Goodbye To "John Mayer" And The Meteorite Dial: All 2023 Rolex Watches Discontinued

 

UPDATED APRIL 2024 

Ah, dear Timelords. Nothing breaks a horophile’s heart more than when saying goodbye to a beloved timepiece. This is precisely the case with brands like Rolex who decide to give the chop to models we have known and loved since their inception.

And the brand hasn't been very sparing this year either. Now is time for the big reveal as a few key collections have now been discontinued like The Milgauss and Cellini (big sigh). Yet, they have also been a tad gentler with other collections by offering replacements instead of sending them to the abyss of horological history.

Without giving too much away, join Chrono Hunter as we let you in on what's been discontinued in 2023 or simply been updated. 

 

Rolex Daytona

As you probably know by now, a few Daytonas have been axed this year To be honest, all pre-2023 models of the Daytona have been given the sack. Luckily for us, these have been promptly replaced with new 2023 editions as noted from the bonkers Watches and Wonders 2023 event in Geneva giving us plenty of opportunities to buy a Rolex. 

Unfortunately, the ‘John Mayer’ with its yellow gold lustre and Meteorite dial Daytonas have been less successful. Say Adieu as these have not been replaced and are discontinued. Therefore, we think it's only fair to give these two their fair share of space in this article.

 

The ‘John Mayer’ Cosmograph Daytona - Ref 116508

History 

When John Mayer appeared on Hodinkee’s ‘Talking Watches’ show, he waxed lyrical on the Daytona 116508. Suffice to say, this little stroke of conversation would result in this Daytona booming in value for those looking to buy a Rolex and promptly earning the nickname, ‘John Mayer’. 

116508 - Source - Petite Geneve Petrovic

 

The model does stem back well before John Mayer’s time. This green dialled number saw its release in 2016 at Baselworld. For those who know their timepieces will also remember that the stainless steel Cerachrom bezel Daytona was released during this time and was widely acclaimed. As a result, gold sport models due to celebrity influences started trending and led to the value of these models shooting up as high as Donald Trump’s legal bills.

While John Mayer’s interview and subsequent photos wearing his timepiece did have some effect on the popularity, the hype started prior to him being associated with it. John Mayer simply propelled it to a cult status among aficionados and enthusiasts.  

Design

This Daytona doesn't really deviate too far from its predecessors in terms of visuals. It utilises three subdials for measuring speed while on the racing track, the 18K gold hour markers are dosed with Chromalight to ensure maximum legibility.

116508 - Source - The WatchClub

 

The green face is pretty unique amongst its models and it offers very nice aesthetics which can be influenced by the sun due to the dial appearing darker or lighter, showing a pleasant sunburst finish. With its ability to adopt either a British Racing Green colour or something a tad lighter, the timepiece differs from its other green brethren like the Kermit or the Hulk. Ultimately, the model is loud and proud, the 18K gold case, bracelet and green face combining together which results in a very regal effect which represents pure luxury refinery at its best. 

 

Technical Features

Anyone who knows anything about the brand knows that the Calibre 4130 automatic movement is both exclusive and phenomenal. 

116508 - Source - Bonhams

 

In fact, The Daytona is the only model in the world that features this particular movement and offers a highly functional +2/-2 second deviation per day which smashes the COSC certification out of the park. The movement competently holds a strong power reserve of 72 hours and beats at a strong 4Hz showing that the model is more than capable at powering your day to day lives in and out of the office - oh and making a style statement at the same time.

Final Thoughts

The ‘John Mayer’ represented the epitome of luxury for timepieces, blending the regality of the green and gold with the cult status of a model owned by a famous musician. It's a shame it's been officially discontinued.

 

Rolex Daytona - Meteorite Dial 

History 

Unveiled during the turbulence of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, the meteorite dials gave fans some much needed distraction when they were released at the Watches and Wonders Geneva fair in 2021.

Meteorite Daytona - Source - Watchtime

 

Three editions were released, all crafted from meteorite. They have used meteorite in the past however, for example appearing in the Day-Date collections, progressing seamlessly on to the Pearlmaster and GMT-Master II collections.

They have since been used fairly regularly, such as on the GMT Master II 126719 NLRO ‘Pepsi’, released in 2019 and of course, The Daytona in white gold, yellow gold or Everose Gold. 

