It's Rolex's turn to present its novelties for the beginning of 2023. If the crowned brand has decided to stop sales of the Cellini and Milgauss models, which can no longer be found on its website (hello gray market), Rolex has lifted the veil on a dress watch called Perpetual 1908. On the menu, there is a gold watch equipped with its own manufacture movement (Caliber 7140).

1908: year of creation of Rolex

To immediately answer the question you are asking yourself, yes 1908 does indeed refer to the year of creation of Rolex by Hans Wilsdorf. "Heir to the brand's aesthetic heritage and endowed with unprecedented watchmaking innovations, the elegant Perpetual 1908 sets a new milestone in the Manufacture's quest for excellence. An illustration of Rolex watchmaking expertise and certified as a Superlative Chronometer, it combines classicism with the future,” explains Rolex when presenting this new model.

To be more down to earth, the Rolex Perpetual 1908 has a very thin case (9.5 mm thick) 39 mm in diameter in 18 carat gold (white or yellow), a white or black dial depending on the version, and a bezel as fluted as the crown used to wind or set the time.

Water-resistant to 50 meters, it can be fitted with two alligator leather straps of your choice: brown or brown, lined with green. The clasp is a Dualclasp with two symmetrical blades.

A neo-vintage design, a Manufacture caliber

What more can be said about this Perpetual 1908 by rolex ? The dial design of the 1908 reinvents the classic spirit – already very modern – of the first Oyster Perpetuals of 1931. On its face, Arabic numerals – 3, 9 and 12 – are displayed as well as a small seconds counter with 6 a.m. The faceted 18-carat gold hour markers match a set of hands of different styles: sword for the minutes, with a circle for the hours.

The caseback of the 1908 is transparent (sapphire crystal), to make room for its Manufacture 7140 caliber which offers 66 hours of power reserve (frequency of 4 Hz, 38 jewels). Equipped with the Syloxi hairspring, the Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers, it guarantees high chronometric performance (–2/+2 seconds per day). The 1908 is certified Superlative Chronometer.

Finally, note the work done on the finishing of the movement, in particular thanks to the Rolex Côtes de Genève decor and the openworked oscillating weight in 18-carat yellow gold.

Price: €21,650 in yellow gold, €23,050 in white gold