in your, VariLeer’s present and to-be loyal customers, minds throughout the read.

Will VariLeer make bracelets and straps for the new Rolex 2020 releases?

Of course! We have already started working on them, so stay tuned!

So, which 2020 release is your favorite so far? Are you planning to get your hands on any of these new Rolex Submariners, Oyster Perpetuals or the others? Let us know in the comments below.

For now, head over to our store to enjoy our handmade straps crafted from Italian water-resistant leather.

Click the button below and discover our collection tailored to your Rolex watch.

 Check out what customers say:

"This strap is amazing! It’s the best strap I had so far (and I have a few). The leather is very soft and that’s a must for my wrist." - Daniel | Verified buyer

"Got my strap last week and installed it this morning on my sub. They really did a good job on the packaging and attaching the strap is very straightforward. Thanks!" - Cas | Verified buyer

"The strap fits perfectly, I would like to post some decent pictures on IG, I will do so on Friday morning !" - @andyccowie | Verified buyer

"Hoi Thomas! Ben echt impressed van het eindresultaat alleszins. Op en top kwaliteit, echt chapeau!" - @crown_pieces | Verified buyer

"Hi Thomas! It arrived today and it really looks great." - Stefan | Verified buyer