CAPTURING TIME, PLAYFULLY

With its stunning new novelties unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023, Rolex showcases how design and function can co-exist in uniquely beautiful timepieces that are bursting with vibrancy.

-  Renée Batchelor

When the Rolex’s “puzzle watch” was first unveiled at Watches and Wonders in March this year, enthusiasts were pleasantly surprised by the playful design on the dial. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 reference that comes in 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, or 950 platinum, features a colourful jigsaw puzzle motif on the dial and the emblamatic President bracelet. The dial is crafted in shades of turquoise blue, red, fuchsia, orange, yellow, and green set against a single-colour background, each representing one of the key moments in life. The talented watchmakers have employed a champlevé enamelling technique that gives the puzzle design beautiful dimension, depth and intensity.

It was an unexpectedly charming piece and a departure from the brand’s previous offerings, that displayed an attention to detail and a refreshingly optimistic inspiration. In addition to the use of colour and design on the dial, the watch also has other touches that endeared it to the horological crowd. Look closer at the watch face and you will see 10 baguette-cut sapphires in six different hues. These stones are set to complement the main colour of the dial. The dial is turquoise blue in the 18 ct yellow gold and white gold versions, and orange in the 18 ct Everose gold version.