The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a classic from the Swiss watch manufacturer. Unlike almost any other model series, this luxury watch embodies all the fundamental elements of a Rolex - the hermetically sealed Oyster case with screw-down crown, bezel and case back as well as the automatic winding mechanism. Thanks to these technological innovations, the Oyster Perpetual was the first water-resistant watch on the market and its popularity continues to this day.
Myth of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is now approaching its 100th anniversary. This alone shows the special significance of this extraordinary watch from the famous Swiss watch manufacturer. The course of history has resulted in a variety of models that is unrivalled.
The Oyster Perpetual made history right from the start of its production due to its high water resistance. The watch became world famous as early as 1927 when the famous British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze crossed the English Channel with an Oyster Perpetual on her wrist. From then on, the popularity of this watch grew and it is still loved today.
Where does the name Rolex Oyster Perpetual come from
There are basically two factors responsible for the name - the waterproof Oyster case and the perpetual self-winding mechanism. These elements are built into many other Rolex watches and form the basis for many other model series.
Design of the Oyster Perpetual
The timeless and elegant design of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is likely to contribute to the luxury watch having a firm place in the Rolex range right up to the modern day. The outstanding robustness of the Rolex Oyster, the water resistance, the Perpetual movement with the mechanical self-winding mechanism and the famous Oyster bracelet are characteristic of all models in this series.
Available in different sizes, the colour scheme of the dial also varies. The colour spectrum is incredibly diverse, with classic versions in a dark blue or a rich green, but the Oyster Perpetual is also available in gold or even with colourful elements.
The bracelet is usually made of stainless steel, although versions in gold or with a leather strap are also available.
The main materials used for the case are carbon, yellow gold, rose gold, red gold, silver, steel and white gold.
Oyster Perpetual for men and women
The great appeal of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is probably also due to its diversity. There are models designed exclusively for men, unisex versions and luxury watches for women
The high-quality watches with case diameters ranging from 26 mm to 36 mm mainly adorn the wrists of women, while the larger models with 39 mm to 41 mm are intended more for men. In terms of colour, the ladies' Oyster Perpetual watches are a little more eye-catching with colours such as pink, yellow or orange, but there are also classic dials here too.
Famous wearers of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Famous personalities have played their part in making selected watches better known to the public. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual has been worn by tennis star Roger Federer, basketball legend LeBron James, rapper Kendrick Lamar, football icon Tom Brady and actors Mark Wahlberg and Sylvester Stallone, among others.
Price of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual
There is a wide range of prices. Entry-level models of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual start from €2,000. There are many models that range in price between €3,000 and €5,000
The older the Oyster Perpetual and the rarer it is, the higher the price. Exceptional watches such as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 (Bubble Celebration) cost around €15,000 or a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 (Tiffany Dial - 124300) is available for €23,500.
This is where it pays to call on the expertise of zeitauktion.com. Thanks to our inspection of all watches and the necessary certificates, the luxury watches are available for a fair market price.