Cover The new Rolex Perpetual 1908
The new Rolex Perpetual 1908
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The stunning timepiece crafted in luxurious platinum captivates with its striking ice blue guilloché dial
In 2023, Rolex unveiled the Perpetual 1908, a resolutely classic dress watch that comes in 18k yellow or white gold. Inspired by one of Rolex’s earliest watches to feature the revolutionary Perpetual rotor, it was named in honour of the year brand founder Hans Wilsdorf officially registered “Rolex” as a brand name in Switzerland. The launch marked the debut of the Perpetual collection—the brand’s first new line in more than a decade—signalling Rolex’s return to timeless elegance with a modern twist.
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Then in 2024, Rolex introduced a new rendition of the 1908 in 950 platinum, featuring a stunning ice blue dial brought to life through the age‑old technique of guilloché, or engine turning. The intricate geometric rice-grain motif adds remarkable depth and texture, with its captivating three‑dimensional, rosette‑like repeating geometric pattern radiating from the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock.
Above The new Rolex Perpetual 1908
The new Rolex Perpetual 1908
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As light dances across the dial’s surface, the raised design reflects it beautifully, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Surrounding the minute track is a filet sauté, a crimped detail that further enhances the dial’s complexity. To maintain the visual lineage of the original 1908, familiar elements remain, including the Arabic numerals “3”, “9” and “12”, along with faceted hour markers and hands.
Craftsmanship is at the core of Rolex’s DNA, and it is evident in the meticulously designed case of the 1908. The 39 mm case, made from 950 platinum, exudes understated luxury with its heft and presence. Its elegant curves are highlighted by gentle chamfering on the lugs, enhancing the watch’s refined profile. On the reverse, the transparent caseback offers a glimpse of the intricate movement within—a sight that will delight any watch aficionado.
One of the most understated yet impactful design features is the bezel, which features two finishes: the outer circumference bears the signature Rolex fluting, while the inner rim is smooth and domed. It is a small detail, but it adds just enough visual interest to elevate the overall look without distracting from the dial.
Above The stunning ice blue guilloché dial on the Rolex Perpetual 1908
The stunning ice blue guilloché dial on the Rolex Perpetual 1908
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Both the domed sapphire crystal that protects the dial and the transparent caseback are scratch resistant, and treated with an anti‑reflective coating to ensure the wearer always has a clear view of the dial and movement. And with water resistance up to a depth of 50 metres, this beauty is built to last.
Housed within the flawless exterior is the calibre 7140, a self‑winding mechanical movement launched in 2023 with the 1908. Rolex’s hallmark Côtes de Genève decoration adorns the movement’s bridges, with a polished groove between each band that sets it apart from traditional Geneva stripes. Beyond aesthetics, the movement features the patented Chronergy escapement, known for its energy efficiency and resistance to magnetic fields. Made from nickel‑phosphorus, it ensures that the watch keeps time accurately no matter the environment one is in.
Another key innovation is the patented Syloxi silicon hairspring, produced by Rolex, which guarantees exceptional precision in all positions. Fitted with patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, designed by the brand, the movement is not only beautifully crafted, but also built to withstand the demands of daily wear. Driving the Perpetual rotor is an oscillating weight made from yellow gold and cut out to optimise performance. Thanks to all these features, the watch boasts an impressive 66‑hour power reserve.
Above A transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals the calibre 7140
A transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals the calibre 7140
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Completing the package is a matte brown alligator leather strap—a final touch that underscores Rolex’s attention to both aesthetics and comfort. Lined with luxurious green calfskin and finished with tone‑on‑tone stitching, it comes fitted with the double‑folding Dualclasp in 950 platinum, ensuring that the watch sits perfectly centred on the wrist always.
As with all Rolex watches, the 1908 holds the prestigious Superlative Chronometer certification, redefined by Rolex in 2015. This certification means that the watch underwent stringent in‑house testing that goes beyond the already rigorous standards set by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
Rolex guarantees a precision of −2/+2 seconds per day—far exceeding COSC’s requirements—along with optimal performance in terms of power reserve, waterproofness and self‑winding capabilities. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolised by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