Design

The last three editions were unveiled in 2021 and were crafted using a white gold case with black Cerachrom bezel, Oysterflex bracelet with a yellow gold case, matching bezel and bracelet plus an Everose gold case, matching bezel and bracelet. 

Meteorite Daytona - Source - BQ Watches

 

The meteorite dial on a Daytona represented the first time it was used on a ceramic bezel Daytona, resulting in a wonderful combination of materials on the white gold edition. In fact, the black Cerachrom bezel offered a perfect frame for the dial to shine through.

The meteorite dial is exceptionally unique in its design. This is primarily due to the meteorite gleaning a Widmanstätten during its course to planet earth. The pattern cannot be tampered with due to the rarity of the materials and risk of damaging it so the dial's face is ultimately unique for each model. 

One to pull off on a coffee date or shooting darts with your friends. It’s multipurpose! 

Technical

Powered by the famed calibre 4130, this watch has been under The Daytona’s jurisdiction since 2000. The movement is given a Parachrom hairspring to ensure its stability and the timepiece is comfortable offering an impressive 72 hours of power reserve.

Meteorite Daytona - Source - Time and Watches

 

Deemed to be a Superlative Chronometer, the model destroys the COSC guidelines by quite a margin. 

Final Thoughts

While it's a shame that the Meteorite dial has been removed from the official Daytona collection, it is still very much present in other line-ups such as the Day-Date 40 and GMT-Master II. We were a huge fan of the dial which did look awesome against the sporty sub dials especially if you wanted to buy a Rolex with added panache…But all good things must come to an end.

 

Rolex Milgauss

The Milgauss was a beast by trade. It offered a solution to scientists and represented just what they could achieve outside of their usual sporty and casual pieces. 

History

Released in 1956, the Milgauss was designed as a solution to the evolution of science. As we have seen today, science has been evolving with technology we use such as computers, smartphone devices and other electronics.

Milgauss - Source - Subdial

 

This of course is disastrous for models due to electromagnetic fields rendering the timepieces inaccurate. They worked to create a piece that essentially had an electromagnetic shield around it, in the form of a faraday cage.

The model received a few more updates later on like the reference 1019 which was released in the 1960s and the 116400 in 2007 which brought back the lightning bolt hand that they removed from the 1019 and utilised other technologies like the Parachrom-blue hairspring which showed resistance to magnetic fields. 

Design

The timepiece is built to be fairly unique in its design as it represents a side of the brand which isn't really focused on.

Milgauss - Source - The Watch Muse

 

It came in two editions including the Z-Blue with a blue/green crystal which is unheard of on any other model. The lightning bolt seconds hand is still bright orange as well as the minute track and the dial is a shiny dark blue which gives a different glean due to the crystal when the light hits it.

The Black Dial/Green crystal edition features a polished bezel with chunky indices and hands which make the orange lightning bolt hand look even thinner and dainty. The orange accents are more prominent on this version due to the strong contrast with the black dial. 

Technical Features

Both editions are powered by the calibre 3131 which is capable of hitting 100 metres of water resistance and is COSC certified.

Milgauss - Source - The Watch Club

 

Boasting a 2 day power reserve, it had the well known statistic of being anti-magnetic up to 1000 gauss. The utilisation of the Parachrom Hairspring helps to endure the magnetic fields, as well as the Faraday cage. 

Final Thoughts

The Milgauss has been threatening its extinction for quite some time now due to the lack of releases and direction for the model. With most other timepieces now surpassing the 1000 gauss statistic, the Migauss can gracefully head off into the sunset…with a Singapore Sling in hand.

Who knows, it may come back to greet us but for the time being is also discontinued.

 

Rolex Sky-Dweller

History

First released in 2012, the Sky-Dweller represented the ideal model for travelling and was crafted at 42mm. This was more associated with the sizing of the brands sports pieces instead of their fashion oriented watches.

Sky-Dweller - Source - WatchPro

 

The Sky-Dweller only came out in precious metals like Yellow gold and Everose Gold showing that it was a model aimed at businessmen and the luxurious. It would be updated a few times such as in 2014 when the collection gained three more models at Baselworld, in 2017 by way of Rolesium and in 2021 when the model gleaned a jubilee bracelet, only associated with the very classy models. 

