It’s hard to believe that Rolex dropped the “Pepsi” bezel GMT-Master II from its line-up earlier this year. While the brand famously never reissues discontinued models, we’d love to see a new version of this and several other fan favourites. Here’s our wishlist…
GMT-Master II, reference 126710BLRO
Rolex surprised everyone when it discontinued the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLRO in 2026. This meant that for the first time since the release of the original GMT-Master in 1955, there was no blue and red “Pepsi” bezel in the brand’s line-up. Considering how totemic this bezel is, it was a bit like Lamborghini saying they weren’t going to make any more yellow cars.
Of course, Rolex hasn’t come out and said it’s never going to make a Pepsi model again, but even a short hiatus is odd. We’d love to see a new version of this familiar dual-time classic back in the catalogue sooner, rather than later.
Submariner, reference 126619 LB
Long-term Rolex aficionados will know that any blue Submariner is made from white gold. This tradition began with the so-called “Smurf” in 2008, featuring a blue dial and bezel. In 2020 it was replaced by a version with a black dial and blue bezel (nicknamed “Cookie Monster”, pictured), but as of April 2026, this has also been consigned to the Rolex history books.
It seems inconceivable that after almost twenty years Rolex would have no blue Submariner whatsoever! What gives? Platinum is another metal used by Rolex that’s heavily associated with blue (albeit a lighter shade). Could we see a platinum-cased blue-bezel Submariner at some point? Sounds pretty appealing to us.
Milgauss, reference 116400 GV
Introduced in 1956, the Milgauss was created for the scientific community and was the first watch to withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. Despite its functionality, the Milgauss was discontinued in 1986, and again in 2023 after Rolex reintroduced it to its catalogue in 2007 with a new look.
It was this model—reference 116400—that most of us associate the Milgauss with, thanks to its plain steel bezel, Oyster bracelet and dial featuring orange accents and the signature lightning-bolt seconds hand. But perhaps the real poster boy of the collection is the reference 116400 GV (pictured), with its black dial and distinctive green-tinted sapphire crystal.
The Cellini collection
Image courtesy of Bonhams
The Cellini, which debuted in the mid-1970s, has always been one of Rolex’s dressier offerings, so it was a shame to see this collection dropped from its catalogue in 2023, albeit in favour of the similar 1908 line.
But could there be room for two dress watch collections in the Rolex line-up? The 1908 could cover the more conventional round-cased models, while the Cellini could be where Rolex experimented with form watches and unusual shapes, like this long discontinued white-gold reference 4108 from the 1980s.
Rolex Turn-O-Graph, reference 16264
The Turn-O-Graph—known in the US as the “Thunderbird”—got dropped from the catalogue circa 2011. It’s essentially a 36mm Datejust featuring either a fluted or engine-turned bi-directional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale. Bridging the gap between traditional dress watch and a tool watch, it was a versatile model that mostly came in bi-metal and plain steel, and in several dial variations.
There are more examples featuring the classic fluted bezel around, but the less common engine-turned variety is our pick of the Turn-O-Graph crop—especially when it features a salmon-pink dial with applied Roman numerals.
Orchid, reference 9524
Image courtesy of Bonhams
One of Rolex’s lesser-known collections, the Orchid line showcased a range of ultra-glamorous timepieces for women. Released in the 1950s, it was particularly popular in the 60s and 70s for its opulent designs and materials. By the 1990s, demand for elegant cocktail-style watches was in decline, so Rolex decided to slowly phase the delicate Orchid out.
We’re particularly drawn to this flamboyant 18k yellow-gold model and its magnificent scroll-inspired bracelet with woven links. The dainty 16mm case features an understated champagne dial with a sunburst effect.
