Rolex has long been a brand favoured by the rich and famous, with regular outings to the red carpet, as well as integrated in everyday looks and fashions. It has even been linked with some of the most famous fictional names in the world – for example, James Bond, who most people will immediately picture in a sharp suit with a classic watch on his wrist.
That watch is almost always a Rolex.
So, is it popularity among celebrities that makes each Rolex so popular across the consumer market? Or did Rolex’s popularity come first, with celebrities simply seeking a slice of the brand’s coveted pie?
In this article, we’re looking specifically at the popularity of Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches and which celebrities own and wear them.
Why Is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual So Popular?
To look at the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is to quickly recognise this as being Rolex’s simplest and arguably most elegant model.
Stripped of all the added features and fittings that come with Rolex’s professional models and other collections, the Oyster Perpetual simply tells the time with enhanced reliability and precision. In fact, it is the Perpetual label that ensures this, with the automated self-winding mechanism responsible for complete accuracy, while the Oyster case keeps the watch waterproof to a depth of 100m.
To put it simply, the Oyster Perpetual has long been one of Rolex’s most coveted models because of the way it celebrates the best of Rolex’s innovation and technical development, without the added bells and whistles of other models. This is a purposely simple yet elegant model, with different variations available depending on the buyer’s preferences.
And who better to demonstrate the versatility in design, and the distinct variation in different Oyster Perpetual models, than the celebrity owners who carry their luxury timepieces from high street to red carpet?
Which Celebrities Own an Oyster Perpetual Watch?
Rolex as a brand is seen on the wrists of countless celebrities of all ages and from across all industries.
Many celebrities take their admiration for Rolex to the next level by becoming brand ambassadors, with Paul Newman playing a major role in the creation and popularity of the Daytona model, while Roger Federer is a renowned fan of the Datejust II timepiece.
And the Oyster Perpetual collection has its own legion of celebrity fans.
Victoria Beckham is one of the most famous owners of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual – a pairing that makes perfect sense when you consider the former Spice Girl and fashionista’s own style and the outfits and clothes that she has designed under her own label. Victoria Beckham is famous for her minimalist styling and unrivalled elegance, with the Oyster Perpetual perfectly tapping into that same aesthetic.
Mark Wahlberg is another A-list fan of the Rolex brand, with his own collection including an Oyster Perpetual Celebration model. This particular model of Oyster Perpetual was released by Rolex in 2023, boasting a vibrant and colourful dial. The fact that it is so new makes it particularly interesting, as only very few exist on the current market.
Other famous names who own Oyster Perpetual Rolex models include Lebron James and the aforementioned Roger Federer, whose diverse and expansive collection of Rolex watches includes both the professional models and more classic Oyster Perpetual designs.
How Rolex Became a Celebrity Must-Have
For those wondering how a single watch brand became a celebrity must-have, the answer lies in a complex melting pot of prestige, exclusivity, quality, and price.
There’s a reason why James Bond is renowned for wearing a Rolex, and why some of the top athletes and adventurers have completed major undertakings armed with a Rolex. These are watches that combine their exclusive status with an unrivalled quality and precision. From the added features of the Submariner and Daytona models to the elegant simplicity of the Oyster Perpetual’s clean watch face and waterproof case, quality is always at the heart of every Rolex.
For celebrities in particular, owning a Rolex secures their position in that exclusive club surrounded by wealth and perfection. It’s an accessory that merits the same exclusivity that their lifestyle commands – with the Oyster Perpetual arguably the most versatile timepiece that Rolex has come up with, utilising all the best bits of the brand in its purest form.
Can You Buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual?
With Rolex enjoying such high-level connections within the world of celebrity, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to get your hands on an Oyster Perpetual of your own. After all, without the bank balance of an A-lister, outbidding these buyers is near impossible.
However, the beauty of the luxury goods market is that, while buying an authentic Rolex from the retail market is rare for everyday consumers, the resale and second-hand market is buzzing with options.
From auctions to private sellers and the boutique resellers who provide access to diverse and ever-changing collections, buyers are most likely to find Rolex watches on the secondary market. This taps into the investment potential of Rolex as a brand, with buyers able to resell their items for a profit, owing to the exclusivity of Rolex ownership and the quality that lends each piece a timeless quality.
The lack of retail supply is well surpassed by the demand for each and every Rolex, elevating the investment potential of each authentic Rolex skywards.
But the emphasis here lies in the word ‘authentic’. With Rolex such a coveted luxury brand, buyers must take care to avoid counterfeit goods – only buying from reputable sources and those who offer full authentication certificates and the appropriate documentation. These sources include respected marketplace auctions and boutique resellers who often boast the widest collections of Rolex watches alongside other luxury timepieces.
Browse our leading collection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches and other models, and find the pieces that make you feel and look like an A-lister, at your local boutique store in London.