Design

The three editions were ref. 326938 in a yellow gold case with matching bracelet, ref. 326934 in stainless steel and white gold case with matching bracelet and ref. 326135 in an Everose Gold case with leather bracelet.

Sky-Dweller - Luxury Watches USA

 

By utilising precious metals on these watches, the pieces were lauded as luxurious. This was a tough feat to accomplish on a model which was deemed to be a sports piece due to its large size. 

Technical Features

They all utilised the command ring bezel which allows the user to set the functions on the watches like the month, date, reference time and local time via the winding the crown. All the bezels were made from 18K of the respective precious metal.

Sky-Dweller - Source - Becker Time

 

These watches all came with annual calendars too which are very complex and associated with models designed specifically for complications. This function is found at 3 o'clock under a cyclops lens but also shows the month which appears above each indices. For example, January is one o'clock and March would be three o'clock.

Final Thoughts

In total, 6 Sky-Dweller models which are being dropped from the squad are a loss only in regards to the colour scheme of the models. Luckily for us, more Sky Dweller models have been released during Watches and Wonders 2023 so we won't be starved when we want to buy a Rolex Sky-Dweller!

 

Rolex Cellini Moonphase 50535

History

The Cellini Moonphase was inspired by the Italian renaissance figure ‘Benvenuto Cellini’ who was a sculptor and artist. 

​​

Cellini - Source - Watch Collecting

 

The Cellini was released in 1968 to offer a new dynamic to the non-Oyster pieces and saw its return in 2014. The model was a huge shift from the tool design watches that they were known for. From editions like the King Midas which, designed by Gerald Genta to the Cellini Danaos, the design was eternally slight and focused, negating the need for large sizings or bulbous crowns. This is a concept that was still around until 2023, especially with the Cellini Moonphase 50535. 

Design

Crafted at 39mm from Everose pink gold, the timepiece contains both a date and a moonphase complication. The moonphase complication had been disregarded since the 1950s so its return represented the Cellini returning to its timekeeping roots. 

​​Cellini - Source - SwissWatchExpo

 

The dial is a cream white, lacquered and features the enamelled moon phase display which contrasts well with the white dial. The hands and indices are everose gold which matches the case and makes the entire model seamless in its design. 

Technical Features

Housing the calibre 3195, the model is deemed a Superlative Chronometer and is capable of operating between -2/+2 seconds per day. 

T

Cellini - Source - Watchpro

 

Beating at a steady 4Hz and with an offering of 2 days power reserve, the calibre is as strong as an ox, especially since it uses a Parachrom spring to resist magnetism. 

Final Thoughts

The piece was the last man standing of the Cellini collection showing its longevity but also its inevitable fall to discontinuation. The new release of the Perpetual 1908 still follows the traditional design of the Cellini, emblazoned with gold touches on the dial and its pursuit of refinement. No need to fret, Timelords. The sophistication element of the brand isn't lost yet despite it being discontinued!

 

2024 Rolex Discontinuation Predictions

 

A fresh new year is upon us and with that, the option for Rolex to discontinue some of their models. Now, Rolex keeps their information tight to their chest. Therefore, we can only offer our predictions that we have heard on the horological street. 

Without further ado, let's get into the 2024 Rolex Discontinuation Predictions. 

 

GMT-Master II Pepsi 126710BLRO

History

Quench your thirst, anyone? 

Why have a Sprite when you can satisfy your horological tastebuds with a Pepsi? The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO has earned its Pepsi nickname due to the legendary red and blue bezel that is highly reminiscent of the branding behind the soft drink brand. 

Source - Rolex

 

Originally launched in 1955, the GMT-Master 6542 exploded out of the gate with a blue/red bakelite bezel. Eventually replaced in 1959 with ref. 1675 that had an aluminium bezel, the next big innovation was in 2014 when the GMT-Master II 116719BLRO became the first white gold GMT that boasted a Pepsi bezel out of the patented Cerachrom material. 

So, the Pepsi not only has an iconic resemblance, but it's perhaps the most enduring bezel type from Rolex’s lineup. 

We definitely think of this as horological royalty of the highest calibre!

 

Design

At 40mm, The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi is manufactured from Rolex’s patented Oyster Steel material. 

Fitted with a monobloc case style as per the vintage inspired Omega Ploprof, the watches are fitted with a screw-down winding crown, scratch resistant crystal and a capability of reaching 100 metres of water resistance.

