When the doors opened at Watches and Wonders Geneva this April, the horological community was holding its breath for the fate of the GMT-Master II. Rumors of the “Pepsi” retiring had reached a fever pitch, with most expecting a triumphant return of the red-and-black “Coke” bezel to fill the void.
Instead, Rolex surprised the horological community. The Pepsi is gone, the Coke never showed up, and the Crown quietly trimmed several heavy-hitting precious metal references from its catalog.
As Rolex celebrates the exact centenary of its waterproof Oyster case this 2026, the brand is actively reshaping its modern lineup. Whether you are actively hunting for your next investment piece or simply watching the market react, here is the definitive guide to every major Rolex discontinued this year.
The End of an Era: GMT-Master II “Pepsi” (Ref. 126710BLRO & 126719BLRO)
After years of relentless speculation surrounding the production yields of the red-and-blue Cerachrom bezel, Rolex has officially closed the chapter on the modern “Pepsi” GMT-Master II. This discontinuation is sweeping and absolute, affecting all variants: the stainless steel Ref. 126710BLRO (on both the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets) and the heavy-hitting 18k white gold Ref. 126719BLRO.
By discontinuing the white gold model, Rolex is also taking the highly coveted meteorite and midnight blue lacquer dials entirely out of production.
| Reference | Model | Metal | Bracelet / Dial | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126710BLRO | GMT-Master II “Pepsi” | Stainless Steel | Jubilee bracelet, Black dial | 40mm |
| 126710BLRO | GMT-Master II “Pepsi” | Stainless Steel | Oyster bracelet, Black dial | 40mm |
| 126719BLRO | GMT-Master II “Pepsi” | 18k White Gold | Oyster bracelet, Blue dial | 40mm |
| 126719BLRO | GMT-Master II “Pepsi” | 18k White Gold | Oyster bracelet, Meteorite dial | 40mm |
For the first time in the ceramic era, the steel Rolex catalog contains no red bezel. The Pepsi colorway has been a foundational pillar of the brand since the Bakelite Ref. 6542 in 1955. Because Rolex opted not to replace it, the Pepsi’s exit leaves a massive vacuum. Secondary market prices for these references—which already commanded steep premiums—are expected to climb aggressively as the finite supply is permanently capped.
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The “Cookie Monster” Departs: Submariner Date (Ref. 126619LB)
| Reference | Model | Metal | Bracelet / Dial | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126619LB | Submariner Date “Cookie Monster” | 18k White Gold | Oyster bracelet, Black dial, Blue Cerachrom bezel | 41mm |
Also exiting the catalog is the 18k white gold Submariner Date Ref. 126619LB. Introduced in 2020 as the successor to the beloved all-blue “Smurf” (Ref. 116619LB), the “Cookie Monster” offered a stealthier approach to luxury, pairing its hefty white gold case with a stark black dial and a striking blue Cerachrom bezel.
The timing of this exit is notable. While specialized dive models didn’t formally arrive until the 1950s, their DNA traces back a full century to exactly 1926, when Rolex’s waterproof Oyster case innovation forever changed the trajectory of the wristwatch.
The retirement of the 126619LB leaves the current Submariner lineup without a white gold representative featuring a contrasting dial and bezel. Precious-metal Submariners with strong visual identities historically develop robust generational collecting arcs post-discontinuation, presenting a fascinating window for collectors before the market fully prices in its newly minted scarcity.
A Stealthy Exit: Yacht-Master Paved Dials (Ref. 126655 & 268655)
| Reference | Model | Metal | Bracelet / Dial | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126655 | Yacht-Master 40 | 18k Everose Gold | Oysterflex bracelet, Diamond-paved dial | 40mm |
| 268655 | Yacht-Master 37 | 18k Everose Gold | Oysterflex bracelet, Diamond-paved dial | 37mm |
While the massive sports watch exits dominated the Geneva headlines, Rolex also quietly discontinued the diamond-paved dial configurations of the Everose gold Yacht-Master on Oysterflex. Both the 40mm Ref. 126655 and the mid-size 37mm Ref. 268655 paved dial variants are no longer in production.
The broader Oysterflex Yacht-Master lineup remains active, but the removal of these specific high-jewelry tool watch configurations signals a shift in the collection’s aesthetic. The paved dials offered an incredible juxtaposition against the matte black Cerachrom bezel and the sporty elastomer strap.
Because gem-set sports models typically have significantly lower production runs than their standard dial counterparts, these specific Everose references are primed to become highly sought-after rarities as they transition entirely out of retail circulation.
Secure Your Piece of Horological History
With these sweeping discontinuations, the window to acquire these specific references at retail will close soon, shifting the hunt entirely to the secondary market. When a highly desirable Rolex exits the catalog, the market reacts swiftly, and securing one requires moving with intent. We pride ourselves on sourcing the most exceptional, discontinued, and hard-to-find timepieces in the world. Whether you are actively hunting for the newly retired “Pepsi” or exploring the broader archives of the Crown, our experts are ready to help you secure your next piece.
