100 years of the Oyster with Rolex 2026
A century of the Oyster is a milestone worth marking.
Rolex marks 100 years of the Oyster by looking both backwards and forwards. The 2026 collection draws on a century of heritage while introducing new materials, distinctive dials and technical developments — from subtle nods to the past to unexpected new takes on familiar icons.
From the commemorative Oyster Perpetual 41 to the redesigned Yacht-Master II and exceptional Day-Date 40 and Cosmograph Daytona, the new Rolex watches of 2026 offer plenty for collectors and enthusiasts to discover.
More than a collection of new colours and configurations, they show how Rolex continues to refine an established language of watchmaking without losing the qualities that made these models enduring icons.
Oyster’s first century
The Oyster has played a defining role in Rolex’s history. Its water-resistant case helped establish the foundation for watches designed to be worn and relied upon, rather than simply admired.
The 2026 collection marks this centenary with several thoughtful references to the Oyster’s origins. The most direct tribute comes in the Oyster Perpetual 41, while the wider collection demonstrates how Rolex continues to develop the materials, movements and manufacturing techniques behind its watches.
The year also introduces a strengthened Superlative Chronometer certification, with additional criteria covering resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability alongside Rolex’s existing performance requirements. The change reinforces a central principle of the brand: technical progress should be built into the watch, even when it is not immediately visible.
Oyster Perpetual 41
A tribute to the original
The new Oyster Perpetual 41 is perhaps the clearest expression of the 2026 anniversary.
It combines Oystersteel with yellow gold in a yellow Rolesor configuration. The bezel and winding crown are crafted from yellow gold, while the case and Oyster bracelet use Oystersteel, recalling elements found on some early Oyster watches.
The slate dial is deliberately restrained, allowing the commemorative details to stand out. The number 100 appears in relief on the winding crown, while “100 years” replaces the usual “Swiss Made” inscription at 6 o’clock. Green squares mark the five-minute intervals and the Rolex name appears in the brand’s signature green.
Powered by calibre 3230, the watch retains the robust, straightforward character of the Oyster Perpetual while giving the collection a fitting centenary edition.
Oyster Perpetual 36
A dial full of colour
The Oyster Perpetual 36 takes a more expressive approach.
Its multicoloured lacquer dial features a Jubilee motif formed from the letters of the Rolex name in ten contrasting colours. While playful at first glance, the design requires considerable precision. The colours are applied one after another, making accurate positioning of every shape and letter essential.
The result is a modern interpretation of a motif introduced in the late 1970s, combining Rolex’s aesthetic heritage with highly intricate dial craftsmanship.
The watch remains grounded in the familiar Oystersteel case and bracelet and is powered by calibre 3230.
Oyster Perpetual 28 and 34
Precious metal with subtle detail
The Oyster Perpetual 28 and 34 bring a quieter sense of luxury to the collection.
The 28 mm model is crafted from 18 ct yellow gold with a green stone lacquer dial, while the 34 mm version uses 18 ct Everose gold with a blue stone lacquer dial. Both feature natural stone hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, marking a first for Rolex.
The cases and bracelets are primarily satin finished, creating a softer appearance than a fully polished surface. Their polished domed bezels provide contrast and bring additional depth to the precious-metal construction.
Both models use calibre 2232, combining the simplicity of the Oyster Perpetual with a distinctly more luxurious execution.
Datejust 41
A fresh take on a classic
The Datejust 41 receives a striking new interpretation through its green lacquer ombré dial.
Presented in white Rolesor with the model’s characteristic fluted bezel, the watch combines Oystersteel and white gold with a graduated green dial that becomes darker towards the edge.
The effect is achieved by applying green lacquer to the dial before spraying black lacquer in concentric motions to create the gradient. It is the first lacquered ombré dial of its kind since the style returned to Rolex’s catalogue in 2019.
Paired with calibre 3235, the new configuration demonstrates how a familiar Rolex design can take on an entirely different character through colour and finishing alone.
Yacht-Master II
A more intuitive regatta watch
The Yacht-Master II returns in a new generation with a significant rethink of its defining feature: the programmable regatta countdown.
The countdown is now programmed exclusively through the lower pusher, while the countdown minute and seconds hands move counterclockwise to make the remaining time easier to read. The system also incorporates a mechanical memory and allows on-the-fly synchronisation.
These changes are made possible by calibre 4162, which introduces new technical solutions to the movement.
Available in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold, the new Yacht-Master II also features a Cerachrom bezel insert and redesigned dial details for improved legibility.
Rather than simply refreshing the appearance, Rolex has refined the watch around the function it was created to perform.
Iconic designs in new precious metals and ceramics
Two particularly distinctive releases show Rolex experimenting further with materials.
The Day-Date 40 is presented in a new 18 ct Jubilee gold alloy developed and produced in-house. Its subtle combination of yellow, grey and pink tones creates a soft, changing appearance in different light. A light green aventurine dial completes the unusual configuration.
The Cosmograph Daytona takes a more technical approach, combining Oystersteel and platinum in a Rolesium configuration. It features a white enamelled dial and an anthracite Cerachrom bezel made from tungsten-rich ceramic and edged with platinum. Its horizontal tachymetric numerals reference the design of the first Cosmograph Daytona, while a sapphire case back reveals the movement.
Both watches demonstrate Rolex’s ability to introduce new materials and finishes while preserving the identity of established models.
Protecting a Rolex for the years ahead
A luxury watch is made to be worn, and everyday wear inevitably brings contact with desks, clasps, door frames and other surfaces. Over time, even careful owners may see fine scratches appear across polished areas and bracelets.
For those who want to preserve the original finish, preventative protection can be a considered alternative to polishing after damage occurs.
RX-8 luxury watch protection film is designed to help shield vulnerable surfaces from everyday scratches and abrasion while maintaining the appearance of the watch. Precision-cut film follows the contours of individual watches, while its self-healing properties can help reduce the visibility of minor marks.
The principle is simple: protect the original surface before it needs to be restored.
Looking beyond 100 years
The 2026 Rolex collection is ultimately a celebration of both continuity and change.
The centenary of the Oyster provides the historical foundation, while new alloys, dial techniques, ceramic components and movement developments point towards the future. Some watches are understated, others deliberately expressive, yet each remains recognisably Rolex.
For owners, that makes preservation part of the experience. A finely crafted watch deserves to be worn and enjoyed, while thoughtful protection can help keep its original character intact.
A century after the Oyster helped shape Rolex’s identity, the 2026 collection shows that an enduring design does not need to stand still. It simply needs to keep evolving with purpose.