Rolex Discontinues the Celebrated Oyster Perpetual “Celebration Dial”
Rolex has officially ended production of the Oyster Perpetual “Celebration Dial,” a vibrant and playful timepiece that made waves when it debuted in 2023. The model, known for its colorful design, represented a bold move for the traditionally conservative Swiss watchmaker, attracting attention from both collectors and critics alike.
The “Celebration Dial” stood out with its lacquered turquoise face, adorned with 51 brightly colored, balloon-like bubbles in pink, blue, yellow, red, and green. This unexpected departure from Rolex’s usual aesthetic sparked considerable discussion. Released alongside this watch was a Day-Date model featuring a rainbow-colored “jigsaw puzzle” motif, a date window displaying emojis instead of numbers, and a day display showcasing inspirational words such as “Peace,” “Love,” and “Gratitude.” Both models reflected an unusual creative leap for the brand, leaving some enthusiasts delighted and others puzzled.
Reactions to the “Celebration Dial” were mixed. Many celebrated it as a fun, refreshing departure from the norm, while others saw it as “trendy and frivolous” or even “a little bit of a sacrilege.” Nonetheless, its distinctiveness made it a favorite among celebrities, including Tom Holland, Lionel Messi, Kendrick Lamar, and Tom Brady, turning it into a must-have accessory in the luxury world.
The hype surrounding the watch drove up prices significantly. Initially available in three sizes—31mm for £4,150, 36mm for £4,500, and 41mm for £4,850—the model quickly doubled in value on the secondary market. Now, following the news of its discontinuation, resale prices have soared to three times their original retail value, with collectors scrambling to secure one of these unique timepieces.
This isn’t the first time Rolex has abruptly retired a high-profile model. In April 2024, the brand discontinued its white gold Daytona Le Mans watch less than a year after its release, replacing it with a yellow gold version. Such decisions reflect a broader strategy to create highly desirable limited-edition pieces that keep collectors engaged and guessing.
As Andrew Morgan, YouTube watch expert and founder of luxury watch consultancy AMW, puts it: “The time for Celebration is OVER! 2025 is all about the hard graft. Everyone’s got to do it, even the authorised dealers, and so the bubbly, colourful Rolex has been discontinued. After two years on the trot, it’s time to move on.
“It’s indicative of Rolex’s move to desirable limited-edition pieces that keep collectors coming back. The white gold Le Mans was discontinued after a year, the yellow will likely be too, and that gives Rolex a fresh canvas to keep us guessing into 2025 and beyond.”
With its daring design and limited run, the “Celebration Dial” will undoubtedly remain a cherished and distinctive chapter in Rolex’s storied history, a model remembered for breaking tradition and capturing imaginations around the world.