Fitted with a Cerachrom bezel that utilises a 24 hour graduated bezel available in red and blue ceramic inserts, the bezel is capable of showing both AM and PM via the added red GMT hand. 

Secured with either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet, it gives the wearer the option of either looking very luxurious with a Jubilee, or rather sporty while flexing an Oyster strap. Given a black dial, the dot and baton hour markers are promoted through the Chromalight display that shines a neon blue. 

Not quite the “Smurf” but you may be feeling ‘Bluesy” shortly with our untimely reveal for the Pepsi. No, it’s not been discontinued yet, but there have been Chinese whispers abound that it may fall by the wayside in 2024.. 

More on that in a second.

 

Technical Features

Not quite entry-level, these terrific timepieces are powered by the 3285 calibre. Offering a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day and a weekend proof power reserve of 70 hours, these watches are fitted with a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. 

 

Final Thoughts

It’s estimated that in producing the red and blue bezel on arguably the most famous of all GMT-Masters, around 8 out of 10 of them are destroyed during the production process. Tough blow. 

So, we don’t blame Rolex for trying to cut out the problematic child! In 2023, The GMT-Master II Pepsi was a force to be reckoned with, yielding prices of around £22,000 on the secondary market. However, in 2024, the watches are priced around £15,000 on the secondary market at the time of writing. 

Now wait for it..There have been timekeeping theories abound that the manufacture of the red and blue bezels are so tough that Rolex have considered axing the reference line altogether. Like who is going to take over from Joe Biden, this one is set to rumble on.

2024 could be a sad time for nickname lovers…

 

Rolex Yacht-Master II

History

Perhaps the most polarising Rolex line to date, The Yacht-Master II is both loved for its unorthodox style and despised for its complicated dial face. What are your thoughts?

Source - Rolex

 

The luxurious Yacht-Master II was originally released in 2007 and eventually was made available to the general public in 2010. Coming in reference 116688 and reference 116689, crafted out of white and yellow gold respectively, the watches later evolved in Baselworld 2013 to become more accessible in Oyster steel. 

Later evolving into ref. 116680 in 2013 housing a 4161 movement specifically made for the Yacht-Master II, this incorporated a programmable timer that counted down ten minutes and required 35,000 hours to make. 

Design

Sized at 44mm, the Rolex Yacht-Master II line is available in three lines, namely Oyster Steel, yellow gold and a combination of Oyster Steel and Everose gold. 

Fitted with a screw down crown and solid caseback, the watches offer 100 metres of water resistance. Fitted with a bidirectional rotatable Ring Command Bezel, they are all crafted out of blue ceramic and fitted with moulded numerals. 

The bezel works in conjunction with the regatta chronograph, allowing it to set and synchronise race start times. The white dials feature a triangle residing at 12 o’clock and a rectangle at 6 o’clock, providing maximum legibility. 

They are fitted onto Oyster bracelets which promotes the sporty and ergonomic wearing of the timepieces. 

 

Technical Features

Powered by the 4161 movement, these specific watches offer a +2/-2 seconds accuracy per day with a power reserve of 72 hours and rounded off with a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. 

 

Final Thoughts

Splitting opinion, The Yacht-Master II is perhaps one of the most interesting watches to date from Rolex. This is largely in part down to their innovative countdown functionality and range of yellow gold, dual material and steel versions. 

However, they may not be sticking around for much longer. (Gasps) With sales falling and popularity on the wane, the watches could be up for the discontinued chopping block. Will we see any fresh faced collections looking to take over at Watches and Wonders 2024? 

 

Rolex Datejust Motif Dial Variations

History 

Perhaps the most interesting dial style to be released from Rolex are the special motif variants. However, they are not always everyone's weapon of choice. Kind of like Marmite!

Source - Rolex

 

Introduced in 2021, The Rolex Datejust 36mm features the Palm dial which revolutionised the standard matte, sunray or diamond finished aesthetics from Rolex. The palm aesthetic became available in both yellow gold and steel dial backgrounds. 

That same year, a range of fluted motif dials was released on the Rolex Datejust 36mm and 41mm models. Originally starting with yellow Rolesor on a golden dial, white Rolesor edition with a blue dial and Everose Rolesor with a silver dial, this expanded in 2022 to green and slate grey dial variants on the Datejust 41mm line. 

