The 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual received a few significant updates from previous models. However, unlike the 2020 Sky-Dweller, the Oyster Perpetual has several new colorful dials to note.
Related: A Review of the 2020 Rolex Submariner Release
See the transition of this simple, conservative model to head turner in today’s review.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual History
The Rolex brand introduced its first patented perpetual watch movement in 1931. This movement meant watches could be wound by means of a rotor ‘weight’ rather than self wound.
A half-moon shaped oscillating weight rotates with the natural movement of the wearer’s wrist, constantly winding the mechanism. Hence the name ‘Perpetual’ as a watch could be perpetually wound. Consequently, this movement is at the heart of every modern automatic watch today.
Rolex introduced its first Oyster Perpetual in 1950, powered by calibre 645 and 1030. The Oyster Perpetual signified simple, yet elegant Rolex style.
Oyster Perpetuals boast a clean, sleek design. They make a perfect business professional watch, and also compliment more formal attire.
However the 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual features a few unique and eye-catching upgrades. In addition, the classic versions received a few updates as well.
Newly Released 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Details
This low-key model doesn’t make headlines like the Submariner or Daytona, but these updates are news worthy.
Let’s look at some of the 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual changes.
Dial
First, check out the new dials. These dials range from simple elegance to flashy and ‘make you do a double-take.’
There are two key, more muted dials. One features a “bright black” sunray dial with white-gold hour markers and hands, and the other has a silver sunray finish dial with yellow-gold hour markers and hands.
The silver sunray dial and yellow-gold marker combination is a completely new dial design for Rolex. We think the pairing really works here. These two classic dials are true to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual aesthetic.
On the other hand, Rolex fitted the model with a few bold and vivid colors as well:
- Candy pink lacquer
- Turquoise blue lacquer
- Yellow lacquer
- Coral red lacquer
- Green lacquer
Some Rolex fans aren’t down with new bright colors, but others welcome a pop of interest to an otherwise minimalist watch.
Case
Secondly, the case size on two Oyster Perpetual models increased. Like the newly released Submariner, two new 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual models are now available in a 41mm case size (the silver and black dialed models), therefore giving them a more sport-like feel. This is an upgrade replacing the 39mm case, which was only debuted in 2015.
Rolex seems to be moving toward larger cases overall due to client demand. That is to say, both men and women are after larger cases. The case and bracelet are both stainless steel.
Meanwhile, as some case sizes increased, the other colored dials from the 2020 Oyster Perpetual release keep a 36 mm case diameter.
Movement
Finally, the movement has been upgraded as well. Similar to the 2020 Rolex Submariner, the Oyster Pertpetual also features the new Caliber 3230 movement.
It has the Chronergy escapement and a longer power reserve, which is a much appreciated upgrade. This movement offers a 70-hour power reserve compared to 48 hours of previous movements featured on the Oyster Perpetual. .
Final Word on the 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster Perpetual is one of the less expensive Rolex watches, making it an entry level model for Rolex collectors. At the starting retail price of $5,900, it’s an economical piece. However, the new elegant silver/gold dial creates an illusion of subtle opulence.
In summary, the larger size paired with the new color combinations make the 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual perfect for almost every occasion. This model works well as a daily wear watch, and in more professional, formal settings.
Technical Specs
MODEL CASE
Oystersteel
DIAMETER
41 mm, 36 mm
MATERIAL
Oystersteel
BEZEL
Domed
WATER-RESISTANCE
100 metres (330 feet)
MOVEMENT
Mechanical movementwith bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
CALIBRE
Calibre 3230, Manufacture Rolex
BRACELET
– Oyster, solid links
– Folding Oysterclasp
– Easylink comfort extension link (approx. 5 mm)
– Oystersteel
CLASP
Folding safety clasp
DIAL
– Silver, gloss, sunray finish
– Bright black, gloss, sunray finish
– Candy pink lacquer
– Turquoise blue lacquer
– Yellow lacquer
– Coral red lacquer
– Green lacquer
POWER RESERVE
Approximately 70 hours
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