Cover The new Rolex Yacht-Master II in yellow gold
The new Rolex Yacht-Master II in yellow gold
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Turning 100 this year, the Oyster is a perpetual inspiration for Rolex, with new novelties reinterpreting the iconic waterproof case
Introduced in 1926, the Oyster is a watershed in Rolex‘s history, opening a new chapter in innovation and precision for the Crown. Almost all modern Rolex watches have been an Oyster—a Rolex that is not an Oyster somehow feels incomplete.
To celebrate its momentous 100th birthday, Rolex has released a series of Oysters that are either improved versions of their former selves or, as in one case, a vivid reinterpretation.
Read more: Rolex Dynapulse and the power of the escapement
The first key novelty is the Yacht-Master II. Cleaner with a smarter look designed to be easier to read and simpler to use, the new generation helps track the final countdown before a regatta race begins. The key improvement is the countdown, which can be set with just a pusher located at 4 o’clock. The minute and seconds hands now turn counter-clockwise to make time-reading instantly clear. The dial is uncluttered, with bold hour markers for telling the time, while a blue ceramic bezel frames the countdown display.
Available in Oystersteel or 18k yellow gold, it affirms Rolex’s mastery in creating tool watches fit for a champion.
Above Rolex Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel
Rolex Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel
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The Oyster Perpetual 41 pays tribute to the original 1926 Oyster by incorporating yellow Rolesor on the bezel and crown—the colour of the precious metal recalls the make of early Oysters. The slate dial also makes its first appearance in an Oyster Perpetual. In a break from conventions, the usual ‘Swiss Made’ text at 6 o’clock has been replaced by ‘100 Years’. The crown is also engraved with the number ‘100’. Rolex’s trademark green is used for the logo and the tiny squares at every five-minute interval along the track.
Perhaps more significantly, the watch debuts the upgraded Superlative Chronometer certification that now includes testing for additional criteria for an even higher standard of precision. After 100 years, Rolex is not quite done chasing perfection.
Above Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 in Oystersteel and yellow gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 in Oystersteel and yellow gold
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Playful Rolex can be found in the Oyster Perpetual 36, which many have resorted to calling it the Rolex Jubilee owing to its dial decorated with the Jubilee motif where the letters of the brand name form a vibrant yet sophisticated composition.
Read more: 6 notable watch innovations in 2025
Above Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 in Oystersteel with Jubilee dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 in Oystersteel with Jubilee dial
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Behind that cheerful face lies serious skill. Each of the 10 colours is applied one by one using a technique called pad printing. It's a slow, painstaking process requiring extreme precision, but the result is a dial that feels completely alive
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
