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Gaming monitors have spent the last few years chasing bigger numbers, but Samsung’s latest Odyssey lineup feels like it has decided to throw just about everything at the wall at once. We’re talking 6K resolution, glasses-free 3D, refresh rates stretching into the four figures, and enough display tech to make the monitor on your desk feel suddenly behind the times.
At the centre of it all is the 32-inch Samsung Odyssey 3D (G90XH), which Samsung calls the world’s first 6K gaming monitor with glasses-free 3D. Instead of asking you to strap on a headset or reach for a pair of 3D glasses, the display uses real-time eye tracking to adjust depth and perspective based on where you’re sitting. The idea is to add another layer of immersion while keeping the experience as simple as sitting down in front of a regular monitor.
But Samsung isn’t only chasing prettier pixels. Sitting elsewhere in the new Odyssey family is the 27-inch Odyssey G6 (G60H), a monitor aimed squarely at the speed-obsessed end of PC gaming. It runs at up to 600Hz at its native QHD resolution and can reach a staggering 1,040Hz through Dual Mode — a figure Samsung says is a world first for a gaming monitor.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 | Image: Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Odyssey 3D Goes All the Way to 6K
The headline attraction is undoubtedly the new Odyssey 3D. Its 32-inch IPS panel packs a 6,144 × 3,456 resolution, giving Samsung considerably more pixels to play with than a conventional 4K gaming monitor. At its full 6K resolution, it runs at up to 165Hz with a 1ms GtG response time. Switch to Dual Mode, and the monitor trades some resolution for speed, reaching 330Hz at 3K.
The specs are impressive, but the real standout feature is what happens in front of the screen. Samsung uses real-time eye tracking to detect where you are and adjust the image’s depth and perspective, creating a 3D effect without glasses or a VR headset.
There’s also 2D-to-3D conversion, which lets compatible content gain extra depth even when it wasn’t originally created for the display. Samsung has also worked with game developers to optimize titles for the technology, including ‘Stellar Blade’, ‘The First Berserker: Khazan’, and ‘Lies of P: Overture ‘.
That matters because glasses-free 3D is only really interesting if there’s something worth playing on it. Rather than treating 3D as a gimmick bolted onto an otherwise conventional monitor, Samsung appears to be trying to build an ecosystem around the feature.
Samsung’s Odyssey G6 | Image: Samsung Newsroom
Samsung’s Odyssey G6 Breaks the 1,000Hz Barrier
If the Odyssey 3D is Samsung showing off what it can do with immersion, the new Odyssey G6 is about one thing — speed.
The 27-inch G60H uses a QHD 2,560 × 1,440 IPS panel that can run natively at up to 600Hz. That is already an enormous refresh rate, especially for competitive gaming, but Dual Mode takes things into slightly ridiculous territory by letting the monitor reach 1,040Hz at HD resolution.
Of course, 1,040Hz isn’t something the average player needs for a few rounds after work. This hardware is aimed at the extreme end of competitive gaming, where motion clarity and shaving tiny amounts of latency can matter.
It’s important to understand the trade-off. You won’t get 1,040Hz at native QHD resolution. That top refresh rate only works in Dual Mode with the lower HD resolution, while QHD maxes out at an already impressive 600Hz. Samsung also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible to help keep gameplay smooth when frame rates change.
Even so, reaching a four-digit refresh rate is a big milestone. Not long ago, 240Hz seemed like a lot unless you played competitive esports. Now, Samsung is offering more than four times that speed.
Samsung Odyssey G8 | Image: Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Gives the Odyssey G8 a Serious Upgrade
Samsung hasn’t stopped at two headline-grabbing monitors. The Odyssey G8 family also expands with several models covering 6K, 5K, and OLED, giving gamers different ways to access Samsung’s latest display technology.
At the top sits the 32-inch Odyssey G8 G80HS, which Samsung calls the industry’s first 6K gaming monitor. Like the Odyssey 3D, it delivers a 6,144 × 3,456 resolution at 165Hz and can reach 330Hz at 3K through Dual Mode. The difference is that the G8 takes a more conventional approach, leaving the glasses-free 3D technology to the G90XH.
