Rolex fans, as ever, are buzzing with speculation. The brand’s ability to stir such anticipation speaks volumes about its influence. Last year, I correctly predicted the gold GMT (and I’m not letting anyone forget it). This year, our predictions range from practical to the fantastical. Without further delay, here are our Rolex predictions for replica watches & Wonders 2025, just days ahead of the official unveiling.
The Fantasy: A New “Beach” Daytona
We’ve seen some colorful releases in recent years, such as the emoji Day-Date and the celebration dial OP. So, why not dream a little further? I’m imagining a revival of the “beach” Daytona dials, reminiscent of the pastel hues from the early 2000s. Picture stone dials in turquoise, yellow mother of pearl, pink mother of pearl, and green chrysoprase. My colleague TanTan envisions pastel lacquer dials, but this is my prediction, so I’m sticking with the original stone concept. Let’s take it a step further – white gold cases to really make them stand out. Sure, it’s a long shot, but hey, stranger things have happened.
This would be new territory for clone Rolex, especially since stone dials haven’t been part of the modern Oyster Perpetual line. The OP model was designed to be an entry-level Rolex, but stone dials do have historical precedent, as some of the rarest vintage Datejusts featured them.
The Dream Daytona: Oysterflex and Bracelet Combo
Ever since Rolex introduced the Le Mans Daytona, I’ve been paying more attention to the Daytona line. Comparing the Le Mans to the white gold Daytona on an Oysterflex, I realized something: the ultimate Daytona doesn’t yet exist. The modern Daytona on an Oysterflex is great, but you can’t switch between strap and bracelet. My hope for 2025? A stainless steel Daytona with a quick-release system for both the oyster bracelet and the Oysterflex strap. This would create a nearly perfect, versatile daily wear watch.
Imagine the classic white-dial Daytona, complete with the latest innovations like the ceramic bezel with a metal rim and a possible display caseback. Adding the option to switch between a sleek bracelet and a comfortable strap would elevate this model to new heights. It’s a watch that can go from the city to the country club with ease.
A Red Submariner Date: A Nod to the Past
There’s been some buzz about a red Submariner no-date, but historically, that’s not accurate. My prediction? A Red Submariner Date, paying homage to the original Submariner Date reference 1680 from the late ’60s. With the possible discontinuation of the Red Sea-Dweller, this feels like a perfect time for Rolex to bring back a red diver’s watch in a more classic package.
The “Starbucks” Submariner can remain the “white text” model, while the Red Sub Date injects some excitement into the classic Submariner line. Personally, I’m obsessed with the vintage Red Sub and its connection to Robert Redford, so if this watch does appear, you can bet I’ll be trying to get one.
A Full Gold Explorer: Why Not?
Rolex has given us gold Submariners and GMT-Masters for years, but never a full gold Explorer. It feels like it’s time. The Explorer, at its classic 36mm size, is my favorite modern sports watch in Rolex’s lineup. A gold version would be unnecessary, ridiculous, and absolutely perfect. There’s something incredibly appealing about a solid gold sports watch with a black dial and no date – simple yet luxurious, and wearable by almost anyone.
A Malachite Dial Day-Date: Disco Revival
The use of stone dials in replica Rolex’s catalog has been mostly a thing of the past, but last year’s Carnelian Dial Day-Date shows there’s still interest. With green dials trending, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rolex reintroduce the malachite stone dial. Imagine this deep green hue paired with a yellow gold case and bracelet – a true throwback to the disco era. While this may not be on the horizon for 2025, the idea of a malachite Day-Date is too fun to ignore.
A Titanium Milgauss: Science Meets Style
This watch was originally designed for scientists working around strong magnetic fields, so why not embrace modern materials and release a titanium Milgauss? Titanium is not only lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but it’s also non-magnetic, making it the ideal material for a fake Rolex watch like the Milgauss. With the recent discontinuation of the steel version and the rising popularity of titanium in the sports watch segment, a titanium Milgauss would be a fitting and exciting addition to the Rolex lineup.
