Rolex has recently introduced their latest dress watch collection, the Rolex Perpetual 1908, after quietly discontinuing much of the Cellini line. The name "1908" pays homage to the official registration date of the Rolex trademark in Switzerland, and not only the name but also the design of the watch takes inspiration from a century ago.
The Rolex Perpetual 1908, also known as the Rolex 1908, boasts a 39mm-wide case crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold. The case is polished to perfection, while the bezel showcases a double-fluted design reminiscent of previous Rolex dress watches. It features a combination of fluting and a dome shape near the crystal. The water resistance of the Rolex 1908 is reduced to 50m from the usual Rolex-standard 100m, which is understandable considering it comes exclusively with a leather strap and not a bracelet.
At Watches & Wonders 2023, Rolex has reintroduced the transparent sapphire caseback to select watches, and the Perpetual 1908 proudly follows suit. The wide crystal caseback allows a glimpse into the inner workings of the timepiece, revealing the new Rolex Caliber 7140. This in-house movement offers a substantial 66-hour power reserve, thanks to a large golden rotor. Notably, the Rolex 7140 utilizes the brand's Syloxi hairspring made of silicon, a technical achievement previously limited to select ladies' watches. The patented geometry of this silicon hairspring ensures enhanced regularity in various positions.
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is available with a choice of a white or black dial, both exuding a strong vintage aesthetic and a touch of historic charm. Rolex describes these dials as "miniature works of art," a rare acknowledgement from the brand, emphasizing their expertise in crafting dials in-house and achieving greater refinement. Taking into account the legibility concerns observed with the Cellini line, the dial of the Rolex 1908 is designed to provide improved contrast between the dial elements and their background. Additionally, the domed crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating to further enhance legibility.
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 Reference 52508 carries a price tag of 21,000 Swiss Francs.
