If you ask most consumers to picture a luxury watch or investment timepiece, their mind will immediately turn to Rolex. Not only is Rolex a brand that people have heard of, regardless of whether they can afford one or not, but its distinct link to the red carpet and to known – even fictional – figures like James Bond gives it a coveted edge. The position that Rolex holds on the market is unrivalled by most other brands, and renders every new watch and release a surefire success.
But, while Rolex as a brand is beloved and recognised by buyers from all sides of the market, what is it about the manufacture and design of these watches that puts them in a class of their own?
Some say it’s the innovation at the heart of each new model, while others claim it to be the quality of material and manufacturing. We believe the status of Rolex sits somewhere in the middle, centred around the core design and sophistication of each and every watch.
Introducing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
To know and love Rolex is to understand, first and foremost, how the mechanics of each timepiece operate. Which is where the Oyster Perpetual comes in.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual refers to the combination of a waterproof structural case and the self-winding automated mechanism that delivers the function of the timepiece. Oyster is the name given to Rolex’s high-quality sealed case, while Perpetual refers to the winding mass built into the watch.
Despite the bells and whistles of Rolex’s other professional models and exclusive wristwatches, the Oyster Perpetual is, at its heart, a simple and elegant model that is uncluttered by additional features.
Sitting at the base of the Rolex market, there are those out there who would claim the Oyster Perpetual to be Rolex’s entry-level timepiece. However, there’s a beauty in the simplicity of a watch that purely tells the time, making each Oyster Perpetual a guaranteed timeless buy that will withstand the test of both time and trend.
So, is it a good investment?
Key Features of the Oyster Perpetual
To look at the Oyster Perpetual, you will see a classic watch face adorned with hour markers, the Rolex crown in place of the 12 o’clock marker, and a ticking hour, minute, and seconds marker.
The Oyster technology first became a hallmark of a classic Rolex timepiece back in 1926, and is what makes each Oyster Rolex a truly waterproof watch. In fact, this technology is what put Rolex’s professional watches at the forefront of the market, creating models like the Submariner, which are renowned for being among the most luxurious yet functional watches in the world.
The Perpetual mechanics were added later, with the Oyster Perpetual as we know it today a direct descendent of those early 1926 Oyster models. These are the elements that make every Rolex so reliable in terms of time, delivering convenience, and precision.
The Oyster Perpetual as an Investment
With all that in mind, how does the Rolex Oyster Perpetual measure up in terms of an investment purchase?
A large majority of authentic Rolex watches are purchased by investment buyers, who seek out the pieces that are most likely to retain and increase in value over time. Much of this stems from the simple fact that Rolex limits its manufacturing and release of each unique model, ensuring there is only a very limited amount of stock on the market at any one time. This limited stock, paired with the high demand of Rolex, means that each piece that is sold commands a large audience and high price tag as a result.
For an investment buyer who wants to see their money returned with a profit, buying an in-demand and timeless Rolex is a foolproof strategy.
And there is no Rolex quite so timeless as the Oyster Perpetual.
Why the Oyster Perpetual Is Such a Timeless Investment
Despite not being equipped with the enhanced features of other models, the Oyster Perpetual is popular for its underlying quality and the fact that its aesthetic design and build is simple but elegant.
Ever since the 1926 release of the first Oyster watches, Rolex has continued to create and release models and collections that tap into trends, but in a way that ensures the timepiece becomes a coveted vintage model rather than simply outdated. From different coloured watch faces to the finish of the three-piece link Oyster bracelet, each Oyster Perpetual is as stylish as it is useful.
And that’s all before we consider the quality of manufacturing and the attention to detail that puts Rolex on the luxury map.
The waterproof Oyster case of the Rolex, and the self-winding movement that ensures complete precision when accessing the Oyster Perpetual’s underlying function, all speak to the quality at the heart of every Rolex. Those who know the brand will know that a Rolex is made to the highest standards, with every element designed by Rolex to surpass buyer expectations.
This, paired with the use of quality materials, means that each Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch is made using the finest components, which are formulated in such a way to deliver simplicity and elegance.
Should You Buy an Oyster Perpetual?
If you’re looking to invest in a Rolex, the Oyster Perpetual is the kind of timepiece that will never go out of style. It has all the hallmarks of a standout Rolex in terms of quality and design, with the kind of aesthetic and core function that carries it from day to night – and practical to stylish – completely effortlessly.
What’s more, the high demand for Oyster Perpetual timepieces from all collections means that your investment will retain, if not increase, its value. And, with so many finishes available, buying an Oyster Perpetual is guaranteed to complete your look and make you feel like the hero of your own story.