Then there’s the 27-inch G80HF, which drops the resolution slightly to 5K but increases the speed. It runs at up to 180Hz at 5K, while Dual Mode pushes that to 360Hz at QHD.
For OLED fans, Samsung has the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH. Available in 27- and 32-inch sizes, it combines a 4K QD-OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, Glare Free technology and USB-C charging up to 98W. Samsung has also moved to its QD-OLED Penta Tandem technology, which the company says improves brightness, efficiency and durability.
In other words, Samsung isn’t betting on one definition of what a flagship gaming monitor should be. You can chase resolution, refresh rate, OLED contrast or glasses-free 3D depending on what matters most to you.
That’s probably the question most people will have after reading the spec sheet. For most gamers, probably not.Even driving modern games at several hundred frames per second can require serious hardware, and running demanding titles at 6K is another challenge entirely. The G6’s 1,040Hz mode is therefore less about turning Cyberpunk 2077 into a thousand-frame-per-second showcase and more about competitive games where extremely high frame rates are actually achievable.
But that’s almost beside the point. Displays like these are less about what everyone needs today and more about where gaming monitors could head next. We’ve already watched 144Hz become commonplace, 240Hz move well beyond esports specialists and 500Hz-plus monitors become increasingly serious propositions.
Samsung crossing 1,000Hz suggests the refresh-rate race isn’t slowing down just yet. The same applies to glasses-free 3D. We’ve seen the concept before, but combining it with eye tracking, a 6K panel and genuinely high refresh rates makes Samsung’s latest attempt considerably more interesting than many of the 3D monitor experiments that came before it.
Samsung Odyssey G8 | Image: Samsung Newsroom
Samsung’s Odyssey Lineup Is Getting Seriously Ambitious
There’s something slightly ridiculous about seeing 6K, glasses-free 3D and a 1,040Hz refresh rate arrive in the same generation of gaming monitors — and that’s exactly what makes Samsung’s latest Odyssey lineup so interesting.
After showing the full range at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Samsung made it pretty clear that Odyssey is becoming a playground for pushing display technology to its limits. From the 6K Odyssey 3D and its eye-tracking 3D experience to the G6 breaking through the four-figure refresh-rate barrier, this feels less like a routine yearly refresh and more like Samsung showing off just how far gaming monitors can go.
Of course, none of this suddenly makes a good 4K 144Hz or 240Hz monitor obsolete, and most gamers probably aren’t desperate for 1,040Hz just yet. But that’s almost beside the point. CES 2026 gave us a glimpse of where Samsung thinks high-end gaming displays are heading next — sharper resolutions, ridiculous speed, and new ways to make games feel more immersive. Whether glasses-free 3D finally catches on remains to be seen, but Samsung certainly isn’t playing it safe with Odyssey this year.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.
If you’ve ever tried to walk into a boutique and ask for a Submariner, Daytona, or even a simple Datejust, you’ll know the answer isn’t as straightforward as pulling out your card. For years now, the Swiss watchmaker has been at the centre of what many call the Rolex shortage—scarcity driving demand, demand driving prices, and prices fuelling an entire ecosystem of resellers and collectors who see these timepieces as both status symbols and investments.
The truth is, Rolex doesn’t need to create hype—it’s already part of the brand. Long waitlists, regional allocations, and a thriving secondary market have made buying a stainless steel Rolex at retail feel almost like winning the lottery. With this ongoing pressure on supply, the Swiss watchmaker has once again adjusted its prices for 2025. After all, when demand is this high, the Crown knows exactly what it’s worth.
This year’s increases don’t just reflect inflation—they emphasize Rolex’s ability to stay untouchable in the luxury market. As the world’s most recognized watchmaker, every move they make creates waves throughout the industry. So what do the new figures mean for collectors, casual buyers, and those still holding out for retail purchases?
