The Oyster Perpetual was released as a watch in a class of its own, though the main elements and components of the watch had existed in the world of Rolex long before this model made it to market.
The Oyster Perpetual is so named for its two underlying features: the waterproof oyster case that first arrived on the market in 1926, and the self-winding perpetual movement that Rolex released in 1931.
The resulting watch is one that may have a complex name, but everything else about the piece is both timelessly simple and effortlessly classic. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is built on the foundation of two major milestones in Rolex’s history, contributing towards the success of the Oyster Perpetual, both upon its release and in the decades since.
In this blog, we’re considering the main features of the Oyster Perpetual and how it was brought to life, before exploring its move to become an iconic timepiece coveted by so many investment buyers and watch enthusiasts.
Inspiration and Release of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Perhaps the most notable thing about the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is its reception among those who know fine quality and who recognise the power of a good watch immediately.
Many watch enthusiasts claim that this piece is the closest model to what Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, wanted his brand to be about. The Oyster Perpetual delivers the main and most innovative features associated with Rolex, in a timepiece design that lends itself to any and all occasions. It’s simple to look at, but the refined features and mechanics are entirely Swiss-made and hark back to the founding vision of Rolex as a brand.
Not only does this mean that the Rolex Oyster Perpetual joins the line up of exquisitely made, handcrafted timepieces, but it also means that this particular model and the different variations of the Oyster Perpetual link directly back to the founder and to Rolex’s history. It brings together two of the brand’s most notable milestones, and as a result makes history as a standalone collector piece, coveted by buyers from all walks of life.
Main Features of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The original collections were largely favoured by women, owing to the smaller structure of the Oyster Perpetual and its dainty aesthetic against the wrist. The largest size for a number of decades was the 36mm – popular with Rolex lovers, but often falling just a little on the small side for male wearers.
However, when the 39mm was released in 2015, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual met an entirely new audience and fell in with a whole new crowd. The 39mm combines the simple design with a structure that is accessible to male wearers who want their watch to command a presence – delivering the prestige and status that so many Rolex wearers and collectors want from their timepieces.
Some of the standout design features of the Oyster Perpetual, aside from the hallmark oyster case and self-winding perpetual movement, include:
- The brushed surfaces across even the smallest and most minute of details
- The variation in dial colours
- Vintage models boast a leather bracelet, while the more modern designs are brought to life with the classic steel bracelet
- Uncluttered dials with simple Roman numeral hour markers, keeping the surface and look of the watch face very clean
- Precision and accuracy at the heart of the watch, which is monitored by the perpetual movement
- The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal cover, over the watch face
These are just some of the features that make the Oyster Perpetual such a high-class luxury watch. Buyers will find that there are countless variations in bracelet size and style, case size, and dial colour – with something to suit all tastes.
Is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual a Good Investment?
With all that said, you won’t be surprised to learn that the Oyster Perpetual is often considered to be a timeless investment opportunity. But that’s not the only thing worth noting.
The Oyster Perpetual actually falls on the slightly more affordable end of Rolex’s line, owing to the fact that it isn’t a professional watch, and so doesn’t boast the underlying functionality of many of the sports models and collections. Despite that, the watch is waterproof and dust-resistant, and has the self-winding mechanism that makes it such an easy-to-maintain timepiece.
As a piece of history, and a luxury and high-end stylish accessory, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual perfectly bridges that gap between everyday wear and occasion wear.
And the historical stakes don’t end there. This watch has also made history in connection with its wearers. For example, it was the watch worn by the first person to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest. Not to mention the rollout of the Oyster Perpetual Date models, which added a new style to the market, with an automatically changing date, giving that little bit of extra functionality to the wearer.
Suffice to say, you can’t and won’t go wrong with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, if you are looking for a timepiece investment. This is a watch that is infinitely wearable but that remains a coveted asset among collectors and investment buyers, owing to its underlying design and the direct link with Rolex’s core brand mission and vision.
Buying and Selling Authentic Rolex Watches
If you’re looking to buy or sell a genuine Rolex, then it’s important to deal with a reputable reseller who will offer a valuation service and authentication guarantee with your sale or purchase.
The rise in counterfeits means that buyers in particular need to be wary, taking note of the common signs of a fake Rolex and ensuring that they only hand over their money when they see the proper certification and information that guarantees the watch’s authenticity.
Visit the Love Luxury boutique in London and ask to see our collection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. Or our team will introduce you to other notable and high-quality collections, to help you find your perfect match.
