Rolex celebrates 100 years of the Oyster

Marking the start of this year’s Watches and Wonders, Rolex has paid homage to 100 years of the Oyster with the Perpetual 41.

In a yellow Rolesor version, the crown says the new launch is designed to evoke a reflection on 100 years of the model.

This year’s novelty reinterprets the historic aesthetic of a two-material combination by pairing a bezel and winding crown in yellow gold with a bracelet entirely in Oystersteel. 

Delving deeper into the history, the winding crown features the number 100 in relief. On the slate dial, the inscription ‘100 years’ appears at 6 o’clock in place of the usual ‘Swiss made’ marking. 

Then, each five-minute interval on the minute track is denoted by a green square, and the name ‘Rolex’ is pad printed in the same green, the brand’s emblematic colour.

The Oyster case of the Oyster Perpetual 41 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), while the middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel and crowned with a domed bezel. 

Its case back, edged with fine fluting, is screwed down with a special tool employed by approved watchmakers. Meanwhile, the Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. 

Scratchproof sapphire is deployed for the crystal and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. 

Developed in the late 1930s, the Oyster bracelet is fitted on all the watches in the Oyster Perpetual range and comprises rows of three broad and slightly curved links. 

The bracelet on the Oyster Perpetual 41 is equipped with an Oysterclasp and also includes the Easylink comfort extension link, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm for instant additional comfort.

Equipped with the calibre 3230, developed and manufactured entirely by Rolex, the movement incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability.

Made of nickel-phosphorous, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields and is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring. It is also equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position.

Self-winding, it offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

The Oyster Perpetual 41 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification, an exclusive designation issued to each watch leaving the Rolex workshops, strictly controlled by internationally recognized, independent Swiss entities.

In 2026, the Superlative Chronometer certification was strengthened with the addition of three new testing criteria: resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability.