Description

The Oyster Perpetual is not just a model name. These two words define two of the greatest achievements in the history of watchmaking. Introduced by Rolex in 1926, the Oystercase was the first hermetically sealed watch case in the world, offering resistance against water, dust, moisture, heat, cold, sand or grease. And in1931, Rolex patented the self-winding ‘Perpetual’ mechanism featuring a rotor that would continuously wind the barrel by the perpetual motion of the wrist.
Both terms combined, it denotes the watch’s water-resistance and the automatic movement.

As Rolex’s collection expanded, the name ceased to refer to one specific collection and instead became a prefix, on to which the likes of Explorer, Datejust, Day Date, Daytona, Yacht-Master and Milgauss were attached.

Then there is the un-suffixed Oyster Perpetual (OP) collection, with its simple three-hand design. This collection has become one of the definitive models within the Rolex catalogue.

The OP was made only in 26mm, 31mm and 34mm sizes, primarily for ladies. But that changed in 2014, when Rolex introduced the 36mm and then the 39mm in 2015, extending the line to the male audience.

Although an entry level Rolex, the OP offers incredible versatility, making it a perfect watch for any occasion. In 2020, Rolex discontinued the 39mm, and introduced a 41mm OP line, refreshing it with new colored dials, similar to the ‘Stella dials’ that Rolex produced for the Day-Date and Oyster Date collections in the past. And as with almost all Rolex models, this new line in various colors has joined the ‘waitlist’ club, making it difficult to obtain even the basic among the greats.

The present Ref: 124300-0006 Turquoise (Tiffany) Blue dial was launched in 2020 and is the most sought-after among all Oyster Perpetuals. This dial has a bright, fresh, and very-uncommon-for-Rolex, Turquoise color, which instantly stands out from their ordinary supply of dials. Some ADs are not even taking down names for this timepiece. Such is the popularity of this model.

This beautiful timepiece features an ‘Oystersteel’ case size measuring 36mm in diameter and a winding crown with Twinlock double waterproofness system, making this water-resistance to 100 meters.

On the inside is the upgraded self-winding Caliber 3230 offering 70hrs power reserve and is incredibly precise at just -2/ 2 sec/day.

This beautiful timepiece comes on an Oyster bracelet with a Folding Oysterclasp and an Easylink 5mm comfort extension link.

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.