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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual may still be seen as the entry level watch to the world of Rolex, but it is the very watch that is responsible for the existence of all the other models. Rolex makes many watches people highly desire, even spending a working lifetime saving to obtain their grail watch that Rolex offers. Rolex are known for their iconic watches like the Submariners, Daytona’s, Datejusts, Daydates etc, but Rolex did not start with origins in luxury watches. Whilst Rolex started with making the best most durable tool watches possible, which is still the case today, they have become more known for their symbolism of success. However, Rolex does still make incredible watches that are truly designed to be as perfectly simple as can be. Almost in a way going back to their origins, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual tells you the time in a perfect package. It’s a watch model that not everyone pays attention to or even just skips over, but it really is one of their best pieces too so today we are going over everything you need to know about the Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual first came to life back in the mid 1920s, which was around the time Rolex began to revolutionise the matchmaking industry with the introduction of the world's first waterproof wristwatch – the Rolex Oyster. Encased in a hermetically sealed case, fitted with a screw-down crown and case back, the Oyster was a triumph of engineering that made history in the world of horology, especially given the fact pocket watches were still very much the norm at the time. This innovation laid the foundation for what would later evolve into the Oyster Perpetual that everyone sees today in 2024. You could also argue it was also the watch that cemented Rolexes success as all the other watches Rolex made there onwards were in some way shape or form derived from the Oyster Perpetual.
The First Official Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Only 5 years later in 1931, the first official Rolex Oyster Perpetual was brought to the public with two key features that Rolex pioneered, a waterproof case and a self-winding perpetual movement. The waterproof case made the Oyster Perpetual one-of-a-kind in the early 1930s as no other watchmaker had done this; you could now wear your watch whilst doing anything near water or even go swimming with it. Being resistant to water almost made it resistant to things like dust, which today may sound silly but back then the world suddenly went from pocket watches on a chain stored in your breast pocket to a compact watch on your wrist you could now classify as a tool. You could wear it whilst working most kinds of jobs, you did not have to ‘baby’ your watch like you would a pocket watch making the Oyster Perpetual an excellent choice for those with a more active lifestyle.
Source : The Watch Vault
Source : Collector Square
But this was just the start of it, it was Rolexes self-winding movement that made the Oyster Perpetual what it is because compared to any other watch out there at the time, all you had to do was wear your Rolex Oyster Perpetual and it would not run out of charge ever. There were very few automatic wrist watches in the early 1930s, especially those that could be worn on a wrist. With both of these two great innovations on the wrist you now had essentially the first do-everything watch you could wear. Having a one-watch collection would have been very difficult back then because each watch was so unique and different and served its own purpose, but the Oyster Perpetual disrupted the industry massively when it combined so many functions.
One of the defining characteristics of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is its timeless design, which you could also say about almost all Rolex watches. Embodying the essence of the original Oyster created in the 1920s, the Oyster Perpetual boasts clean lines, a classic dial, and a durable Oyster case crafted from a solid block of corrosion-resistant stainless steel or in the case of the more vintage era precious metals such as 18 karat gold. The simplicity of its design lends itself to versatility, making it suitable for any occasion, whether formal or casual whilst never really drawing any fuss or attention to itself.
Whilst today, the Oyster Perpetual is a classic stainless-steel time-only watch, that was not always the case. Back in the mid 1950sRolex released a solid 18 karat yellow gold OP reference 6285, a very bold statement of a tool watch and incredibly elegant, a combination of a pure elegance and tool watch in one package. This was not the only almost unthinkable model by today's standard of OPs Rolex made, some even had a date! Still in the mid 1950s Rolex released an OP with a date, called the Oyster Perpetual Date and you could argue that would technically make it a Datejust as the Rolex Datejust with a smooth bezel is nearly identical to the Oyster Perpetual. However, Rolex eventually decided they were far too similar and discontinued the OP date models in the 1980s to have a better separation of the two lines.
Source : The Watch Vault
Source : Time and Tide
Another interesting and rather questionable model that Rolex made within the Oyster Perpetual line-up was the OP 116000. From 2010 to 2015, Rolex made an OP that could have been quite easily mistaken for an Airking. On some versions, the dial also features Arabic 3-6-9 markings, standing out from the typical batten sticks used which made it rather similar to that of the design of an Airking. In addition to the different hour markings, Rolex made this model available in multiple new colours such as a blue, grape, black or silver dial. This was one of the first watches Rolex started to introduce significant colour to, so for those wanting something different and unique, the OP line is an excellent way to go because of the diverse colour choices you’ve got.
