the oyster perpetual

legendary watches
The front-runner in a collection of legendary watches, the Oyster is the most recognised and most easily recognisable of watches. Over time it has become an archetype. The Oyster benefits from all the technology and know-how of Rolex. Aesthetically, these models have evolved subtly over the years, but their unmistakable identity has always been respected.

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the spirit of the oyster perpetual

the birth of the waterproof watch

The history of Rolex is inextricably linked to the visionary spirit of Hans Wilsdorf, its founder. The young man entered the world of Swiss watchmaking in the early 20th century at a time when the pocket watch was the order of the day. He began to dream of a watch worn on the wrist. Wristwatches were not very precise at the time, but Hans Wilsdorf foresaw that they could become not only elegant, but also reliable. To convince the public of the reliability of his resolutely innovative timepieces, he equipped them with small, very precise movements manufactured by a Swiss watchmaking company in Bienne.

hans wilsdorf

In 1926, a major step was taken with the invention of the worlds first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. This watch - named the Oyster- featured a hermetically sealed case which provided optimal protection for the movement.

the quest for chronometric precision

a living laboratory

Rolex recognised the formidable opportunity to test, fine-tune and showcase the technical performance of the Oyster in different arenas. The worlds of sport, aviation, motor racing and expeditions constituted living laboratories for the watches countless technical attributes. In the realm of motor racing, a beautiful partnership was developed in the 1930s between Rolex and Sir Malcolm Campbell: on 4 September 1935, at the wheel of his Bluebird, this champion of champions set a land speed record of over 300 miles per hour (approximately 484 km/h) at Utahs Bonneville Speedway.

Rolex first concentrated on the quality of the movements. The relentless quest for chronometric precision rapidly led to success. In 1910, a Rolex watch became the first wristwatch in the world to receive a Swiss certificate of precision, granted by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne. Four years later, in 1914, Kew Observatory in Great Britain awarded a Rolex wristwatch a class A precision certificate, a distinction which until that point in time had been reserved exclusively for marine chronometers. From that date forward, the Rolex wristwatch was synonymous with precision.

The Oyster soon boasted yet another outstanding feature. In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the worlds first self-winding mechanism with a Perpetual rotor. This ingenious system is at the origin of every modern automatic watch.

the self-winding movement

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an obsession with perfection

the oyster perpetual movement

The self-winding mechanism consists of a half-moon-shaped oscillating weight, which pivots freely on its central axle, in one direction, then the other with the natural movements of the wrist. It transmits uninterrupted natural energy to the watch.The oscillations of the weight create energy which is stored in the mainspring. Today, a Rolex watch enjoys an autonomy of approximately 50 hours. The Perpetual rotor system of the Oyster movements is recognisable by two red reversing wheels that allow the rewinding of the movement regardless of the rotation direction of the oscillating weight.

the oyster case

Very few people in the world are allowed inside a Rolex Oyster. Only authorised Rolex retailers have the necessary know-how, skills and equipment to gain access. Hermetically sealed to the case with a massive torque of five Newton metres, the back of any Oyster, as this caseback demonstrates, creates an environment that protects the movement from shocks, pressure, dust, water and any other intrusive element.

the superlative chronometer

The four simple words SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED engraved on the timepieces dial mean that the movement of this watch has endured 15 days and nights of testing by the COSC (Contrle Officiel Suisse des Chronomtres), an independent not-for-profit association. To receive COSC certification, a watch must demonstrate extreme precision in a variety of positions and temperatures the standard level of quality for every Rolex Chronometer.

904l steel

Rolex uses 904L steel for its steel watch cases. 904L is usually reserved for the chemical industry, where maximum resistance against corrosion proves essential. In this manner, 904L perfectly complements the other precious metals used by Rolex. A super alloy, 904L is unimaginably resistant and able to be polished to a high degree.

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an obsession with perfection

lady oyster perpetual

26 mm Officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC) Waterproof to 100 m/330 feet Self-winding movement Oyster bracelet

STEEL Silver dial Domed bezel 176200

STEEL AND WHITE GOLD Black dial Fluted bezel 176234

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an obsession with perfection

oyster perpetual
31 mm Officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC) Waterproof to 100 m/330 feet Self-winding movement Oyster bracelet

STEEL Silver dial Domed bezel 177200

STEEL AND WHITE GOLD Pink dial Fluted bezel 177234

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an obsession with perfection

oyster perpetual date

34 mm Officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC) Waterproof to 100 m/330 feet Self-winding movement Oyster bracelet

STEEL Black dial Domed bezel 115200

STEEL AND WHITE GOLD Silver dial set with diamonds Fluted bezel 115234

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an obsession with perfection

air-king
34 mm Officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC) Waterproof to 100 m/330 feet Self-winding movement Oyster bracelet

STEEL Blue dial Domed bezel 114200

STEEL AND WHITE GOLD Pink dial Fluted bezel 114234

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an obsession with perfection

oyster perpetual
36 mm Officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC) Waterproof to 100 m/330 feet Self-winding movement Oyster bracelet

STEEL Silver and blue concentric dial Domed bezel 116000

STEEL AND WHITE GOLD Pink dial set with diamonds Fluted bezel 116034

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