Few watches captivate collectors quite like the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Panda’. Its eye-catching white dial with black sub-dials has become a contemporary symbol of status, rarity, and speed. Powered by the sturdy Calibre 4131, this chronograph not only looks the part—it’s designed for accuracy and built for durability, perfectly representing the harmony of style and function that characterizes Rolex.
The Swiss watchmaker has increased the retail price from approximately $15,100 to $15,600; that’s a 2.6% difference. On paper, that increase appears modest, but the real story is in the secondary market, where this model often sells for twice—or even three times—its boutique price.
For anyone fortunate enough to receive a call from their authorized dealer, the extra $500 feels less like a setback and more like a small toll for access to one of the most exclusive clubs in watchmaking. And if you’re after something even bolder, the Yellow-gold Daytona Ref. 126508 staggers at a whopping price of USD $48,400, showing that the Crown’s golden touch remains very much alive.
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 126610LN | Image: Supplied
Rolex Submariner Date
Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner Date
Reference: 126610LN
Diameter: 41 mm
Thickness: 12.3 mm
Material: Oystersteel
Dial Colour: Black Dial
Calibre: 3235
Power Reserve: 70 Hours
Water Resistance: 30 Bar (300 metres, 1000 feet)
The Submariner Date is often considered the sweet spot for anyone starting their Rolex journey. More than just a steel sports watch, it holds the title of being the world’s first true diver’s watch, setting the blueprint for every modern dive watch that followed. Its timeless black dial and Rolex’s Cerachrom Bezel keep it versatile—you’ll see it on the wrists of divers, executives, and collectors alike. And while some frown at the idea of pairing a dive watch with a suit, the Submariner Date pulls it off effortlessly, proving that its design works just as well at a board meeting as it does at 300 meters below the surface.
The submariner has experienced a slight increase, rising from $10,250 to $10,500. It’s a modest change, and since the model is Rolex’s primary entry-level watch, it’s understandable why the brand prefers to keep the price hikes gradual rather than steep. Of course, if you’re after something with more flair, the Rolex Submariner Ref. 126613LN in steel and yellow gold now costs USD $17,600, offering similar performance with an added touch of luxury.
Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Batman’ Jubilee Ref.126710BLNR | Image: Supplied
Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Batman’ Jubilee
Brand: Rolex
Model: GMT-Master II
Reference: 126710BLNR
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 12.3 mm
Material: Oystersteel
Dial Colour: Black Dial
Calibre: 3285
Power Reserve: 70 Hours
Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
The GMT-Master II ‘Batman’ has become the “first big step” for many Rolex enthusiasts, providing an extra layer of functionality with its dual-timezone complication. Its blue-and-black Cerachrom bezel is instantly recognizable, and the Jubilee bracelet adds a refined touch that distinguishes it from its sportier sibling, the Submariner.
With retail now at $11,300, it’s priced above the Submariner but justifiably so—thanks to the Calibre 3285 movement inside, delivering 70 hours of power reserve and reliable precision. It’s a serious Rolex for those ready to move beyond the basics, and its enduring popularity ensures it remains one of the brand’s most collectible modern steel sports watches.
Water Resistance: 120 Bar (1220 metres, 4000 feet)
Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller was created for professional divers who needed a watch capable of going deeper than the Submariner. Equipped with a helium escape valve and a durable 43mm case, it was built to endure the crushing pressures of saturation diving. This maintains that extreme spirit with an impressive 1,220 metres (4,000 feet) of water resistance, while adding a touch of luxury through its two-tone Rolesor construction of Oystersteel and yellow gold.
Now with an 8% increase to $20,300, up from last year’s $18,700, the Sea-Dweller 126603 combines tool functionality with a bold statement piece, offering serious diving credentials wrapped in a striking aesthetic. For those who prefer a more subtle option without gold, the Oystersteel-only Ref. 126600 for USD $13,750 provides the same technical performance in a cleaner, more discreet package. Either way, the Sea-Dweller remains one of Rolex’s most capable and historic professional watches—built for the depths but admired everywhere.
Rolex Explorer II ‘Polar’ Ref. 2266570-0001 | Image: Supplied
Rolex Explorer II ‘Polar’
Brand: Rolex
Model: Explorer II ‘Polar’
Reference: 226570-0001
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 12.2 mm
Material: Oystersteel
Dial Colour: White Dial
Calibre: 3285
Power Reserve: 70 Hours
Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
The Explorer II ‘Polar’ is one of Rolex’s true sleeper models, often overlooked next to the Submariner or GMT-Master II, yet it offers standout looks and impressive functionality. Its clean white dial with bold black markers and bright orange GMT hand provides sharp readability, while the 24-hour display uses the orange hand and engraved bezel to track day and night or a second time zone. Priced at $9,900, it remains one of the most practical steel sports watches in the catalogue, powered by the Calibre 3285 with a 70-hour reserve and Superlative Chronometer certification ensuring precision of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing. Quietly capable and endlessly reliable, it’s the Rolex for those who value substance over hype.
The Yacht-Master 40 in Everose gold stands out in Rolex’s collection as the first model to feature the Oyster-flex bracelet, which combines the durability of a high-tech elastomer with the hidden strength of a metal core. Its matte black Cerachrom bezel and Everose case give it a contemporary feel, making it a watch that looks just as good on a yacht’s deck, by the coast, at a pool lounge, or even at a stylish pool party. It does come at a coughing price of $51,000, powered by the Calibre 3235 with 70 hours of reserve and certified precision of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing, proving that style and performance can coexist. More exclusive than the Submariner, the Yacht-Master offers luxury with a relaxed, playful twist—perfect for those who want their watch to make an appearance including one of our favourites the Oystersteel & platinum Ref.126622 and Everose gold Ref.268655.
First introduced in 1945, the Air-King was Rolex’s tribute to the golden age of aviation, honouring the pilots of the 1930s and 1940s who helped shape the modern era of flight. For decades, it stood as one of the brand’s most understated models—a simple, durable timepiece built with legibility and reliability in mind. While its quiet presence kept it in the shadows of models like the Submariner and Datejust, the Air-King has always represented Rolex’s pioneering spirit in the skies.
The large 3, 6, and 9 numerals on a glossy black dial, paired with the bright green seconds hand and yellow Rolex crown, give today’s Air-King a look that’s instantly recognizable. Once overlooked, the latest 40mm version with an updated case profile and crown guard has given the Air-King a fresh edge, making it a true conversation piece among steel sports watches.
It did not increase much, but a USD $300 won’t make a difference in our opinion; it’s still worth the investment when you think about it. It continues to keep the Air-King firmly in Rolex’s more accessible category, although it’s clear demand has been growing for this model in recent years. Collectors who once dismissed it as the “quirky cousin” of the lineup now value it for its uniqueness and securing one feels more rewarding than ever.
The Day-Date 40 in yellow gold has long symbolized leadership, famously worn by U.S. Presidents and global figures who appreciate the significance of a Rolex. The nickname “President” isn’t just marketing—it’s part of history. Its all-gold design, fluted bezel, and day-date feature come together to produce a watch that exudes authority while honouring Rolex’s heritage.
The price increase to $40,900 reflects more than just Rolex’s yearly adjustments—it mirrors the movement of the gold market, which continues to rise each year. Solid-gold Rolex models are generally more affected by these changes, and the Day-Date 40 is no different. Still, this watch isn’t about speculating on the market—it’s about enduring prestige.
On the secondary market, values can fluctuate depending on age, dial configuration, and rarity, but the Day-Date remains one of the most reliable symbols of status in watchmaking. Enhancing that prestige is the technical core—the Calibre 3255, which offers a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing, ensuring performance that lives up to its reputation.
The Oyster Perpetual 36 with its turquoise blue dial—nicknamed the “Tiffany”—has become one of the most talked-about Rolex models of recent years. What started as a playful pop of colour in the entry-level line has now exploded into cult status, with resale prices skyrocketing far beyond retail thanks to its rarity and resemblance to the Patek Philippe Nautilus in Tiffany blue. At $6,350, which is nearly a 1.6% increase, it’s not only one of the most affordable entry points into a Rolex collection, but also one of the most talked about. Powered by the Calibre 3230 with 70 hours of reserve and a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing, this model demonstrates that even the brand’s simplest watches can attract global attention. A true sleeper turned sensation, the OP “Tiffany” shows that sometimes colour alone is enough to make history.
