Rolex Discontinuation Predictions 2025

At Watches & Wonders — the annual trade show where Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, and dozens of other brands unveil their biggest releases — there’s a special kind of suspense in the air before Rolex opens the blinds on the display windows. No one knows what’s coming. And in those few quiet minutes before the chaos begins, everyone is in the same boat.

Rolex's booth before the reveal (2024)

Then the blinds go up, and the chatter begins.

If you’re lucky enough to be nearby, you’ll overhear someone yell “New GMT!” or “New Day-Date!”

But as soon as the releases hit Rolex’s website, everyone looks for something else too: what’s missing. Rolex never tells us what they’ve discontinued. They just let models quietly vanish — no press release, no farewell, not even a “last call.”

So: what might vanish in 2025?

Recent Goodbyes

Image Source: Swiss Watch Expo

The past two years saw some major cuts. In 2023, Rolex said goodbye to the Milgauss and the two variations of ‘John Mayer’ Daytona. In 2024, the Yacht-Master II was dropped, along with the Palm and Fluted motif Datejust dials. Even the white gold Le Mans Daytona — not even a year old — got the axe.

Discontinuations aren’t always predictable, but they usually make sense in hindsight. And as we gear up for Watches & Wonders 2025, a few models feel vulnerable.

The Celebration Dial OP

Image Source: Bob's Watches

The most obvious candidate is the Oyster Perpetual with the Celebration dial — the colorful bubble motif introduced in 2023. It was fun, it was bold, and it was very un-Rolex.

Which is why it might not be around much longer.

Image Source: Rolex

Like the Day-Date “Emoji” dial introduced the same year, the Celebration OP represented a playful moment for Rolex. Some collectors loved it, some couldn’t stand it. But even if you appreciate what it represents, it doesn’t feel like a forever-watch in the Rolex catalog. More of a limited-era statement piece.

And if Rolex is about to clean house a little, this is a likely first cut.

A GMT-Master II Gets the Chop?

Curved End Rubber Strap For Rolex GMT-Master II

We’ve written at length about a potential ‘Coke’ GMT-Master II — particularly in the wake of Rolex’s bi-color ceramic patent that specifically detailed a black and red configuration. And if a new Coke bezel does arrive, Rolex could trim the lineup by discontinuing an existing variation.

This wouldn’t be a first. The GMT-Master II lineup has seen rolling changes over the years, and currently includes five different bezel variations. Swapping out one (say, the white gold Pepsi) to make room for another would be a strategic way to keep the collection balanced — and collectability high.

Again, nothing is guaranteed. But if we do see a Coke, don’t be surprised if something else quietly disappears.

A Datejust Shuffle?

The Datejust turns 80 this year, and we’ve already covered a range of possibilities for what Rolex might release to mark the occasion — including the return of the Jubilee dial.

If something like that does show up, Rolex might make space by cutting one or two current references. Whether it’s a dial color that didn’t catch on or a configuration that overlaps too closely with the new model, don’t rule out a minor Datejust shakeup. Nothing major — but enough to raise eyebrows if you’re paying attention.

Final Thoughts

Image Source: Luxury Bazaar

At this point, predicting Rolex’s discontinuations is just as much a tradition as predicting their new releases. And while we don’t have any hard evidence pointing to one model or another, we’ve seen enough patterns to spot the likely candidates.

But as always: expect the unexpected. Rolex doesn’t just launch new models — they curate their entire lineup, quietly editing as they go.

We’ll be on the ground in Geneva this April covering it all, so make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter and following us on Instagram @everestbands for the latest from Watches & Wonders 2025.

And let us know — what do you think might disappear this year?