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The beginning of the actual Oyster Perpetual
2010 really marked the benign of the Oyster perpetual we know today as that was when all the colour variations were added the new and improved bracelets made an appearance on the OPs. This would later be upgraded again but the case and shape of the OP in 2010 is very similar to that of the modern say OPs you see in 2024. The more unique colorways like grape were valve then and on any of their OP’s they would have a contrasting dot of colour to the dial above each hour marker. The slate grey sunburst dial had small blue squares, the grape dial had burgundy squares and the white dial had black dots. Something only ever seen within the OP line and no other range so if colour is what you are after, this is the range for you.
Source : Monochrome Watches
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is available in a range of sizes to suit diverse wrist sizes and preferences. While traditionally offered in sizes ranging from 26mm to 39mm, recent iterations have expanded the collection to include larger options catering to contemporary tastes. In 2024 you can choose between the sizes of: 28, 31, 34, 36 and 41mm. One of the models with the most amount of sizing options which is excellent for allowing you to be able to find an Oyster Perpetual that will no doubt fit you perfectly. Additionally, the Oyster Perpetual comes in a variety of sunburst dial colours, from classic black and silver with gold accents to vibrant shades like blue, green, and a multicoloured fun dial, allowing for personalization and expression. Back in 2022 you could get a few other colours like yellow and coral-red, which makes the Oyster Perpetual a very unique model for Rolex as they do not typically make watches with as many colour options as they do for the OP!
At the heart of every Rolex Oyster Perpetual beats a COSC-certified chronometer movement, renowned for its precision and reliability. Whether equipped with the calibre 3130 or the newer calibre 3230, each movement undergoes rigorous testing and stringent quality control measures to ensure exceptional performance in terms of accuracy, power reserve, and durability. After all, what makes this model so special is that it contains the original DNA of what Rolex has become, featuring that waterproof case to 100 metres and a self-winding movement. Had the Oyster Perpetual not worked or come to life, who knows, likely no submariner or Daytona would have ever come into creation so it’s nice to see that their first and most simple watch is still going strong today. With 70 hours of power reserve you really can’t do better and with the anti-shock features of the movement, it means you can wear this whilst skiing, swimming, running or lounging around the pool.
The Highest Quality Manufacturing
Source : Mamic
Despite all Rolexes featuring the same guarantee of the highest quality manufacturing, you could argue the Oyster Perpetual (or any other time-only Rolex) in theory is more ‘reliable’ than the others. This is because the movement is so simple therefore meaning less can go wrong, however, it is highly unlikely for you to ever experience an issue with a Rolex movement regardless of how simple or complex it is. Housing the movement is the case that has been almost identical over the last 70 years. A brushed case, with a smooth polished bezel and the famous three-link oyster bracelet with a fold over clasp in an all-brushed finish. The newer models since 2020 have the easy-link system integrated in the clasp making them more wearable and slightly more sporty. Prior to this, they just had a simple fold-over clasp with the Rolex crown engraved in the centre, like today's ones, but no way to adjust the bracelet on-the-go.
The 2015 Rolex Oyster Perpetuals had a very classic Rolex look to them with their 36 and 39mm case size options, with a clean matt white dial it makes for a perfect everyday watch. The 39mm case size is also that bit truer and closer to the original size compared to the newer 41mm but today with 36mm benign the next size down, most opt for the 41mm version. With Oyster Perpetual being that bit more simplistic in design than any other Rolex model offered today, it makes the watch incredibly versatile when it comes to having fun with strap options.
Whilst the OP looks fantastic on the three-link oyster bracelet, you can make it look a whole lot sportier by switching out the brushed bracelet for a high-quality rubber strap designed to fit your Rolex Oyster Perpetual. ZEALANDE does exactly that, designed with the same attention to detail as your Rolex to ensure a luxurious wearing experience, ZEALANDE offers a wide range of colours to have a play around with for your OP.
Especially if you are someone who enjoys wearing your watches during more sporty activities a ZEALANDE rubber strap can offer a lighter, and more scratch resistant option compared to your bracelet. This way you can enjoy your OP with less scratches on the bracelet and use the durable KFM strap options from ZEALANDE to handle the sporty activities in style and colour.
Source : Mamic
In conclusion, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a watch that started a very successful future for Rolex. The first waterproof watch and self-winding watch made it now practical to wear a watch as a tool, not just a fashionable accessory. Its transformations over the years have seen it grow into a simplistic yet elegant timepiece with many size options, sunburst dial colours and the updated clasp with on-the-fly adjustments. Combine this together and you have everything you need, a time-only watch that does its job perfectly and can be worn on any occasion. With a 100 metres of water resistance you know the watch can be worn on your wrist no matter where you are or what you are doing.