Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to the Rolex 2020 New Releases. We cover every detail you need to know about the entire new line up of watches.

While the Rolex website can feel a bit like a labyrinth at times, we stream-lined everything for you here and created the ultimate guide for every new release in 2020. Although we are not Rolex, we are hard-core watch enthusiasts that love to make bomb straps and accessories for watch lovers like ourselves, and of course we are all absolutely crazy about Rolex watches!

Rolex surprised and delighted us all with their robust new set of watches in September of 2020. They presented us with an entire new group of Submariners, brand new multi-colored Oyster Perpetuals, a few under-the-radar but fabulous Datejusts, and the first ever Sky-Dweller on Oysterflex Bracelet. Needless to say, this new release is HUGE and jam-packed!

The New 2020 Submariners

Rolex has released a whole new lineup of Submariners. Usually, Rolex rolls out a new all precious metal version of a watch and then over two to three years they get through the whole collection, but not in 2020. The entire Submariner line has been increased to 41mm (from its original long-standing 40mm), a new wider bracelet has been added and it’s been fitted with a whole new and updated movement (the calibre 3235). A small but great change has been the tapering of the lugs to make them thinner and more classic looking. The hands and hour markers on the subs are 18k white gold, and on the new models you’ll be able to see a tiny Rolex coronet in between the Swiss-Made below the 6:00 marker. On the two-tone models, the crown is yellow gold. All the colors and metal variants have been updated in one production release. Below is a concise breakdown of each of the eight new Submariners for you.

Oyster Perpetual

Wow! This new brightly-colored line of Rolex watches certainly came “out of the blue!” Of all the predictions and speculations, no one saw this coming. The Rolex OP line now comes in an array of 9 different dial colors ranging in size from 28mm all the way to 41mm! Interestingly, we noticed that the 39mm size was missing from the 2020 lineup. Dial color choices on this stainless steel watch are black, silver, coral red, pink, candy pink, bright blue, turquoise blue, green, yellow. The vibrant dial colors are reminiscent of the 1970's Stella Dial Rolex models. While the 31mm size is the only size that offers every single color, you should still be able to find something here to suit your fancy! The OP also got a brand new movement, the calibre 3230.

2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Line Up

Caliber 3230: The new time-only movement in the Oyster Perpetual and Submariner models

Five New Datejust Models

The Datejust is one of Rolex’s most classic and iconic watches. With almost infinite options for customization, a huge range of unique Datejusts exist in a variety of sizes. In 2020 Rolex released five new Datejust variations in the 31mm size, four made from 18k white Rolesor (Oyster Steel and 18k white gold blend) and one made from Oyster Steel. 

Although the Rolex website says “four” new releases, upon deeper inspection there are actually five new Datejust varieties. The first, and showiest of the variations is the purple (Rolex calls it “aubergine”) dialed Datejust 31. This watch is bezel-set with 46 brilliant cut diamonds, a diamond-set roman numeral VI and a purple sunburst finished dial. The remaining variations are more subdued, but can be spruced up with Rolex’s vast customization options. 

The other three in the line up are also made of Rolesor, and include dial colors of “mint green” which visually reads more like an army green, a white, and a dark gray. Hiding over on page 2 of the Datejusts, you can also find a new 31mm pink-dialed version in Oyster Steel. All variations come standard with a fluted bezel and are available on a variety of bracelet choices from oyster, to jubilee, to president. All new Datejust 31 models come with a calibre 2236 movement.

New Sky-Dweller Varieties on Oysterflex (for the first time ever!)

One of the most exciting releases of 2020 has to be the Sky-Dweller on Oysterflex bracelet, especially since this is the first time Rolex has ever paired this watch with a rubber bracelet. The 2020 Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller comes in two precious metal varieties: 18k Yellow Gold and 18k Rose Gold (Everose). The hands and markers are also made of 18k gold respectively. The new Sky-Dwellers feature the classic fluted rotatable bezel and the calibre 9001 movement. 

On the yellow gold variation you can choose between a bright black, gold, or white dial. On the rose gold variation you can choose between a lighter black (called dark rhodium), a chocolate brown, or the white. Both come on an Oysterflex bracelet with the folding Oysterclasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system. 

What’s Been Discontinued in 2020 That’s Worth Mentioning?

Of course with any new models, you are likely to see other models become “discontinued.” This year, with the release of new Submariners at 41mm, all of the previous 40mm subs will be discontinued. This includes the green dial and green bezel “Hulk” which is making everyone a bit sad, especially those who have been on a waiting list for some time! What does this mean for your existing subs? Perhaps that their value will now increase due to the fact that they are out of production. This has for sure been true for the Hulk already in just a day.

Another huge thing to note is that with the introduction of the new 41mm Oyster Perpetual, we noticed a popular size seemed to be missing on the Rolex website--the 39mm size. This size is incredibly popular and was only in production for 2 years, making it one of Rolexes shortest productions ever. If you already have an OP 39mm, we believe you should hold on to it, and if you have the option to buy one, do so. We believe due to its scarcity and short production run, plus the white dial (rather rare for Rolex), it will become a watch that is in very high demand. Might be the perfect time to swap out that OP bracelet for a rubber or leather watch strap, in order to keep the bracelet in good condition.

What Now?

Now that the new releases are out, we can all form our varying opinions about them. While these Rolex new releases created intense excitement in some, they also left others feeling underwhelmed. However you feel, there is no denying that Rolex watches and (especially new releases) always create a stir in the watch world. Rolex certainly does set the standard in the watch industry

Will Everest be making new straps for the new 2020 Submariners and Oyster Perpetuals? You better believe it! In the meantime enjoy our other custom Swiss-Made straps and accessories curated especially for watch enthusiasts! 

What is your favorite or least favorite of the 2020 Rolex Lineup? What were you hoping to see, but didn't? Tell us ALL of your thoughts in the comments!

*All images courtesy of Rolex. Everest is not affiliated with Rolex. We are however the industry leader in custom aftermarket Swiss-Made straps and accessories for Rolex owners.