Elegant, classic and decidedly contemporary – the Perpetual 1908 immortalises Rolex’s age-long daring spirit.
Rolex inaugurates its Perpetual collection with the Perpetual 1908, a name given to the model in homage to the year Hans Wilsdorf devised the name ‘Rolex’ to sign his creations and registered the brand in Switzerland.
This elegant and understated watch features a slim case crowned with a bezel that is part domed and part finely fluted. Available in 18 ct yellow or white gold, the case is fitted with a transparent case back. The particularly sleek dial, either intense white or intense black depending on the version, is graced with Arabic numerals 3, 9 and 12, and faceted index hour markers. It also offers a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, with the words ‘Superlative Chronometer’ above in an arc shape. The hour hand is distinctive for the circle just before the tip, while the minute hand is shaped like a two-edged sword.
Classic and contemporary
Inspired by one of the first Rolex watches fitted with the Perpetual rotor, the 1908 is the first member of the Perpetual collection. This new collection is a reinterpretation of traditional watchmaking style imbued with quintessential watchmaking expertise and the aesthetic heritage of Rolex.
The 1908 is defined by its design, which conveys the full strength of the watch’s character in the simplicity of the display and by details that confer its unique identity. This timepiece perfectly embodies the spirit of the Perpetual collection, at whose core lies the celebration of the art of watchmaking in its noblest form.
Refined elegance of the case
The 1908 features a 39 mm case in 18 ct yellow or white gold, with gracious lines and a transparent back that allows the refined aesthetics of the movement to be admired as well as the pivoting of the oscillating weight.
The curve of the lugs is highlighted thanks to a gentle chamfering on their top edges. The bezel is divided, with the lower part being given an elegant fluting and the upper part domed. Made of virtually scratchproof sapphire, the domed crystal and the transparent case back benefit from an anti-reflective coating. The case provides optimal protection for the movement nestled inside, with a guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 50 metres (165 feet).
Perpetual calibre 7140
The 1908 is equipped with calibre 7140, a movement wholly developed and manufactured by Rolex, unveiled this year. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. Calibre 7140 demonstrates carefully finished aesthetics, notably on the bridges which feature Rolex Côtes de Genève with a slight polished groove between each band unlike the traditional finish.
Calibre 7140 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields.
The movement also includes the patented Syloxi hairspring which ensures the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers which increase the movement’s shock resistance. The oscillating weight is fashioned in 18 ct yellow gold and cut out, fitted with an optimised ball bearing.
Calibre 7140 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 7140 extends to approximately 66 hours.
Leather strap
The 1908 is fitted on an alligator leather strap. Available in matt brown or matt black, this elegant strap is individually tailored for the new watch, with a green calfskin lining and tone-on-tone stitching. It is equipped with a Dualclasp – a double folding clasp in 18 ct yellow or white gold. Thanks to its carefully designed shape, the Dualclasp always sits centred on the wrist.
Superlative Chronometer certification
Like all Rolex watches, the Perpetual 1908 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
The in-house certification tests guarantee superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolised by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch, coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
