Rolex Oyster Perpetual

About the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch

The Oyster Perpetual is a collection of Rolex watches defined by its use of Oyster case and its self-winding Perpetual movement. These watches display the time with running seconds and don’t have any additional features such as date display, like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date. The Oyster Perpetual name is used as a prefix for many of its watches to note the water-resistant case and movement type, so it can be confusing with some of the other collections.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection has a long and prestigious history, starting in 1926 with the release of the famous Oyster case which was the first of its kind, being both dust and water-resistant. Then in 1931, Rolex released the first automatic self-winding Perpetual movement. This collection was then released in 1945 with the combination of these two inventions and has served as a foundation for most Rolex watches that followed.

Because the Oyster Perpetual has a strong production presence there are a wide range of references on the market, and over the years some of the older references have been discontinued and can be hard to find. However, at Ramsdens we carry newer models as well as a number of vintage models for both men and women.

Current Rolex Oyster Perpetual Models

Since Oyster Perpetual has a long history, there are hundreds of variations of models available. Although a lot of the models have been discontinued today, the Oyster Perpetual range that is still in production today are:

• Ref. 276200
• Ref. 277200
• Ref. 124200
• Ref. 126000
• Ref. 124300

But because we sell used Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches, you can find both newer and vintage discontinued models alike.

Popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual Models

With both discontinued and newer variations in mind, there are a few popular references to look out for:

• Ref. 1018: Produced in the 1960s for a few years, this Oyster Perpetual 36mm is extremely rare and is similar to the Rolex Explorer models.
• Ref. 116000: This Oyster Perpetual 36mm model is very popular and on some versions, the dial also features an Arabic 3-6-9 numbering. In addition to different indexing, this Rolex Oyster can be found with a blue, grape, black or silver dial. The modern version, ref. 126000, can be found in a variety of other colours.
• Ref. 114300: Boasting a 39mm case, this Oyster Perpetual was launched in 2018 and features a stark-white dial alongside blue, grey and black models.
• Ref. 277200: This model is the 2020 updated version of the ref. 177200 women’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch with new coloured dial options including red, blue, green and yellow and features all index hour markers.
• Ref. 124300: Another 2020 release, this Oyster Perpetual model is the largest to date, with a 41mm case. Giving a more modern-sporty wear over the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm. Available in all of the new dial colours except for pink and rose.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Features

Within the Oyster Perpetual watch range, there are a wide range of different models and styles available. Despite the changes, the Oyster Perpetual has always held a timeless design, sleek elegance and durable construction. All the watch models are made with the waterproof and dustproof Oyster case and self-winding Perpetual movement.

Within the collection, there are a wide range of men’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches which offer a sportier sleek look. Whereas the women’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual models offer more delicate and beautiful designs and can be seen with gold or diamond accents. Both men’s and women’s collections have a wide range of models and styles.

Oyster Perpetual Case Sizes

Originally designed as a men’s Rolex Oyster Perpetuals model, the case sizes were the bulkier 36mm, but the case sizes have been changed to suit both men and women alike. Of course, case sizes on some watches can only be bought as preowned Rolex Oyster Perpetuals as they are discontinued today such as the 24mm, 26mm and 39mm. However still in production today is the 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm and 41mm case sizes.

Oyster Perpetual Materials

You can find Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches in a variety of metal options and materials on the market. Vintage and discontinued models can be found in both solid gold and two-tone versions. Whereas today, Rolex Oyster Perpetual collections can be found in stainless steel.

Oyster Perpetual Bezels

With older models, Rolex Oyster Perpetual was fitted with both fluted and engine-turned bezels with a variety of styles depending on the model. Today, modern Oyster Perpetuals are fitted with smooth stainless steel bezels.

Oyster Perpetual Dials

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual models are known for their simple dial with no date display, with the style of the dial changing over the years with various colours. Of course, over the years the model Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date was released which added the date display.

Oyster Perpetual Bracelets

Vintage and discontinued models of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual can be found with Jubilee bracelets or with leather straps. However, traditionally they are fitted with Oyster bracelets in the same metal as the rest of the watch.

Pre Owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual

We stock a wide range of used Oyster Perpetual watches that are all in great condition and still hold the luxury of the Rolex name. Buying preowned is a great way to find older and discontinued models of this collection. For other great used models, take a look at our full range of preowned Rolex watches.

When you buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Ramsdens, rest assured that you are getting a high-quality purchase. All of our Rolex Perpetual watches are individually assessed and valued by our experts before going on sale, so you can be confident that your new timepiece is completely genuine. For extra peace of mind, many are also available with their box and original papers.

Once you have your used Rolex Oyster Perpetual, you’ll want to take care of it, especially if it’s a discontinued model. We have a handy watch care and cleaning guide which will help to make sure that your luxury watch stays looking pristine.