Introducing the all-new Rolex Perpetual 1908 Collection
When Rolex teased their new releases last week, a small golden crown set the rumor mill on fire. Many enthusiasts expected to see a new or revamped Cellini model released today, but Rolex gave us something else entirely. Today Rolex dropped the all-new Perpetual Collection - A collection of watches not unlike the Cellini, but not exactly the same either.
THE BASICS:
Brand : Rolex
Model : Perpetual 1908 Collection
Case Material : 18k White or Yellow Gold
Case Size : 39mm
Water Resistance : 50m
Movement : Calibre 7140
Movement Specs: Automatic, 66-Hour Power Reserve
Strap Options : Black or Brown Alligator Leather Strap
The Juice:
It’s not very often we see Rolex release an entire collection at one time. While most of the difference between the watches are material, the inclusion of a dress watch that isn’t a Day-Date is welcomed, if not something to really be excited about.
The Perpetual 1908 Collection gets its namesake from the year the Crown was trademarked. Interestingly though, the models take their influence from the Oyster Perpetual’s of the 1930’s. The 3, 9, and 12 o’clock Arabic numerals with a sub seconds at 6, harken back to the dials we saw on a much older vision of Rolex’s past. Of course, as Rolex always does, modernizes the watch for a new audience. Further, and we just saw this with a new Daytona, the brand has opened up the caseback for the wearer to see the 7140 Calibre - an obvious modern upgrade.
The modernization doesn’t stop there. The 39mm 18k gold case is fluted on the edge of the bezel as well as the edge of the caseback. It adds a level of class to the watch that firmly roots it in the dress watch category. Personally, I love to see something that isn’t sporty come out of Rolex. While the Day Dates are of course the most classic of Rolex dress watches, only coming on a bracelet allows for them to be dressed down quite well. The Perpetual 1908 on an alligator leather strap is something very different from the brand.
Overall, I find the Perpetual 1908 Collection to be a slam dunk for Rolex. While the precious metal category may deter a lot of casual collectors of The Crown, the inclusion of a dressier option that isn’t a Cellini feels like a natural extension, even if a bit unexpected. I find the collection to be the more interesting of the brand’s releases this year and that makes me look forward to what Rolex does next.
How Much Does the Rolex Perpetual 1908 Costt?
The price for the Rolex Perpetual 1908 is $22,000 USD. You can read more about the Collection at Rolex.com.