Rolex Cellini Date 50515
It’s the nature of the watch game that watchmakers can’t sell every watch they produce indefinitely. And while it can be sad to see your favourite models retired from production and relegated to the grey market (where the limited numbers of Rolexes being delivered at the moment mean prices are skyrocketing), it makes way for new watches and replacements.
Alternatively, watches can become the victims of their own success and generate waiting lists so long that watchmakers would prefer to discontinue them instead of being trapped making them for the next 30 years. And so, here are the watches Rolex are discontinuing in 2022.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red (31mm, 36mm, 41mm), Yellow (31mm, 36mm, 41mm) and Turquoise Dial(41mm)
One incredibly popular watch, at the height of the current zeitgeist, that’s being put out to pasture is the Tiffany blue Oyster Perpetual 41mm. The iconic shade of light blue has captivated watch collectors even more than usual following the launch of the Tiffany Blue Nautilus 5711/1A-018 late last year. With the numbers of the Nautilus extremely limited, collectors have looked to other brands like Rolex to fill the light blue gap in their collections. But no longer, at least at 41mm sizes as the Ref. 124300 with light blue dial has been discontinued. However, you can still get your tiffany blue fix at the more refined Oyster Perpetual 36mm and 31mm diameters.
Alongside the 41mm light blue, a whole host of other colourful Oyster Perpetuals at various sizes are gone too. The coral red version is completely gone at 41mm, 36mm and 31mm and it’s the same story for the yellow.
If you want to pick up a coral now, you’re looking at £24,000 on Chrono24, over double what it would have cost direct from Rolex.
Rolex Air King 116900
It’s become incredibly popular to try and predict what watches Rolex is going to launch and discontinue each year and one watch that cropped on several source’s chopping block was the Air King. And they were right, sort of. Instead of discontinuing it outright, Rolex have replaced it with the Ref. 126900, an updated version with a new case, improved dial and upgraded movement. With the new watch filling the same niche as the old one but better, there’s really no reason not to discontinue the 116900.
Rolex Day-Date 40 Platinum 228206 (Smooth Bezel)
One of the most iconic attributes of the Day Date is its fluted bezel, which is why it was bizarre that one of the most popular models – platinum with a light blue dial – was only available with a smooth bezel. Not any longer as the smooth 228206 has been replaced with the much sexier fluted 228236.
Rolex Day Date 40 Platinum 228236 (2022)
While an argument could be made for continuing to produce the smooth bezel version in addition to the new one, that would likely mean that fewer of each version could be made. And considering the supply issues Rolex is already facing, that doesn’t sound like a good idea.
Again, prices of the smooth bezel version have gone crazy with the diamond index versions heading upwards of £100,000 onChrono24.
Rolex Deepsea 126660
This is an odd one. The Rolex Deepsea Sea Dweller 126660 has been discontinued and replaced by the 136660. However, there’s no reason to be sad because the 136660 has exactly the same case, movement and styling. The only change is there’s a hint of platinum PVD and a fractionally larger date aperture.
All Rolex Cellini Models (Except One)
Rolex Cellini 50505
Cellini is dead. Or at least it seems that way as Rolex have axed four out of five of the remaining Cellini models. It’s adios to two date models and two time models leaving only the moonphase standing. It’s an understandable decision, the Cellini doesn’t add anything to the range that other Rolexes don’t already do and it feels the most unique stylistically, diluting the Rolex design language.
Rolex Cellini Date 50519
However, the fact that the moonphase remains means we could see the return of the Cellini as a fully fledged collection at some point, perhaps with a new high complication angle. At the moment it’s in a similar position to where the Air King was last year and we’ve already seen what Rolex did to that.
You can find all these Rolex models at Chrono24 like the Air King 116900, Deepsea 126660 and Cellini models, or other non-discontinued favourites like the GMT Master II.
Discontinued Rolexes in 2022:
- Oyster Perpetual 124300 (41mm, turquoise, coral red or yellow dial), 126000 (36mm, coral red or yellow dial), 277200 (31mm, coral red or yellow dial)
- Deepsea 126660 (replaced by 136660)
- Air King 116900 (replaced by 126900)
- Day-Date 40 platinum 228206 (replaced by 228236)
- Cellini Time 50505 / 50509
- Cellini Date 50519 / 50515
FAQs
Discontinued Rolex models for 2022 include the legacy Air King reference, colorful dial Oyster Perpetual 41 references, and Deepsea references.
What Rolex models are being discontinued for 2022? ›
Discontinued Rolex models for 2022 include the legacy Air King reference, colorful dial Oyster Perpetual 41 references, and Deepsea references.
What watches have Rolex discontinued? ›
Watches & Wonders 2023: These Rolex model were discontinued
- The "John Mayer" Cosmograph Daytona, Ref. 116508.
