On Monday, April 1st, Watches and Wonders 2025 will officially commence in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together the world’s most prestigious watch brands, collectors, and enthusiasts. Below, WatchGuys CEO Robertino Altieri, makes his predictions for the upcoming lineup.
As the premier event in the luxury watch industry, Watches and Wonders sets the stage for groundbreaking releases, unexpected discontinuations, and bold innovations. Few brands command as much anticipation as Rolex, whose unveilings often redefine market trends and fuel speculation for years to come. With a history of surprising the watch world – whether through bold new materials, dial variations, or strategic retirements – Rolex is once again poised to dominate the conversation at this year’s showcase.
Less than 24 hours out from day one, speculation is already running wild, with collectors and enthusiasts eagerly discussing what Rolex might introduce this year.
At WatchGuys, we’ve analysed past trends, patents, and insider chatter to develop our predictions for upcoming releases and possible discontinuations – watches we may never see again. We’ve been among the first to anticipate major releases, including the Cartier Santos Dual Time and the Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona “Le Mans,” and we can’t wait to see what Rolex unveils this year.
If even one of our guesses and predictions comes to fruition, it could significantly shake up the luxury watch market. Now, let’s dive in!
Lots of changes to the GMT collection
Prediction: Rolex GMT (Precious Metal) “Blueberry Batman”
Expected Retail: $45,200
Expected Secondary Market Price: $65,000+
Gone: The Rolex GMT “Batman” (Ref: 126710BLNR) and the Rolex GMT “Pepsi” (Ref: 126710BLRO). That’s right, two of the most sought-after models could be heading for discontinuation. Both the Batman and Pepsi have topped Rolex’s best-selling list for us at WatchGuys, remaining stable even in a declining market.
Rumours suggest that the Pepsi’s production complexities, particularly in achieving its red and blue bi-colour bezel, could lead to the reference’s retirement. Supporting this theory, Rolex has recently filed patents hinting at a return of the Rolex Coke, featuring a red and black bezel. If Rolex does discontinue the Batman GMT, it wouldn’t come as a surprise, as they have a history of retiring models after around a decade of production run. However, rather than a straightforward discontinuation, we anticipate something far more exciting.
Rolex “Coke”
Expected Retail: $11,000
Expected Secondary Market Price: $30,000+
While many have speculated about a “Blueberry” GMT, we predict that Rolex will continue the iconic “BLNR” black and blue bi-colour bezel but elevate it by introducing it in precious metals, possibly white gold or platinum.
This would follow Rolex’s recent trend of offering high-end variations of popular GMT models, such as the white gold Pepsi (126719BLRO) and the Rose Gold GMT-Master II (126715CHNR). Additionally, we foresee Rolex making this new precious metal Batman GMT even more exclusive by offering it with both a Blue Dial and a Meteorite Dial, similar to the Pepsi GMT-Master II 126719BLRO. If this happens, it would signal a significant shift for the Batman GMT, transitioning it from a steel sports model into an ultra-luxurious collector’s piece, designed to attract Rolex’s most high-profile clientele.
Prediction: A Green Sprite Hulk
Expected Retail Price: $11,000
Expected Secondary Market Price: $30,000+
As mentioned, 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the Rolex GMT-Master, and historically, Rolex has celebrated milestone anniversaries by incorporating green, a colour that has consistently performed well in both the retail and secondary markets. Given this trend, we predict that Rolex will discontinue the GMT-Master II 126720VTNR (Sprite) and repurpose its black and green bi-colour bezel for an all-new stainless steel model featuring a green dial.
If this happens, imagine a green dial reminiscent of the Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV, a beloved model that was discontinued in 2020. Whether Rolex opts for a right-handed or left-handed configuration, or keeps the Sprite’s bezel but pairs it with this striking new dial, remains to be seen. However, our prediction stands – 2025 will bring us a new green dial GMT-Master II, a release that is sure to make waves in the watch world.
My advice; if you can get your hands on a Sprite before Watches & Wonders 2025, DO IT.
A Colourful Pick That I Love
Expected Retail Price: ~$36,400
Expected Secondary Market Price: $70,000
The Rolex Daytona has long been the pinnacle of any Rolex collection, revered for its blend of precision, prestige, and collectability. Originally introduced in 1963 as a tool watch for professional race car drivers, it has evolved into one of the most sought-after luxury timepieces in the world. Iconic models like the Rolex Daytona 126500LN, especially the White Dial (“Panda”), have consistently outperformed their retail prices – with the Panda variant fetching more than double its MSRP in the secondary market.
One dial colour that Rolex has historically mastered is Tiffany Blue. The Tiffany Blue Oyster Perpetual 41mm, which was discontinued in 2021, saw its value skyrocket, more than doubling on the secondary market. If Rolex were to introduce a Tiffany Blue dial on a Daytona, particularly on a gold reference like the Rolex Daytona 126518, with black subdials for a striking contrast, it would be an instant success. Given Rolex’s track record with highly desirable dial colours, we are bullish on the potential of a Tiffany Blue Daytona, as it could easily double its retail value and cement itself as one of the most coveted modern Daytonas.
A collection that’s left the world with questions
Expected Retail Price: ~$10,000
Expected Secondary Market Price: $15,000
Among all this surprising news, Rolex has thrown us a curveball with the rumoured ‘Land-Dweller.’ Speculation points to this being an entirely new model, potentially reviving the OysterQuartz shape—a line discontinued in 2001 (though some pieces surfaced until 2003). If Rolex were to introduce a quartz movement again, this would be a seismic shift. Additionally, the dial configuration could potentially introduce us to something entirely new from the brand steeped in legacy.
One final pick I hope to see
Expected Retail Price: $17,850
Expected Secondary Market Price: $20,000+
I’m crossing my fingers for a Rose Gold Bruce Wayne. This model has been a beast in the secondary market, nearly doubling in price. It’s a sleek, versatile, and extremely wearable piece.
We’ve already seen the Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel GRNR (nicknamed ‘Zombie’ or ‘Bumblebee’), followed by the Stainless Steel GRNR (dubbed ‘Bruce Wayne’). Now, I believe and hope Rolex completes the GRNR trilogy with a two-tone Rose Gold version. This would be my personal favorite of the three. I’ll let the public decide on the nickname for this one.
While these predictions remain purely speculative, WatchGuys has a track record of calling Rolex releases before they happen. Whether it’s a long-awaited discontinuation, a bold new colourway, or a game-changing material upgrade, Rolex never fails to make waves. If even one of these predictions proves accurate, it will send ripples through both collectors and the secondary market. Watches & Wonders 2025 begins on Monday, April 1st – soon enough, we’ll find out what surprises Rolex has in store.
Robertino Altieri is the CEO of WatchGuys.com
