While Watches & Wonders 2026 welcomes in the new releases of major watch brands, it’s also when we say goodbye to some of the older references that are put out to pasture in order to make way for the new hotness. Limited production capacity means that brands like Rolex can’t afford to produce every watch in their catalogue indefinitely so discontinued watches are inevitable. Though this year marks a very significant discontinuation: the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi.
Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi Ref. 126710BLRO / 126719BLRO
Both versions of the GMT-Master II Pepsi – white gold and steel – have been discontinued in 2026. This is a significant moment because it’s unquestionably the most famous GMT model in the Rolex line up and beyond that, probably the most famous GMT in the world. One of the possible reasons for the discontinuation is that red and blue ceramic are particularly difficult to produce so it has the best ratio of number of watches discontinued vs amount of production capacity freed up.
A more cynical point of view is that with Rolex stepping into the secondary market with their certified pre-owned program, they want stronger control over the price of one of their most iconic watches. By removing it from production, the secondary market and auctions are the only places you can purchase one.
Rolex Submariner Date Cookie Monster Ref. 126619LB
Adding some credence to the argument that Rolex are discontinuing specific colours of ceramic rather than targeting the Pepsi individually, their other light blue ceramic bezel model is also being discontinued. The Submariner Date Cookie Monster Ref. 126619LB. It’s not quite as iconic as the Pepsi but it’s still sad to see it go as it’s a fun interpretation of the professional dive watch. Plus, you know, Cookie Monster was a cute name.
Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue
One of Tudor’s most popular dive watch colourways has been discontinued, the Black Bay 58 Blue. It has been a staple of the collection for 6 years since it was introduced back in 2020. At least it’s not all bad news as it has been immediately replaced by the Black Bay 54 Blue, though the new watch has a markedly different feel as its blue is far more intense in tone and the size is significantly smaller. I have also seen sentiment that it’s sad the 58 Blue never had the chance to be presented on the 5-link bracelet.
20 Patek Philippe References
Patek Philippe have discontinued a whopping 20 references in 2026. However, almost all of them have been immediately replaced with modern alternatives in their Watches & Wonders release slate. This is something we have come to expect from Patek because they produce a new range of Grand Complications and Complications annually, so there’s a constant rotation of models in the range each year.
I would flag the 5204G-001 as among the biggest discontinuations because it’s a very clean expression of a split-seconds chronograph perpetual calendar. The dark green tone with silver coloured accents is lovely. Its replacement, the 5204G-010 is a lot more chaotic with a combination of blue and red that makes it feel a bit too flashy and in your face.
Other discontinuations include the previous Perpetual Calendar In-Line, Celestial and Travel Time Alarm. The latter is particularly significant as it does not have a replacement among the 2026 releases, plus it was one of the younger models, only released in 2024.
