Our favourite Rolex watches of 2024 are five refreshed model families: the GMT-Master II, Day-Date, Rolex Deepsea, Cosmograph Daytona and Sky-Dweller. This is Watchranker’s editorial shortlist, not a ranking published by Rolex. The grey-and-black GMT-Master II makes the clearest functional case, while the other updates stand out for their materials, dial treatments or technical focus.
What new Rolex watches came out in 2024?
In its 9 April 2024 announcement, Rolex said it was giving some of its iconic models “a fresh new look” through contrasts in materials, colours and textures. The five families below are the ones featured in that announcement; the points of appeal describe the updates Rolex highlighted, not a claim that one watch is objectively best.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fossil Men's Watch, Neutra Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch for Men, Color: Silver | $191.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Michael Kors MK4741 - Petite Lexington Three Hand Watch Gold One Size | $245.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Our favourite Rolex watches of 2024
GMT-Master II: the travel-minded choice
The most distinct functional update in the announcement is the GMT-Master II in Oystersteel with a grey-and-black, two-colour Cerachrom bezel insert. Rolex announced two versions: one with an Oyster bracelet and one with a Jubilee bracelet. The bracelet choice changes the look; both share the travel-oriented time display.
Rolex says calibre 3285 displays the date and an additional time zone in 24-hour format, alongside hours, minutes and seconds. That makes this the natural pick for someone who wants to track another time zone. Rolex’s description of the model is available on its GMT-Master II page.
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- BOLD STYLE: This Neutra Fossil watch for men features a blue sunray dial and a chronograph movement; inspired by mid-century architecture, Neutra offers refined, yet versatile profile that's made to be dressed up or down
- CASE & MOVEMENT: 44mm case, 22mm band width, hardened mineral crystal lens resists scratches, accurate Quartz movement with chronograph analog watch display, date window, 3 subdials to track minutes, seconds, & 24-hour time, stopwatch, imported
- Dial: One of many among Fossil watches for men, this quartz watch features a round silver stainless steel case, with a blue sunray dial and silver accents
- WRIST WATCH BAND: Silver, durable stainless steel bracelet band with a secure fold-over clasp closure; links can be removed for a customized fit; interchangeable with all Fossil 22mm straps.
- WATER RESISTANT MEN'S WATCHES: Up to 50m (165ft); wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
Day-Date: a focus on combinations and detail
The 2024 Day-Date update is about variation rather than one defining complication: Rolex presented versions combining different colours, materials, motifs and hour markers. It may appeal if dial design and the interplay of case materials matter more to you than a newly highlighted travel function. The announcement does not establish a single preferred configuration, so the choice is a matter of personal taste.
Rolex Deepsea: the technical-watch option
Rolex included a new Deepsea version in its 2024 line-up and framed the model as a technical watch. That makes it a candidate for readers drawn to purpose-led design, but the announcement covered here does not establish comparative specifications such as depth rating, case dimensions, reference number or price. Those details should be checked against the exact version rather than assumed from the family name.
Cosmograph Daytona: precious materials and contrasting dials
Rolex described two precious, exclusive reinterpretations of the Cosmograph Daytona featuring contrasting natural mother-of-pearl dials, eight diamonds and three Chromalight hour markers. The appeal is in the dial and material treatment. The release does not say these versions are more desirable or better-performing than other Daytonas, and this shortlist makes no such claim.
Sky-Dweller: a technical watch for travellers
Rolex positioned the Sky-Dweller as a technical watch for travellers and announced new versions in 2024. Its place on this list is for readers considering a travel-oriented, technically focused model beyond the GMT-Master II. The available announcement does not provide enough detail to make a precise feature-by-feature comparison between the new Sky-Dweller versions and the GMT.
Rank #2
- EVERYDAY GLAMOUR: The Lexington analog watch epitomizes everyday glamour with its gold finish and sparkling pavé accents. Made entirely of stainless steel, this mini timepiece boasts a round face with a beveled topring & a matching bracelet strap
- PRECISE TIMEKEEPING: This Michael Kors Watch features a 26mm case, 14mm band width, scratch resistant mineral crystal, accurate quartz movement with 3-hand analog display, imported
- ELEGANT DESIGN: This women's watch features a round gold stainless steel case, with a gold dial
- COMFORTABLE FIT: Petite gold women’s watch with durable stainless steel bracelet; links can be removed for a customized fit
- SWIM-READY DURABILITY: This bracelet watch for women is water resistant up to 50m (165ft), wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
Which Rolex should you choose?
Start with the function or design detail you actually want, then compare the exact version that suits your wrist and preferences. The 2024 announcement supports a useful first-pass distinction, but not a complete buying comparison:
- For a second time zone: consider the grey-and-black GMT-Master II; its 24-hour display and date are specified by Rolex.
- For a dial-led or material-led choice: look at the Day-Date combinations or the Daytona reinterpretations with mother-of-pearl and diamonds.
- For technical-watch appeal: compare the Deepsea and Sky-Dweller, while confirming the exact specifications of the version you are considering.
Before deciding, compare case size and wrist fit, case and bracelet material, dial legibility, and the complication you will use. The updates described here vary in emphasis, and the 2024 announcement does not provide a single set of comparable specifications for all five families. Avoid treating this editorial shortlist as a price or value ranking.
Where to buy a new genuine Rolex
Rolex says new and genuine Rolex watches are sold exclusively by Official Rolex Retailers. The company says those retailers warrant authenticity and that new watches bought from them receive a five-year international guarantee; the retailer completes and dates the guarantee card. Use the Official Rolex Retailer locator to find a retailer. Rolex’s current collection and prices are not evidence of what a watch cost or whether it was available in 2024.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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