Welcome to our take on the top 5 new Rolex releases of 2021. We discuss every detail you can imagine on the newly released line up of new watches from Rolex.

Join two Rolex watch enthusiasts Anthony and Vinnie (both own Rolex Explorers) and half a watchmaker Alex (not for Rolex) as we go watch by watch, Rolex by Rolex to discuss what we like and what we don’t like from the recent Rolex drop. Make sure to listen to our accompanying podcast to join our conversation.

Rolex Explorer Upgrade

The biggest shock from the new Rolex releases for 2021 is certainly the Rolex Explorer. It was the Rolex release that got us all talking and it was the first one we wanted to discuss on the podcast. While some find the Rolex Explorer the most traditional of the steel sports family that might all be changing with the Explorer being released in 2 tone? The reference 124273 heralds the return to traditional sizing coming in at 36mm but also with a hefty price tag of $11650 USD. A bit of a shock since a bicolour Rolex Explorer is something that nobody has ever asked for at any point in history. Lucky for the more conservative Rolex lovers the 36mm Explorer also makes a return in stainless steel,

Rolex Explorer 2 With No Ceramic

We were all expecting to finally see a ceramic Rolex Explorer 2 released in 2021 but it just wasn’t to be this time. We do still get a new Rolex Explorer though with the reference 226570 in both Polar and Black dial. Updating them from the 3187 movement to the latest 3285 Rolex manufacture movement giving it a boost from 48 hours of power reserve to a far healthier 70 hours. Otherwise the size appears to remain the same at 42mm.

Daytona…

Three new Daytonas that we can never afford or be able to buy at retail price. In three different colours of gold and with the now incredibly pedestrian meteorite dial on all of them. There must be meteorites just dropping from the sky all over the place.

Datejust

Welcome to the Datejust jungle with this olive green palm dial following on from the colourful oyster perpetual hits of 2020. The reference 126200 will be sure to be another popular choice for those looking for something a little bit different from the Rolex 2021 releases. This is another release to use the 3235 movement that will offer the user 70 hours of power reserve. This is the top pick for both Alex and Anthony.

Discontinued Models…

Well the 39mm Explorer is gone so look out for their prices sky rocketing any minute now.

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Fifth Wrist and Fifth Wrist Radio are both community run projects. Designed to serve the watch enthusiast community. We reject all forms of outside watch brand intervention and take no money, watches or goods from watch companies. Our podcasts are focussed on watchmaking, horology and the wonderful people who keep these skills alive. The future direction of the website and podcasts are driven by the people who take part in this project.

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The Fifth Wrist Podcast Crew record this watchmaking podcast audio using Blue Yeti microphones.

We hope you enjoy listening to this podcast episode and have as much as we had making it! Thanks to everyone in the Fifth Wrist community who give their time to make this project possible. The hosts, co-host, writers and editors, plus everyone who takes the time to share and promote this project daily.

Stay On Time & cheers from Anthony @defining_time and Alex @thewatchregulator