The Rolex Perpetual 1908: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
As one of the most prestigious watchmaking brands in the world, Rolex has been innovating continuously since its founding in 1905. Originally named “Wilsdorf and Davis” after its founders, the brand was renamed Rolex in 1908.
The watchmaking House is renowned for its high-end timepieces, celebrated for their precision and durability. Beyond luxurious aesthetics, Rolex continually introduces innovations into its creations. Each Rolex watch is meticulously crafted with exceptional attention to detail and the highest quality standards. The brand is equally recognized for its commitment to exploration and adventure, having been associated with numerous historic and sporting feats, such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, or Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh’s deep-sea expeditions aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste in 1960.
Following in the footsteps of the Oyster, Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master, and Day-Date—true icons of watchmaking—Rolex unveils a new exceptional timepiece: the Perpetual 1908.
A Legendary Movement
First introduced in the 1930s, the Perpetual movement was an innovative response to the need for automatic watches that did not require regular manual winding.
The main innovation of the Perpetual movement lies in its oscillating rotor, also known as the automatic rotor. This mechanism allows the watch to wind itself automatically through the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. Prior to the introduction of the Perpetual movement, most watches were manually wound. Rolex’s invention revolutionized the industry by providing a practical, self-winding solution.
This innovation enabled the creation of more durable and user-friendly watches, paving the way for further advancements in watch design and technology. Today, many automatic watches incorporate modernized versions of the Perpetual movement, a testament to its enduring influence in watchmaking.
A Historical Tribute
In 2023, Rolex unveiled the Perpetual 1908, the first model in its namesake collection, honoring the brand’s rich history. The watch embodies elegance through its lines and volumes, while its simple display highlights both technical mastery and the beauty of the movement. The transparent caseback showcases Rolex’s exceptional craftsmanship. With a minimalist design and carefully selected details, the Perpetual 1908 presents a watch with a unique identity.
Elegant, classic, yet technical, the Rolex Perpetual 1908 is certified as a Superlative Chronometer. Its in-house automatic mechanical movement is COSC-certified. Each Rolex timepiece undergoes a rigorous battery of tests in the brand’s laboratories to ensure precision, water resistance, automatic winding, and power reserve. This exclusive status is symbolized by the green seal affixed to every Rolex watch and comes with a five-year international warranty. The watch’s precision is finely tuned, with an exceptional daily variation of just -2/+2 seconds.
The Perpetual 1908 is available in two contemporary colorways: an elegant black dial with matching strap, or a bolder white-and-brown combination.
The Case
The 39 mm case is remarkably slender at 9.5 mm. Its transparent back allows an unobstructed view of the movement inside this new Rolex timepiece. Crafted in 18k yellow or grey gold, the case features lugs with subtle chamfered edges, adding a refined design touch. The bezel is divided into a lower portion with delicate fluting and a domed upper section, creating a subtle contrast, all protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. An anti-reflective treatment ensures optimal visibility under all lighting conditions. The case is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
The dial of the Perpetual 1908 reflects the model’s simplicity and elegance. Available in intense white or black, it features Arabic numerals at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock, along with faceted hour markers for optimal readability and a clean aesthetic. A small seconds counter is discreetly positioned at 6 o’clock, topped by the “Superlative Chronometer” inscription, affirming the watch’s exceptional performance. Its meticulous finishing includes Rolex-exclusive Côtes de Genève on the bridges, reflecting the brand’s rigorous quality standards.
The Caliber
Perpetual 7140
The 1908 is powered by the Perpetual 7140, an automatic mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This technologically advanced movement is the result of multiple patents, offering high precision, autonomy, comfort, and reliability. It features the nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement, ensuring operation even in high magnetic fields, and the Syloxi silicon hairspring for temperature stability. The oscillator is equipped with a variable inertia balance, finely adjusted via Microstella gold nuts, ensuring consistent timekeeping in all positions.
High-Performance Jewel
The movement also includes Rolex’s patented Paraflex shock absorbers for enhanced impact resistance. The Perpetual rotor ensures continuous winding of the mainspring, maintaining constant energy from wrist movements. The skeletonized 18k yellow gold oscillating weight, with optimized ball bearings, contributes to a power reserve of approximately 66 hours.
The Strap
The Perpetual 1908’s strap complements its elegant design. Made of high-quality alligator leather, it is available in matte brown or black, with a bold green calfskin lining for optimal comfort. Tone-on-tone stitching completes the refined aesthetic. For secure and perfect adjustment, it features a Dualclasp 18k yellow or grey gold folding clasp.
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