The new Rolex Perpetual 1908 exudes class
Borna BošnjakThe teasers pretty much confirmed it – Rolex is finally paying attention to the Cellini! Well, as it proves year in, year out, the rumours are only sort of true. Rather than a revised Cellini, Rolex is presenting an entirely new model – the Perpetual 1908, marking the beginnings of a new collection. If you actually predicted something like this, chapeau.
The inspiration for the Perpetual 1908 clearly goes back quite a bit, as seen from the watches and as is suggested by the name. In fact, it goes as far back as one of the first watches ever fitted with a winding rotor. Equipped with exquisitely simple white or black dials, the applied markers and pseudo-Breguet handset, combined with the minimal railroad track printing – the Perpetual 1908 is an absolute stunner.
It’s cased in either 18k white gold or yellow gold, both with the complex elegance of the fluted and domed bezels melting into the slightly domed sapphire crystal. The Perpetual 1908 is modern in size, especially for a dress watch, coming in at 39mm in diameter and a slim 9.5mm in height. As is expected from a Rolex, it’s not totally useless when it comes to water resistance, either, rated at 50 metres, though the alligator straps that it comes with may have a thing or two to say about a splash.
The final notable feature, a rarity in any Rolex, is a display caseback. The stunning new 7140 calibre peers through the sapphire, equipped with a skeletonised solid gold rotor. Côtes de Genève are also given a twist, with Rolex applying a small polished groove between each stripe. Its specs are also impressive, featuring the classic Rolex tech smattering of Chronergy escapement, Syloxi silicon hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, with a power reserve of up to 66 hours.
Rolex Perpetual 1908 pricing and availability:
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is available now. Price: A$31,100 (yellow gold), A$32,850 (white gold)
| Brand | Rolex |
| Model | Perpetual 1908 |
| Reference Number | 52508, 52509 |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 9.5mm (T) |
| Case Material | 18k yellow gold or white gold |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Dial | Matte white or black |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Strap | Black or brown alligator leather |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Movement | Calibre 7140 |
| Power Reserve | 66 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$31,100 (yellow gold), A$32,850 (white gold) |