Simple. Classic. Breathtaking.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is THE quintessential luxury watch. Not only does this watch boast a design that was far ahead of it’s time, but it features a rugged functionality that had never been seen before it’s creation. It’s on-wrist style set it far apart from the pocket watches of its day, making it the new standard in watch fashion. Rolex set the bar REALLY high with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, and the rest of the luxury watch world had to keep up.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is the watch that started it all.
The year was 1926, and Rolex founder Hans Wildorf had just designed a wrist watch that had a case like nothing else on the market. The “oyster case”, as he named it, was the first ever to be fully waterproof. In fact, the watch was sealed so well that it could withstand depths of up to 330 feet! In addition, the oyster case protected against dust exceedingly well, and is also hermetically sealed.
You may be wondering what “hermetically” means, and we can’t exactly blame you. We’re all watch connoisseurs here, not rocket scientists.
In layman’s terms, a hermetic seal is completely airtight, and the Rolex oyster case will literally keep any gases from entering or leaving it’s 904L steel shell. Now you can go home, teach your kids what “hermetic” means, and be the man. You’re welcome.
The next innovation that came to the Rolex oyster model completely changed the luxury watch game for the next 75 years. In 1931, Rolex engineered a movement that was the first of it’s kind:
Continuously self winding. Perpetual.
Rolex’s newly designed rotor used the wearer’s natural wrist movements to power itself, which eliminated manual winding all-together. The new “perpetual rotor” made the Oyster more accurate, more convenient, and a complete game changer. This innovation became the gold standard for which all other luxury watchmakers followed.
“Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”
Every Rolex Oyster Perpetual owner has seen these words at the bottom of the watch’s dial, but what does it really mean? The COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) puts every Oyster Perpetual’s movement through a gauntlet of testing that lasts for 15 days.
Each movement is first given blank dials and hands, and then placed in different temperatures and positions over the course of the testing. Results are continuously recorded by cameras, lasers, and computers. The movement must pass a specific set of guidelines to receive a COSC certification. You can be assured that your Rolex Oyster Perpetual will be extremely accurate. Here are a few examples of chronometer certifications that we found in our showroom:
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual says class.
The Oyster Perpetual has maintained is classic, elegant look over the years, which is why we love it. It’s simple design makes it the perfect watch for literally any occasion, whether it’s in the court room or out for a drink with friends. If you want straight up, stylish time-keeping, this is the watch for you.
The Oyster Perpetual now boasts several different case sizes (26, 31, 34, and 36mm), as well as seemingly endless amounts of color and metal combinations to choose from. There is a unique Oyster Perpetual for everyone, and this is a must have in your collection.
Make an appointment today and drop by to shop for your own Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
Did you know? Jonathan’s Fine Jewelers provides on-site watch repair for Rolex and other fine watch brands. Our work is done in house, and fully guaranteed. Check it out below!
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