The Essence of the Oyster
February 15, 2023
Watches in the Oyster Perpetual range are symbols of universal and classic style, while offering essential day-to-day functions – hours, minutes and seconds. Firmly rooted in the pioneering origins of Rolex, these models embody timeless form and function. They represent timepieces in their purest form.
The Oyster Perpetual is considered one of the most recognized watches in the world and one of the most significant. A universal icon, the Oyster Perpetual exemplifies Rolex excellence, a pure expression of chronometer authority. The core functionality of the Oyster Perpetual is expressed singularly and perfectly, with modern-day references perfectly reflecting the origins of Rolex's iconic tool watch range. The Oyster watch provided the framework and status for everything that came after to make Rolex what it is today.
The Swiss manufacturers’ illustrious history started here, noted by the name “Oyster,” which can be seen on most Rolex watches today. The Oyster was the world's first waterproof wristwatch, famously worn by Mercedes Gleitze on her remarkable swim across the English Channel in 1927. Incorporating a newsworthy physical feat, the story brought attention to Rolex and created a new era of promoting and selling watches through ingenious marketing and public relations techniques.
The Swiss manufacturers’ illustrious history started here, noted by the name “Oyster,” which can be seen on most Rolex watches today. The Oyster was the world's first waterproof wristwatch, famously worn by Mercedes Gleitze on her remarkable swim across the English Channel in 1927. Incorporating a newsworthy physical feat, the story brought attention to Rolex and created a new era of promoting and selling watches through ingenious marketing and public relations techniques.
Oyster Perpetual watches are direct descendants of the original Oyster launched in 1926, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch and the foundation on which Rolex has built its reputation. A certified Superlative Chronometer, the Oyster Perpetual features all the key characteristics of the Oyster Perpetual collection – excellent chronometric precision, the waterproof Oyster case, and a mechanical self-winding movement via Perpetual rotor. Understated and elegant, this timepiece is known for its universal, classic style.
DYNAMIC AND TIMELESS
The Oyster Perpetual provides a clear and accurate time display – hours, minutes and seconds. The different versions of the watch stand out with dials in subtle or vibrant colours, whether it is a sophisticated silver, bright blue or bright black dial in a sunray finish, or an eye-catching candy pink, turquoise blue or green lacquer dial. The Oyster Perpetual comes in five sizes – 28, 31, 34, 36 and 41 mm – providing the largest choice of diameters for a Rolex range.
The models are paired with a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, which is secure and comfortable. It is equipped with a folding Oysterclasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, that enables the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.
The Oyster Perpetual is made exclusively of Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family – alloys that are most commonly used in high technology. Oystersteel is extremely resistant to corrosion, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its sheen over time.
DYNAMIC AND TIMELESS
The Oyster Perpetual provides a clear and accurate time display – hours, minutes and seconds. The different versions of the watch stand out with dials in subtle or vibrant colours, whether it is a sophisticated silver, bright blue or bright black dial in a sunray finish, or an eye-catching candy pink, turquoise blue or green lacquer dial. The Oyster Perpetual comes in five sizes – 28, 31, 34, 36 and 41 mm – providing the largest choice of diameters for a Rolex range.
The models are paired with a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, which is secure and comfortable. It is equipped with a folding Oysterclasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, that enables the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.
The Oyster Perpetual is made exclusively of Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family – alloys that are most commonly used in high technology. Oystersteel is extremely resistant to corrosion, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its sheen over time.
RELIABILITY AND PRECISION
The Oyster Perpetual’s case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that grants only certified Rolex watchmakers access to the movement. Another core component in the watertight structure is the Twinlock winding crown that is fitted with a double waterproofness system and screws down securely against the case.
Depending on its size, the Oyster Perpetual is equipped with either calibre 2232 (for models in 28, 31 and 34 mm) or calibre 3230 (for models in 36 and 41 mm), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks, convenience and reliability.
SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
The Oyster Perpetual’s case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that grants only certified Rolex watchmakers access to the movement. Another core component in the watertight structure is the Twinlock winding crown that is fitted with a double waterproofness system and screws down securely against the case.
Depending on its size, the Oyster Perpetual is equipped with either calibre 2232 (for models in 28, 31 and 34 mm) or calibre 3230 (for models in 36 and 41 mm), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks, convenience and reliability.
SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
Epitomizing the core qualities of a Rolex wristwatch, the Oyster Perpetual is where a collector's journey often begins. For many, the current Oyster Perpetual collection allows for entry into the illustrious world of Rolex. From the English Channel to the top of Everest, the Oyster case fostered the development of other contemporary Rolex icons, such as the Explorer and Submariner.
An ideal canvas for an aesthetic expression, the classic good looks of the Oyster Perpetual are conveyed through an array of shades of silvery gray, blues, greens, turquoise, and even a brilliant pink dial. It is often the most straightforward design concept that is the most sublime. Some might consider the watch minimalistic, but the Oyster Perpetual shines with history, style, and unparalleled quality.
Visit us to discover first-hand the Oyster Perpetual
As an Official Rolex Retailer, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.
DISCOVER THE COLLECTION VISIT US
An ideal canvas for an aesthetic expression, the classic good looks of the Oyster Perpetual are conveyed through an array of shades of silvery gray, blues, greens, turquoise, and even a brilliant pink dial. It is often the most straightforward design concept that is the most sublime. Some might consider the watch minimalistic, but the Oyster Perpetual shines with history, style, and unparalleled quality.
Visit us to discover first-hand the Oyster Perpetual
As an Official Rolex Retailer, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.
DISCOVER THE COLLECTION VISIT US
