Rolex watches are designed and built to last. Hans Wilsdorf instilled a philosophy of perpetual excellence on which the brand has forged its reputation. From the outset, the founder of Rolex established a network of watchmaking workshops around the world, tasked with ensuring that all of the brand’s watches could receive the best possible servicing and so preserve their excellent technical performance and a pristine appearance.
The Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, professional divers’ watches par excellence, are unveiled with a redesigned and slightly larger, 41 mm case. They are equipped respectively with calibre 3230, launched this year, and calibre 3235.
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 is presented in a white Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct white gold) and features dials in a variety of colours, with either index hour markers or Roman numerals made of 18 ct white gold.
Completely revised, the Oyster Perpetual range welcomes a new, 41 mm model: the Oyster Perpetual 41. The Oyster Perpetual 36 brings vibrant dials to the range. Both of these watches are fitted with calibre 3230.
The Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet for the first time. The innovative, high-performance elastomer bracelet on this 18 ct yellow gold version has an Oysterclasp and the Rolex Glidelock extension system for enhanced comfort on the wrist.
One of the main challenges facing Hans Wilsdorf was to find a way to protect the watch cases from exposure to dust and moisture, which, if they find their way into the movement, can cause it to clog up or oxidize. In a letter in 1914, he spoke of his intentions to the firm Aegler, with whom Rolex worked: “We must find a way to create a waterproof wristwatch.”
The four Rolex sites
Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex
Watches designed and built to last