Thursday, January 28, 2021

Rolex New Releases Scheduled for April 7




ROLEX TO RELEASE NEW MODELS

ON APRIL 7 



PHYSICAL EVENT IN SHANGHAI WILL

FOLLOW DIGITAL EVENT



 By DANNY CRIVELLO


This is such big news I had to borrow Jake's BREAKING NEWS header! (Or is it Hodinkee's?)

In a press release this morning Watches and Wonders, formerly known as SIHH, said they are changing from their digital-only format first announced in November. 

The trade show, which includes Rolex, Patek Philippe and dozens of other brands, will hold both a digital and physical format in April. I first reported about the date yesterday on Twitter
.

The digital show will take place from April 7 to 13. Rolex and 37 other brands will be releasing their 2021 collection that week. Tune in to watchesandwonders.com or rolex.com
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Here's the twist: A few days after the digital event there will be a Watches and Wonders physical salon held in Shanghai. Fifteen brands will present their latest timepieces, including Rolex! 

This is a big bet for Watches and Wonders. As an airline pilot I have flown to Shanghai, and currently China has some of the strictest quarantine rules in the world. COVID tests must be taken before and after the flight. And even if you test negative you have to quarantine for 14 days before you are allowed to leave the hotel. Hopefully, the rules will relax by April.




The event in Shanghai will only be open to the media, retailers and watch enthusiasts by invitation. If the COVID situation improves, Watches and Wonders said it might add more physical events. Let's hope so!! It would be nice to see Rolex's new pieces in the metal!

Meanwhile, the trade show formerly known as Baselworld, now called HourUniverse, said it may move its current dates from April 8-12 to June.