Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Classic: Design and Prices

Anyone who loves expensive and high-quality watches cannot help but love Rolex. Their models are considered a status symbol and are an absolute luxury item. There are probably only a handful of watch manufacturers that can match the level of the traditional Rolex watchmaker. But what makes a Rolex so special and, above all, so expensive? We have looked at the most famous Rolex models and present them to you. In this case, the “Rolex for beginners” and an absolute classic: the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Here you will find a great overview: Rolex models.

Rolex: status symbol, investment and comparison

Choosing a particular watch model is not easy. After all, there are many different models in various price segments. Rolex watches, for example, are a status symbol for many people. The brand is internationally renowned and most people know how expensive a Rolex can be. For example, the Day-Date models start at 32,950 euros.

The reasons for buying a watch can also be very different. Some people pay attention to the material when buying, others to the design. However, there are also people who buy a watch mainly to use it as an investment.

Comparison Oyster Perpetual &Day-Date

But in what ways does the Oyster Perpetual differ from the Day-Date from Rolex? The new watches in the Day-Date collection currently start at 32,950 euros. In contrast, the models in the Oyster Perpetual collections start at 4,600 euros and go up to 5,350 euros for the most popular models (special requests excluded). However, Rolex watches differ not only in price, but also in the choice of materials and design, such as differently inscribed or colored dials, as well as the shape and size.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual: Rolex for beginners

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual has become an absolute classic that impresses with its simple and timeless design. It is considered the perfect entry-level watch for “newcomers” to Rolex. According to Rolex, it is the epitome of the classic Oyster and is also quite affordable by Rolex standards, although it still boasts many refined technical features. Since this model is available in different case sizes, the Oyster Perpetual is suitable for both men and women.

The wristwatches are in the direct tradition of the original Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch in the world, which established the reputation of the Rolex brand in 1926. They have all the basic attributes of the Oyster Perpetual collection: chronometric precision, Oyster waterproof case and automatic movement with a Perpetual rotor. With the indications of hours, minutes and seconds and exclusively in Oystersteel stainless steel, they represent the wrist chronometer in its purest form. The anti-reflective coating on the back of the sapphire glass of the new generation of Oyster Perpetual ensures optimal readability of the dial.

Prices

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is one of the most affordable models in the Rolex family. Normally, its price is between 4,500 and 5,500 euros. Special requests or custom models can, of course, exceed this price range.

Oyster Perpetual 28mm Oystersteel: 4,600 euros
Oyster Perpetual 31mm Oystersteel, yellow dial: €4,700
Oyster Perpetual 34mm Oystersteel, blue dial: €4,750
Oyster Perpetual 36mm Oystersteel, pink dial: €5,050
Oyster Perpetual 41mm Oystersteel, turquoise dial: €5,350

Design

The Oyster Perpetual is considered a classic and the mother of all Rolex watches. In contrast to younger models, such as the Daytona, the Oyster Perpetual is a bit more limited in terms of design options. It is only available (except for special requests) in Oystersteel stainless steel; alloys such as gold or platinum are not offered. However, the dial can be chosen in different colors and the case can have a size between 28-41mm, depending on preferences.

Options

Case: 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, 41mm
Dial: clear, dark, colored (yellow, blue, turquoise, pink, red, green)
Material: always Oystersteel
Strap: always Oyster bracelet

Classic style with individual details

The wristwatches in the Oyster Perpetual model line impress with a universal and classic style and offer useful functions for everyday life with their display of hours, minutes and seconds. The new version of the Oyster Perpetual 41 features an unusual configuration: its silver dial with radial cut adorns the hands and indices in 18-carat yellow gold.

Material: The famous Oystersteel

Rolex uses Oystersteel for the cases of all its stainless steel watches. Specifically developed by the company, Oystersteel belongs to the “stainless steel 904L” grade – an alloy that is mainly used in high technology, the space industry or the chemical industry, where maximum corrosion resistance is required. Oystersteel stainless steel is extremely resistant, has an exceptional brilliance after polishing and maintains its beauty even in extreme conditions.

Rolex presents: The Oyster Perpetual

This model is an absolute classic. Here, Rolex presents the Oyster Perpetual in the relaunched Oyster Perpetual collection. This watch impresses with its classic yet modern design and the already typical day and night illumination mode of the dial.

Technical Features

Chromalight Display

The reflections of light on the sides of the central section emphasize the noble shapes of the Oystersteel stainless steel case, which is equipped with a domed bezel. The new generation of Oyster Perpetual wristwatches also features the Chromalight display, whose hands and indices – covered or filled with a long-lasting blue luminescent material – are visible for longer even in the dark.

