Watches & Wonders 2024: What Rolex Should Have Discontinued

Join us as we debate which watches should have been discontinued at Watches and Wonders 2024. Shop pre-owned luxury watches: www.bobswatches.com
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The industry’s most anticipated tradeshow of the year is officially behind us. We now know which novelties our favorite brands had been working on since last year’s show and which watches got the axe.
Watch-collecting communities were abuzz with excitement and disappointment as new and discontinued watches were announced.
In this video, the team goes head-to-head with which watches they think should have been discontinued for 2024.
Let us know in the comments if you agree.
WRIST CHECK
Ripley’s Wrist: Discontinued Palm Dial Rolex Datejust 36 - personal watch.
Emily’s Wrist: Gold and Diamond Tudor Black Bay 79603
Find the Tudor 79603 for sale here: www.bobswatches.com/tudor/tud...
Justin’s Wrist: Discontinued Palm Dial Rolex Datejust Ref. 126234
Find the Palm Datejust 126234 for sale here: www.bobswatches.com/pre-owned...
FEATURED DEBATE WATCHES
Ripley’s Debate Watch: Batman Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 116710BLNR
Find the Rolex 116710BLNR for sale here: www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt...
The Rolex Pepsi GMT wasn’t discontinued after all, despite rampant rumors making the rounds through nearly every watch-collecting circle. Instead, Rolex chose to add the black and grey ceramic bezel to the stainless steel model, a rather glorious upgrade that ties the watch to the original 116710 with green accents and the current generation.
With that said, the GMT collection is rather saturated. We now have four different two-tone bezel colorways: Black/Blue (Batman), Red/Blue (Pepsi), Black/Green (Sprite), and Black/Grey (Nickname Pending).
Add multiple bracelet and metal options to the mix, and we can see why Ripley would call for one of the models to bow out gracefully.
Over a decade ago, the Rolex Batman made its first appearance in 2013. With a rather successful 10-year + production run under its belt, 2024 would have been a natural end for the trailblazing two-tone GMT.
Justin’s Debate Watch: Celebration Dial Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 126000
Find the Celebration dial Rolex 126000 for sale here: www.bobswatches.com/mens-role...
It isn’t uncommon for unique dials, like the “Celebration” Oyster Perpetual, to have short production runs. They aren’t as popular or practical as solid-color dials and usually fall out of production shortly after release. If ever there was a Rolex dial that didn’t appeal to every collector’s tastes, it would be the funky, bubbly Celebration dial.
Moreover, the name “Celebration” implies a milestone of some sort, in which a 1-year production run would make sense and add to the watch's collectability. A true 1-year watch. It’s understandable why Justin would be disappointed Rolex missed the boat on that. Of course, we will never know why the Crown kept it in production or when it will be discontinued.
It’s also worth noting that Rolex discontinued two other unique dials for 2024, the palm motif and fluted motif dials, which made sense because they were more of an unusual pattern than the existing lineup.
The Celebration dial is a compilation of the colorful lacquered Stella-inspired OP dials released in 2020, many of which Rolex has already discontinued. It would make sense for Rolex also to discontinue the Celebration colorway.
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[@danielskirkpatrick]

Love the channel. The background music is busy/loud and distracting. Great content. Just my opinion.

[@bobswatches]

appreciate the feedback!

[@corgiowner436]

Was really disappointed they didn’t replace the motif dials with something.

[@bobswatches]

Perhaps they're preparing something new for next year...

[@ErikRunyanJewelers]

1948 18KY Rolex bubble back found in a watch maker's drawer, cleaning out 107 years of jewelry store storage. Recently restored! cost me $3000 to restore; so, assuming it is worth $3000.

[@bobswatches]

WHAT A FIND! Even better you're wearing it and not keeping it in the safe/another drawer. You might win this week's wrist check 🏆

[@friskjidjidoglu7415]

The arguments for discontinuing the Celebration Dial and the color variety in the GMTMs feel shallow. People always want something new and different from Rolex, but are eager to shove anything creative that comes out of Biel into the grave and make it even more inaccessible. The vast majority of the catalog is already plain jane Date Justs and OPs. Let something unique stick around. Let others enjoy it. 17:48 it definitely is not similar to the lefty My suggestion for a new colorway would be basically a modern Blueberry (but with blue GMT hand). It might not happen because of the Blueberry controversy, but it would still be nice to see a single color used for the insert and it be a nice blue.