- Radiant blue: the Cosmograph Daytona, Ref. 116509.
- In the name of science - the Milgauss series.
- The end of the Cellini dress watch.
- Farewell from space: The Cosmograph Daytona models with meteorite dials.
Rolex Watches Discontinued in 2023
- Yellow Gold Daytona with green dial “John Mayer (ref. 116508)
- White gold Daytona with blue dial (ref. 116509)
- Everose Daytona with brown dial (ref. 116505)
- All Daytona watches with meteorite dials (ref. 116518LN, 116519LN, 116515LN, 116508, 116509, 116505)
After models are removed from the catalogue, Rolex watches typically increase in value significantly.
Why are Rolex sold out everywhere? ›
Rolex watches are mass-produced, and they manufacture about 1 million watches per year. In other words, there are tons of watches on the secondhand market. It's just that in recent years, the demand for them far exceeds the supply, and this naturally leads to a shortage – regardless of how many exist.
Is there still a shortage of Rolex? ›
It is not sure if and when the shortage on new Rolex watches will end. We are no fortune tellers. But we do know: Rolex is building new factories to meet high demand and address the shortage of their luxury watches. However, the shortage will likely persist as it is challenging to find skilled watchmakers.
Why no one can buy a Rolex? ›
Clearly, divergent supply and demand is what's driving the scarcity of Rolexes available for purchase. Demand is astronomically high, and even a supply of one million new watches per year can't meet it. It comes down to a numbers game, and there's no sign that this will be changing any time soon.
Which Rolex watches don't lose value? ›
Which 5 Rolex Watches Will Increase in Value in 2023
- Rolex Daytona 116509 White Gold Blue Dial.
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 126000 - Green Dial.
- Rolex Submariner - 'The Hulk'
- Rolex GMT Master II - 'The Sprite'
- Rolex Daytona 116500LN.
- Conclusion.
Rolex GMT Master and Rolex GMT Master II are the best Rolex watches for investment. They are practical and hardwearing watches with the prestigious Rolex branding. You can get a GMT Master at a few thousand pounds, but rarer models can go for tens or hundreds of thousands.
The easy answer: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and popular independents such as F.P. Journe and Akrivia. The vaguer answer: Watches of good investment value can be found across the full spectrum, from Swatch and Seiko to the upper echelons of masters like Philippe Dufour and Roger W.
Will a Rolex last 100 years? ›
So how long does a Rolex last? The answer is that if it is properly serviced when it needs it, it will last forever. If you do not do anything with your watch, but simply use it, your Rolex watch will most likely be in working order for ten years fifteen years, twenty years, or even longer.
Why is Rolex losing time? ›
If your Rolex is losing or gaining time, it is typically a sign that your watch needs to be winded more regularly (see above). Despite this, if the problem continues, it may be evidence that the battery/crystal needs replacing. The mainspring wearing out: The mainspring on a Rolex is what allows it to wind properly.
Does Rolex have a waiting list? ›
How Long is the Rolex Daytona Waitlist? To buy a Rolex Daytona, the waitlist is often suggested to be 5 or 10 years long. The harsh reality is that unless you have a large spending history with your Authorised Rolex dealer you're unlikely to ever be offered a Rolex Daytona.
Do discontinued watches increase in value? ›
Discontinued Watches. Traditionally, after watch models are removed from the catalog, luxury watches that have been discontinued, notably Rolex, typically increase in value significantly overnight, from 20-50%.
Why are Rolexes so overpriced? ›
Thanks to their historic significance, precise manufacturing process, and quality materials, most members of the watch world agree the high price tag associated with Rolex models to be justified. Today, Rolex watches hold a significant place in pop culture as symbols of beauty, wealth, and luxury.
Is Rolex Air King 2022 discontinued? ›
Now discontinued. Must be one of the last produced. FULL SET - Box, papers, warranty card. The watch is supplied with its original Rolex box, manuals, green and white tags and Rolex warranty card dated April 2022.
What will Rolex release in 2023? ›
The GMT Master II now comes with a new bezel combo of black and gray. This kind of thing might be Rolex's big release in a typical year, but the brand has really gone all out for 2023. The new GMT Master II references only come in two-tone ("Rolesor," or a steel-and-gold combo) and full yellow gold.
Is the Rolex Batman discontinued? ›
The original Batman (ref. 116710BLNR) would remain in the Rolex lineup until 2019, when a new generation hit the shelves, or rather, the waitlists. Rolex discontinued the original Batman in 2019.
Which Rolex does not lose value? ›
Most Rolex Day Date watches have great resale value because of their timeless style and sensible functionality. They are a bit smaller than sportier models like the Submariner and Yacht Master, which appeals to those who prefer the look of a classic dress watch.