New: Caliber 3230

The Oyster Perpetual 41 and the new versions of the Oyster Perpetual 36 are equipped with the caliber 3230 – a movement introduced this year, fully developed and produced by Rolex. Several patents have been filed for this automatic mechanical movement. It offers major advances in terms of accuracy, power reserve, shock resistance, immunity to magnetic fields, ease of use and reliability. The caliber 3230 is powered by the automatic winding mechanism with a perpetual rotor. Thanks to the construction of its barrel and the increased efficiency of the escapement, it now has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

Winding Crown

The winding crown, composed of ten different parts, is hermetically screwed onto the case. Thus, for the first time in the history of watchmaking, Rolex has created a waterproof winding crown – a secure interface between the protected and sealed internal operation of the watch and the harmful influences of the outside world.

The Radial Bezel

The radial cut on Rolex dials is a preferred method in watchmaking for applying a color with an intense metallic tone, as in the case of silver gray, rhodium and ruthenium. In most cases, electroplating with silver serves as the base layer for the radial cut. Another color is then applied to the dials prepared in this way. Sometimes the color tones – such as champagne – are created by different metals.

The Oyster Band

The Oyster bracelet, a particularly robust three-row metal bracelet with flat links introduced at the end of the 1930s, is still the most common bracelet in the Oyster collection. It is mounted in particular on all Professional models, but is also used on some classic models such as the Datejust, the Day-Date and the Sky-Dweller. It can be mounted with all types of Rolex clasps (Oysterclasp, Oysterlock and Crownclasp) and is suitable for use with the convenient Easylink extension system.

Oscillator and Balance Spring

The combination of the balance wheel and balance spring is the rate-regulating mechanism that determines the accuracy of a wristwatch through the regularity of its oscillations. In the search for extreme accuracy, Rolex introduced in 2000 a spring made from an exclusive alloy, a combination of niobium, zirconium and oxygen: the Parachrom spring.

All Rolex Models – List

Rolex – Many watch enthusiasts know the brand. There are several models in the most diverse variations. For some people, watches can be much more than just a way to tell the time. Watches can also be status symbols, just like cars, for example. Other people buy a watch to have an investment. Time management, status symbol, investment or as an accessory to an outfit: the reasons for buying a watch can be very different. Here you will find some information on the Rolex Submariner, Daytona, Explorer and many other models. You can also find out which are the most expensive models and which are currently the newest models.

Rolex XXL Models: Prices, waiting times for Submariner, Daytona & Co.

Watch Brands like Rolex: Breitling, Patek Philippe, Cartier & Co.

Aside from Rolex, there are other luxury brands. Particularly popular are the models from Breitling, Cartier or Patek Philippe. A luxury watch is not just a timing device, for many of us it reflects our taste, our style and often our personality. High-quality Swiss watches guarantee precision, comfort and style, as well as lasting value. Skillfully made, each watch contains an accurate movement, a distinctive dial and high-quality materials. In addition to Swiss companies, there are also some other interesting valuable items, for example from Rome (Italy) but also from Germany, such as A. Lange & Söhne. Click here to return to the overview: Luxury Watches.

Breitling: Chronomat, Navitimer, Superocean & Co.

Many watch enthusiasts know the big brands. The Breitling brand is one of them. Watches can enhance an outfit, be useful in everyday life – so that you can always keep track of the time – but they can also tell their own story. Breitling has many different collections, such as the Navitimer, the Chronomat or the Superocean. But what materials are used in Breitling watches? How much do the brand’s watches cost? If you are interested in the collections and their models, you can continue reading here.

Breitling XXL Watches: Chronomat, Navitimer, Superocean & Co.

Patek Philippe XXL Watches: Nautilus, Calatrava & Co.

The Patek Philippe brand shows that watches can be different and not all look the same. Here are some watches for ladies and gentlemen to choose from. From classic models to extravagant shapes: Patek Philippe watches are different. Various Patek Philippe collections have been maintained for several years. Whether it’s the Nautilus collection, the Calatrava collection or the Gondolo collection, the designs of the watches are different in shape and color. You can also discover what the latest models or the most expensive models of Patek Philippe are.

Patek Philippe XXL Watches: Nautilus, Calatrava & Co.

Cartier: Baignoire, Tank Solo & Santos Galbee

We all know the “Cartier” brand and imagine it as a luxury jewelry brand. However, many do not know that the billion-dollar company started in a small Parisian street. Today, Cartier’s customers include many people, from young to old, who are enthusiastic about the brand for its unique design and high quality. But what is really behind the luxury company and what does Cartier represent today? You can discover all this and much more in this article!