[@bobswatches]

The discussion was meant to prompt other opinions. So thanks for sharing yours!

[@johnbrock678]

I have the Batman and Sprite. Both are different, but great. The great thing about Batman is it’s a bit understated. It’s my go-to daily wear watch. I’m wearing the Sprite right now and really enjoy the lefty difference. Maybe in 2025 they will discontinue the Bateman for the Coke. We’ll see. Either way, they are all great.

[@bobswatches]

Two great GMT's... it will definitely be interesting to see which one gets discontinued first.

[@RPGKaisser81]

I’m wearing my Breitling Navitimer copper dial 🎉🎉🎉

[@bobswatches]

The Navitimer, so good! Thanks for watching.

[@z06cowboy72]

Favorite of the year is the YG Deepsea. Can't wait to get mine.

[@bobswatches]

what a watch! Let us know what you think of it when you get it.

[@tonygu2958]

Too much bling and weight. Not intended for every day use. You'll see what I mean when you put her on. Remember, it' a diving watch, not a terra.

[@minibus1351]

Imagine if they did a yellow / black GMT model next year

[@bobswatches]

What an idea! Would it be the same yellow as the OP or a new/fresh take on yellow?

[@corgiowner436]

The bumble bee.

[@edwardalpern6615]

Drop the Explorer II. Too big and heavy at 42mm, and they made the bezel thinner, thus making the face larger. Dont drop it from the lineup, just drop the size down to 39, 40, or 41 so it can actually be worn without risk of breaking a tooth if you talk with your hands. Personally, I'm sticking with the 5 digit explorer 2. Great size and weight. A new movement and chromalight and its a winner again.

[@bobswatches]

Solid suggestion here!

[@donschloth5785]

Wearing my 1977 GMT ref. 1675 black bezel

[@bobswatches]

Fantastic wrist check!!

[@kevind3819]

I too thought the lefty was going to get discontinued… Here’s my thoughts on why the GMT line has “ballooned”. Rolex is trying to get rid of all the 40mm cases. At some point Pepsi will be discontinued in 40mm… I’m guessing the same year we get a Coke. The following year we’ll get the resurrected Pepsi in the new 41mm. Then slowly the 40mm GMTs will all get discontinued.

[@user-sk1ju3gj5w]

This is the smartest take on the topic I have seen.

[@bobswatches]

Can't wait to track what Rolex does between 2024 and 2025. If you're correct, this comment will be so great to reference after Watches and Wonders.

[@JJPurp]

I think they should discontinue the Root Beer GMT. I feel it’s the oddball out of the GMT line. Though I feel the sprite is more on the chopping block, but it’s fresh and gives you another newer option. Drop the Everose/ and steel GMT Root Beer. ✌🏽

[@bobswatches]

BOLD! Another suggestion putting the GMT-Master II on the block...

[@jsusna1972]

Wore my GS Katana over the weekend, and my GMT II Coke is on my wrist today. The red on the aluminum bezel is a deep, cherry red, so to me eyes it doesn't scream RED! It's more subdued. Totally agree with ditching the Celebration dial. Bold choice by Ripley on ditching the Batman/Batgirl. I think they're still extremely popular. My choice for discontinuation would be the Emoji Day-Date, which displays neither the day nor the date. If they're going to do that, then they should have just removed the hands as well. There, a Day-Date that tells no time, no day, and no date. How's that for innovation? LOL

[@bobswatches]

Talk about a pick for discontinuing! Valid points all around for the functionality of a Day-Date. Great wrist check (as always).

[@evilleleo4290]

Each GMT should have only one bracelet option. That’ll trip down the collection.

[@bobswatches]

Interesting idea!

[@annkennedy1831]

It is with some trepidation that I am posting a comment on Rolex this year. Last year I offered critical comments at this site in regard to the new Rolex line up (the "clown car" Celebration, the emoji fiasco on the flag ship Day-Date line, etc) such that I have been black listed by the Rolex AD that I have purchased several Rolex watches from over the past several years. Since I will never be sold another Rolex, I am at liberty to comment. The 2024 line up is clearly an attempt to push potential new Rolex buyers to settle for a Tudor until they have spent enough to qualify for a real Rolex. Since I am now ashamed to wear the yellow gold 40 mm Day-Date that I purchased, it has been relegated to the desk drawer. My wrist check is now a vintage Bulova Accutron Spaceview tuning fork watch from the early 1970's. It is a duplicate of the very first quality watch that I purchased when I was able to afford one back in the day.