 

Design 

Specifically, the motif dial variants on the 36mm and 41mm steel and Rolesor editions are the ones for us the ones that may be discontinued. (Disclaimer, predictions are mere figments of our mind, nothing more, nothing less!)

Measuring either 36mm or 41mm, the watches are available in a range of materials including yellow gold, two tone, steel, rose and white gold. Fitted on Oyster or Jubilee bracelets, the more lusted after variations tend to be the Jubilee thanks to its exclusivity and history associated with the bracelet. 

After all, the Datejust was released in 1945 to celebrate 40 years of the Rolex brand. Given the option of having a smooth or fluted bezel, the eyes are drawn straight away into the devilish dials. Examples include the palm green variation of the Datejust ref. 126200 and the navy blue lined motif style of ref. 126334.

Available in a range of coloured variants, it’s looking like these are the ones that may be discontinued in the near future. 

Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball…so watch this space. 

 

Technical Features

Both 41mm and 36mm versions are powered by the Calibre 3235 with a first rate precision of +/- 2 seconds per day, 70 hour power reserve and Superlative Chronometer certification, ensuring maximum quality. 

 

Final Thoughts

The motif dials within the Rolex Datejust collection are well known, especially since Rolex are not really known as the avant-garde type of creator. Love them or hate them, their loss at retail will likely exude appreciated values on the secondary market. 

Horophiles globally may suddenly find these visually stunning watches quite appealing once they boom in value!

 

Oyster Perpetual 31mm, 36mm, 41mm Colourful Dials

History

Harking back to 2020 (Yes, the COVID days, don’t get flashbacks!), Rolex took the bold decision to release a range of lacquered dials, all of which feature incredible colours. 

Source - Rolex

 

These include shades like, candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green. This range of Stella dials are inspired by the vintage 1970s Day-Date models that originally utilised the colours. 

However, in 2022, shades like coral and yellow were subsequently discontinued across all sizes, while the turquoise remains (for now) with 31mm and 36mm case diameters. 

 

Design

Sized at 31mm, 36mm and 41mm, The Oyster Perpetual is the baseplate of all Rolex models. Given polished bezels with a brushed aesthetic across the tops of the lugs, the watches are fitted with a screw down crown, sapphire crystal and 100 metres of water resistance, making it highly versatile and a superb everyday watch. 

Utilising the Oyster bracelet for optimal sporty wearability, the bracelet was first introduced during the 1930s and utilises a robust Oysterclasp for maximum security. Crafted out of Oyster Steel, Rolex’s very own patented material, they use 904L steel for optimal strength and prime durability against corrosion. 

Available across a range of shades including candy pink, coral red and rich green hues, they have baton hour markers and hands coated in lume. These sublime summer shades may not be around for much longer so stay up to date on the very latest via our Chronicles page!

 

Technical Features

Powered by the 3230 calibre for the 36mm and 41mm watches. The 31mm novelties are operated by the 2232 calibre. Offering +2/-2 seconds per day, the 31mm has a 55 hour power reserve while the 36mm and 41mm has a 70 hour power reserve.

Rounded off with Superlative Chronometer Certification, this is a true testament of their high quality precision across the board. 

 

Final Thoughts

Like Jerry Springer, we are going to sum this up quickly here. 

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm, 36 and 41mm may be the latest discontinued line across references like ref. 124300 with a deep green dial and ref. 126000 that has a  sumptuous turquoise blue dial.

With other models like the coral red, yellow and turquoise (only on those watches measuring 41mm) being discontinued back in 2022, it may be the case that Rolex is finally well and truly discontinuing the Stella dial range. 

Watches and Wonders 2024 - Discontinued Models

Watches and Wonders 2024 has been an incredible event for every type of horophile, enthusiast and connoisseur. Rolex have been front runners in the event, releasing:

• Fresh diamond infused players on the Daytona
• New dials for the Day-Date line
• Precious metal construction for The Rolex Deepsea
• Sumptuous, platinum build for the year-old 1908 collection

We implore you to look above in the article. We may have been pretty spot on with a few of our discontinuations for Watches and Wonders 2024!

With the Rolex lineup looking so tantalising, it’s only fair that they cut out some of the excess from their ranks. So, for Watches and Wonders 2024, let’s see what Rolex has decided to say Sayonara to for good. 