Rolex Showroom Boutique in Michigan, United States. | Image: Supplied
Why Does Rolex Keep Raising The Prices?
Every January (and increasingly around the start of the year), Rolex announces its new “list” or retail prices — and each time the increase causes a ripple through the collector community. At first glance, the reasons seem straightforward — costs rise, inflation takes hold, materials become more expensive — but for Rolex, it’s a more complex mix of factors. Rolex has confirmed that the 2025 increases reflect “rising production costs, precious-material inflation and currency effects” (for example, a 33% jump in gold prices in 2024). Meanwhile, demand remains so high and supply is kept tightly controlled that small price hikes don’t diminish desirability — they reinforce it.
But it’s not just about what goes into the watch — it’s about what surrounds it. Rolex understands that part of the brand’s value comes from scarcity, prestige, and a list price that’s just above what the market is willing to pay. According to watch industry analysis, steel models saw only about 1-2% increases, while gold and precious-metal models rose by approximately 10-14% in 2025. What Rolex is doing is combining undeniable technical quality (movements with -2/+2 sec/day accuracy, in-house manufacturing) with premium pricing. This way, the “new retail price” becomes an anchor for the secondary market — reinforcing that if you pay retail today, you’re ahead of many who’ll pay more tomorrow.
Finally, broader external factors contribute as well. One key factor is the cost of raw materials — the significant increase in gold prices towards the end of 2024 was explicitly cited as a driver. Additionally, the ripple effects of global tariffs, currency fluctuations, and changing allocations across regions play a role. For example: new Swiss import tariffs could raise costs in the U.S., which then influences global pricing strategies. Business Insider For collectors and first-time buyers, this means: the listed price you see today may seem high, but it’s part of a calculated strategy by Rolex to protect value, regulate demand, and sustain the crown’s ripple effect in both retail and resale.
Rolex Datejust 36 with White Gold & Diamonds Ref.126284RBR | Image: Supplied
What Do Rolex Price Increases Mean For The Resale Market?
When Rolex raises its retail list prices, the effect extends beyond the boutique counter — it ripples through the secondary market and influences how collectors and resellers behave. According to one analysis, the brand’s 2025 increases reflect “rising production costs, precious-material inflation and currency effects.” As retail prices increase, they set a new benchmark for what buyers expect to pay — often pushing resale values higher, especially for steel sports models where demand remains strong.
Data supports this connection: For instance, resale-market tracking indicates that since 2010, many Rolex models have appreciated by several hundred percent. In a detailed analysis of over 50,000 transactions, one watch-market report noted that Rolex models like the ‘Datejust’ showed stronger value growth over a 15-year period, and highlighted that “Rolexes are tangible assets you can wear, insure for a fraction of their value, and pass down. Unlike stocks, they don’t disappear at market close.”
But you should also be cautious broader; despite the retail increases, resale values have softened in recent years — one analysis noted prices for pre-owned Rolexes dipped further in consecutive quarters. “It seems unlikely that secondary prices will stabilize in the near future,” said Morgan Stanley analyst Edouard Aubin of the situation.
What this means for buyers and owners is twofold. On one hand, a higher retail price makes securing a watch from an authorised dealer more of an achievement — and if you do, the gap to resale still gives you a potential edge. On the other hand, rising retail prices set expectations in the secondary market, but they do not guarantee equivalent resale gains.
Or as we like to say, retail price does not equal resale price. A 10% increase in retail price doesn’t guarantee a 10% rise in resale value. Ultimately, each price increase reinforces Rolex’s premium status and validates the secondary market’s premium over retail — but it also serves as a reminder that collectors should stay discerning, focusing on the model, condition, and timing rather than assuming any Rolex will automatically appreciate.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
