By Swiss Watch Advisor

Watches and Wonders, arguably the most important watch fair of the year, will take place next week in Geneva. For watch enthusiasts, the annual spectacle resembles a culmination of Christmas and Easter rolled into one.

In the run-up to the fair, where leading watch brands unveil a large share of their new releases, speculation runs wild about upcoming models as well as potential discontinuations – and this year is no exception.

100 Years of Tudor

Milestone anniversaries are always a welcome occasion for brands to launch new models. Accordingly, this year offers plenty of room for rumors. One such case is Tudor, Rolex’s sister brand, which celebrates its centenary.

Such a significant birthday naturally raises expectations of something big. At the same time, the «Big Block» chronograph line marks its 50th anniversary – more than enough reason to introduce one or two noteworthy novelties.

Rolex Celebrates Multiple Milestones

At the larger sibling Rolex, both the Milgauss – discontinued three years ago – and the Day-Date are celebrating milestone anniversaries. A special new dial variation for the Day-Date would seem an obvious move.

A relaunch of the Milgauss is also being discussed, although its once-unique protection against magnetic fields appears somewhat less relevant in an era of modern, silicon-based, largely anti-magnetic movements.

50 Years of Nautilus

The highly coveted Nautilus by Patek Philippe is also marking a milestone. Fifty years have passed since the original 3700 was introduced. In 2021, its successor, the 5711, was discontinued amid much fanfare and several limited editions, only to be reborn a year later as the 5811, exclusively in white gold.

The question on many minds is not whether Patek will act, but what it will unveil. If the Nautilus’ 40th anniversary is any indication, any anniversary models are likely to be strictly limited. Among the rumors is a 5740 in steel rather than white gold, paired with the increasingly sought-after green dial. While the ultra-thin perpetual calendar is undeniably impressive, a touch more creativity would be welcome.

Coke Instead of Pepsi?

Beyond anniversary releases, speculation at Rolex is largely centered on the possible discontinuation of a particular model. As in previous years, rumors persist that the so-called «Pepsi» – officially the GMT-Master II, reference 126710BLRO – could finally be dropped from the lineup.

The reasons cited are varied, ranging from alleged production challenges related to the blue-red ceramic bezel to the fact that many authorized dealers no longer list the model on their websites. On the other hand, the watch is still featured on Rolex’s official site, and there are no indications that the brand has informed retailers of a discontinuation ahead of the fair – something that would be highly unusual.

New Rolex Leaks?

Beyond these broader speculations, alleged leaks have also surfaced pointing to a new Yacht-Master II as well as a Daytona in white gold featuring an atypical black ceramic bezel.

Whether these are genuine upcoming models or merely wishful thinking remains to be seen.

More Balanced Dials for the Land-Dweller

Following last year’s introduction of the Land-Dweller, many are hoping for new variations within the line, particularly when it comes to dial design. The original release drew criticism in this regard.

Collectors are calling for a more harmonious and symmetrical dial – one that, so far, has only been seen on the baguette diamond-set versions in rose gold and platinum.

Newcomers at Watches and Wonders

Alongside the usual suspects, a number of new participants will join Watches and Wonders this year, hoping to capture some attention amid all the anniversaries and speculation. Chief among them is Audemars Piguet – and it would be a surprise if at least one new limited Royal Oak did not make an appearance.

Swiss Watch Advisor was founded by a Swiss private banker. He shares his watch expertise on a regular basis on finews. As the first fully independent advisor, he supports both first-time buyers and experienced collectors in curating their collections or finding their first – and perhaps only – watch. Free of conflicts of interest, Swiss Watch Advisor acts as a sparring partner, offering clients second opinions and tailored recommendations. The author can be contacted directly via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..