 

Rolex Datejust 36mm 126200 and 126233

History 

The Rolex Datejust motif dials were initially introduced in 2021 as an alternative to the rather plain matte and sunray finishes, commonly adopted in the industry. For example, the palm dial finish was adopted onto yellow gold and steel watches

Source - Rolex forums

 

However, the fluted finish was available too for those who didn’t want to brave out the palm motif leaves, but still wanted something more than just a classic flat dial style. These were released the same year and were present on the Datejust 36mm and 41mm editions.

These particular variants became almost universal across golden, blue and silver dials in different case materials. 

 

Design

When we say palm and fluted, what do we actually mean? Well, these refer to the 36mm and 41mm dial styles that are present across a number of materials such as two-tone, steel, yellow, rose and white gold. 

As they are Rolex Datejust models, the watches have the option of coming on a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. Jubilee is the best choice for fashionistas, while the Oyster is the rugged, elder brother who can guarantee durability and still retain a great lustre. 

Aside from the dial patterns, the other main features are the famed Cyclops eye over the date function at 3 o’clock which sits neatly between the baton hour markers. For the lush, green palm styling, the 126200 is your best bet. For a fabulous fluted dial, the yellow gold fluted dial 126233 is the top choice. 

 

Technical Features

Powering the precious metal stunners into eternal horological history is the Calibre 3235. The movement guarantees Superlative Chronometer precision, a +/- 2 seconds per day accuracy and a total 70 hour power reserve. 

 

Final Thoughts

Officially discontinued as of April 2024, It’s a shame that the 126200 and 126233 have had to give their final bow. The palm leaf motifs offered a glimpse into the start of a playful side within Rolex. Have you seen their grail like Day-Date Jigsaw and Bubble dial Oyster Perpetual?

While the fluted aesthetic was certainly more regal in its design than the palm finish, its luxurious aesthetic gave a fresh breath of life into the Datejust. We have to bid farewell and say goodbye to these discontinued Rolex timepieces from Watches and Wonders 2024.  

 

Rolex Daytona Le Mans 126529LN

History

Yes, we know. But now is not the time to shed a tear.

The Rolex Daytona Le Mans 126529LN was released just last year in June 2023 to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the storied Le Mans race. Heck if Mark Wahlberg has one, you know this has epic like status already.

However, unlike Richard Mille’s celebratory piece for Le Mans, Rolex has a legacy with the Le Mans that surpasses all manner of historical boundaries. 

Source - Rolex forums

 

Rolex has always been interwoven with speed and racing. With an energetic spirit running as far back as the 1930s, the Oyster Perpetual was originally worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell as he broke the speed record by being the first to pass 300 MpH. 

Furthermore, the Daytona and its association with Paul Newman during the 60s would tie the racing world and Le Mans, closer than Marvel and Spider-Man. That tight.

After all, Mr Newman was a racer who competed in the epic 24 hour of Le Mans, undoubtedly with this stunner by his side!

 

Design

As far as design codes for the Daytona are concerned, the watch is like your pet pooch, remaining very loyal to its predecessors. 

Sized at 40mm of white gold, this may be a celebratory piece, but the watches are a fairly slender 12.2mm tall. The main focus is the pitch black bezel with a platinum tachymetric scale. If you look closely, you’ll notice the “100” figure on the scale is crafted out of red ceramic in tribute to the storied Le Mans anniversary. 

The dial is equally black and features a reverse chronograph panda dial face. The white gold hour markers and hands are applied with lume and have that vintage Paul Newman vibe going on due to the signpost hour markers present on the subdials. 

 

Technical Features

For a racing watch, the calibre best be red hot like the action on the Le Mans tarmac! Fitted with a calibre 4132 movement, the watches power chronograph capabilities, provide a 72 hour power reserve and beats away at 28,800 VpH. 

 

Final Thoughts

The Daytona Le Mans 12529LN is far from being a sleeper hit upon its release in June 2023. It soon ratched up phenomenal prices on the secondary market and became one of the go-to watches for stars like Mark Wahlberg and John Mayer. 

Sadly, this has fallen by the wayside this year at Watches and Wonders 2024 and is now a discontinued Rolex that will never see the light of day again.

 

Rolex Yacht-Master II

History

The Rolex Yacht-Master II evolved from the classic Yacht-Master line which was unveiled in 2007 and took another three years to be released to the public back in 2010. 