[@bobswatches]

What a great wrist check!

[@structurescience]

Those crashing drums throughout didn't quite add to the lovely conversation...

[@bobswatches]

😮 - we appreciate the feedback!

[@majedalessa8376]

Those palm dial datejusts are way overhyped in the mid term I think the price will drop

[@bobswatches]

Solid take. So you agree with Rolex discontinuing them?

[@majedalessa8376]

@bobswatches honestly, i don't really care. These watches with their dials varaitions have no significance compared to other Rolex models. Personally, I think the 41 blue stick DJ with jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel is the best configuration out there that will always be timeless

[@greenmonsterrecycler]

GP copper 38mm

[@bobswatches]

Fantastic wrist check! Thanks for sharing 🙌

[@normatha3818]

The root beer is my least favorite & my vote to get discontinued the Batman is my favorite, hopefully they don’t discontinue it

[@bobswatches]

The "Batman" is definitely one loved watch!

[@verde629]

The Batman can’t go till I have one lol

[@lettuce1305]

you can't have one unless you have extensive purchase history from the AD anyway, might as well buy from grey market now.

[@bobswatches]

😎

[@tonygu2958]

Rolly yacht master 2, ss! ❤❤😅

[@bobswatches]

so good!

[@jethrojacinto2798]

Tbh the Rolex they should've discontinued is the left handed GMT sprite or whatever you guys wanna call it. That was one of those watches that should have a very short and limited run and probably should never make again.

[@JJPurp]

I agree. It’s just not a what people want.

[@bobswatches]

Valid all around here. It will definitely be interesting to see how long they keep it in their catalog.

[@oneal14attnet]

Why the leftie hate? It’s one watch for left handed folks. Why does it have to have a short run. Why can’t it be a permanent part of the line-up? The vast amount of selfishness displayed over this watch always amazes me.

[@friskjidjidoglu7415]

@@oneal14attnet agreed. The hate towards this left handed watch is bizarre.

[@foleydvm]

get rid of pepsi over batman all day...love batman. also love new black grey gmt which maybe isnt popular opinion

[@bobswatches]

We love the unpopular takes!

[@erf-3]

my candidates for discontinued in no order: Air King, GMT lefty, and yes the DeepSea solid gold. And I do love batman - blue is my color for watches. (on wrist is BB58 blue on vanguard blue rubber)

[@bobswatches]

Awesome wrist check! We all enjoyed reading your Top 3 list of discontinued candidates too.

[@oneal14attnet]

GMT haters!😂😂😂

[@bobswatches]

No hate! Just an idea based on the variety already in the line. What would you have discontinued?

[@oneal14attnet]

The GMT line is one of the most varied line in the Rolex line-up. I say it’s exactly as it’s meant to be.. An alternative for color and flair. The sub and others already cover the plain dial and bezel categories. I’d say that the lines that were discontinued were appropriate. The Yachtmaster was well overdue to cease. Rolex is covering its basis for both size and pricing category. But the special lines should go. The celebration, the special Datejusts, all meteorite dials,and the tiger’s eye Yachtmaster.

[@jrgb9945]

Very boring line up for 2024 ala Rolex

[@bobswatches]

You're not the only one to mention this... Did you have any favorites from any other brands?

[@closer71]

They should have dropped the BLNR (it was released in 2013 as the first bi-color ceramic bezel EVER) and the Explorer two-tone yellow gold & steel. This guy’s rationale makes no sense though. The GMT Master has ALWAYS had a ton of variations: full gold and two-tone in root beer or black, Pepsi - all on oyster OR jubilee bracelets - the Coke, the all black bezels, the Serti dials…he’s just clearly ignorant about the history of GMT Master offerings from Rolex over the last 50 YEARS. 🙄

[@bobswatches]

Opinions can be a bit divisive. He's definitely not ignorant or unknowledgeable about the GMT. What would you have discontinued?