Source - Rolex forums

 

The Yacht-Master II was an evolution of the original Yacht-Master and was subsequently introduced in 2010. The first releases came via references 116688 and 116689. They were only available in precious metals like white and yellow gold. 

They then became more accessible to the public through a later evolution at Baselworld 2013. The watches were introduced in Oyster steel which were more affordable and accessible than their precious metal counterparts. 

 

Design

As an overview, the Yacht-Master collection is split into three separate materials. These are; Oyster steel, yellow gold and two tone oyster steel and Everose gold. 

Across the board, the watches have a case diameter of 44mm and are built to be durable. They have a screw down crown and solid caseback which is capable of diving 100 metres and work in conjunction with the phenomenal Ring Command bezel. 

Rotatable and bi-directional, they are crafted out of blue ceramic and fitted with various moulded numerals which range in colour depending on the choice of precious metal. The bezel is an extremely important part of the watches as they allow you to set the Regatta chronograph.

This is extremely useful for syncing race times. 

All the dials are white across the board and feature small squares around the periphery to relate to the months. Secured onto an Oyster bracelet, the watches are inherently built for the stormy seas and therefore are built for durability. 

 

Technical Features

Within the timepieces, the 4161 movement offers a -2/+2 second accuracy per day. Furthermore, the models are Superlative Chronometer certified and ensure a solid 72 hour power reserve, with added bonuses like a blue Parachrom hairspring. 

 

Final Thoughts

As we predicted, Watches and Wonders 2024 has seen the discontinuation of the Yacht-Master II line. While it's one of the brand's more complex lines, it’s a shame we have to see it go. 

 

In A Nutshell

Just before we sign off, here are all the discontinued Rolex watches in 2023;

• Meteorite Dials: Ref. 116505, 116508 (John Mayer), 116509, 116515LN, 116518LN and 116519LN
• Milgauss: 116400GV
• Cellini Moonphase: Ref. 50535
• Sky-Dweller: 326933, 326934, 326938, 326238, 326932, 326235

And here are the predicted discontinued Rolex watches 2024. But don’t take our word for it…only time is the winner here;

• GMT-Master II Pepsi - 126710BLRO
• Rolex Yacht-Master II - 116680, 116688, 116681
• Datejust Motif Dial Variants - All motif dial references 
• Oyster Perpetual 31mm, 36, 41mm - 124300, 126000, 277200 

 

UPDATED APRIL 11TH 2024

These predictions were right for Watches and Wonders 2024… sort of:

• Rolex Datejust 36mm - 126200, 126233
• Rolex Daytona Le Mans - 126529LN
• Rolex Yacht Master - All

 

Conclusion

Like one of those school biology experiments, Rolex are certainly dissecting their portfolio with these most recent discontinuations! 

We can't blame them either. Models like the Cellini and the Milgauss are best suited to be circulated throughout the secondary market due to them not being regularly expanded upon or innovated. 

Key models like the Daytona and the Sky-Dweller have received updates for a good reason. They are massive influences in their portfolio and even bigger pulls for collectors and enthusiasts. 

For us, the Milgauss has lost its relevance since other watches started overtaking it in the anti-magnetism competition. It may all be a ploy from the brand as they may re-release it later on down the line and maybe at another illustrious event in Geneva! 

For 2024, our predictions were on the whole… pretty accurate! We saw the Yacht-Master get slashed down alongside the palm and fluted variations of the Datejust. However, the discontinuation of the Daytona Le Mans is a bad thing for those looking for such a rare modell.

But, if you are in possession of one, Watches and Wonders 2024 may have been a lucky week for you as it’s value may jump. 

Well for now, we’ll say thank you for reading this article and we’ll catch you on the next one!

 

Are you looking to buy a Rolex quickly? Want to see what the hype of the new 60th anniversary Daytona is all about? Chrono Hunter may just be the source for all your discontinued dreams. You can buy a watch or sell a watch with us and have confidence in using the safest and most secure platform. 

We only partner with the most trusted luxury retailers therefore Chrono Hunter is more than capable of getting your wrist wear updated in 2024 and for many years to come.  Feel free to contact us to see what we are all about or read our outstanding Trustpilot reviews to see why we are so revered by our customers. 

 

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Further Reading: 

Should You Still Buy a Rolex Submariner in 2023?

 

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