Rolex Oyster Perpetual - The Ultimate 2022 Guide
The words “Oyster” and “Perpetual” should sound familiar to you if you’re an avid Rolex fan or collector. After all, Rolex proudly displays these two words on the dials of most of its timepieces to remind customers of two of its most important technical innovations.
The phrase “Oyster Perpetual” can also be found in the names of most Rolex watches, including the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner.
Therefore, one could think these words are simply features found in Rolex timepieces. What some people don’t know is that there is a dedicated “Rolex Oyster Perpetual” lineup of timepieces, and it’s actually one of Rolex’s most popular ones.
But, what is it that makes the Rolex Oyster Perpetual stand out from other Rolex models? What should you expect from the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, and should you look to purchase one?
In this guide, we will look at what makes the Rolex Oyster Perpetual unique among other Rolex timepieces. We will also discuss the origins of the words Oyster and Perpetual, as well as take a brief look at some of the most notable Oyster Perpetual timepieces.
What You Need to Know about the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a quintessential Rolex watch. It doesn’t feature any unique complications or decorations. It simply tells the time. Its name is also a combination of two of Rolex’s most significant technological breakthroughs in watchmaking, which paved the way for the development of tool watches.
Origin
In 1926, Rolex developed the first commercially available waterproof and dustproof wristwatch, named the “Oyster.” In order to prove its functionality, Rolex advertised the watch submerged in aquariums. The Oyster was even worn as a necklace by British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze when she swam across the English Channel in 1927.
However, a waterproof case was not enough. The mandatory winding of the timepieces often led to leakage from the crown thread. This issue was solved by the release of an automatic movement that utilized a 360o self-winding rotor, named the “Perpetual”. Thus, the Oyster Perpetual was born, a wristwatch that could be worn in any situation without fear of damage.
Characteristics
Throughout the years, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual has had several different iterations. However, most of them have maintained similar characteristics in some key aspects of the watch.
Dial
The dial layout is the main difference that sets the Oyster Perpetual apart from all other Rolex lineups. The simplicity of the dial with baton markers and no date is why people gravitate towards it as a daily driver.
In 2020, Rolex decided to offer some unique dial color options along with the more traditional black, blue and silver dials. In general, these funky dial colors were very well received, and have increased the popularity of the Oyster Perpetual lineup as a whole.
Bezel
The original Oyster Perpetual featured a fluted bezel, which was used to screw the acrylic crystal on the watch case. However, later iterations integrated the crystal in the watch case which made the fluted bezel a decorative aspect of the watch rather than an essential part of it.
Nowadays, most modern Oyster Perpetual models have foregone the fancy fluted bezel in favor of the more simplistic fixed bezel. This change adds to the overall utilitarian aesthetic of the watch and enhances its status as an everyday timepiece for all occasions.
Case
While the case shape has remained largely intact throughout the years, the Oyster Perpetual has had several changes to its case size. It started with a rather modest 28mm case size in 1926 and has reached a case size of 41 mm for the most recent iteration.
In fact, the Oyster Perpetual is the Rolex model with the most case sizes available brand new. The range spans from 28 and 31 mm, which are considered ladies models, to 41 mm. There is also the much-loved and recently discontinued 39 mm variation, which was the ideal size for most people.
Notable Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watches
Now, let’s have a look at some of the most notable Rolex Oyster Perpetual references of the past, as well as what modern options are available if you’re looking to buy one brand new.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Bubbleback”
The first few Rolex Oyster Perpetual iterations all featured a unique trait. They all had a rounded and very protruding case back. Combined with their thick acrylic crystal and smaller case diameter, these timepieces were considerably bulky and have been dubbed the “Bubbleback.”
These timepieces have long since been discontinued. However, they are very highly coveted by Rolex enthusiasts since they symbolize the roots of the Oyster Perpetual lineup. If you’re interested in one, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one in good condition, and you will probably have to spend a large amount of money to obtain it.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Ovettone”
In general, Oyster Perpetuals of the 1940s and 1950s were very small compared to today’s standards, with case diameters of 32 to 34 mm. However, an exception to that was the so-called “Ovettone”, which roughly means big egg. The Oyster Perpetual Ovettone featured a 36 mm case, a diameter that would become more standard in the decades to come.
In particular, reference 6298 was one of the most important Ovettone since it was the predecessor to the Rolex Explorer that climbed to the top of Everest. Nowadays, these specific timepieces fetch a hefty price since they are very collectible.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date
During the 1950s, Rolex made a slight deviation from the standard Oyster Perpetual design by including a date window and providing the option of a fluted bezel. Thus, these Oyster Perpetual Date timepieces could easily be mistaken for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust.
The key difference between the two is that the Datejust changed its date automatically at midnight, whereas the one on the Oyster Perpetual Date had to be changed manually. The additional functionality of the date window has made these timepieces very desirable even to this day.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 28 mm Ref. 276200
In the modern era, the Oyster Perpetual lineup begins with the ref. 276200, which is part of the ladies' collection at 28 mm. The watch comes with a limited selection of dial colors; however, the design of the dial is very symmetrical, with single batons all around.
The watch is powered by the reliable caliber 2232 that features a Syloxi balance spring. The quality and attention to detail are also on par with any other Rolex model.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 mm Ref. 277200
Another member of the ladies’ collection that shares the same design elements with the 28 mm, including single baton indices. This reference is also equipped with the same caliber 2232 as the 28 mm variation.
However, the 31 mm also features the colorful dials found on the larger 36 mm and 41 mm variations. It also features the highly elusive and very desirable candy pink dial color found only on the 36 mm variant.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 mm Ref. 124200
The 124200 finds itself in a weird spot among the Oyster Perpetual lineup. It was initially considered the smaller variation of the now-discontinued and highly appreciated 39 mm ref. 114300. Also, its size and unisex design make it ideal for ladies as well as gentlemen with smaller wrists.
It shares the same movement and dial colors with the 28 mm, including the very popular silver color. It also features Roman numerals on the outside of the indices, something that’s not found on any other variation of the Oyster Perpetual.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 mm Ref. 126000
Jumping up to 36 mm in size, you get the first noticeable difference on the dial of the Oyster Perpetual - double baton indices on the 3, 6, and 9-hour markers. It also features the full range of Rolex’s new lacquer dials, including the previously-mentioned Candy Pink.
The watch is equipped with Rolex’s high-end caliber 3230, which features a whopping 70-hour power reserve. This further enhances the watch’s functionality and appeal as your everyday timepiece.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 mm Ref. 124300
At the top end of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual lineup, you will find the 41 mm variation. This is an ideal size for most men who want a watch with a significant presence on the wrist. The 41 mm features a plethora of dial colors to choose from, ranging from the more conservative black to the funkier yellow or orange.
You also get everything you would expect from a Rolex watch in terms of build quality and high-quality movement. This is an ideal option for anyone who wants a simple - yet unique in its own way - timepiece for everyday use.
An Everyday Timepiece for Anyone
Overall, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line of watches can be considered the best everyday watch for anyone. Its minimalistic design with the plethora of dial colors to choose from creates a unique combination of features. Not to mention that it is Rolex’s cheapest offering, although you’ll still be hard-pressed to find one at retail price.
If you’ve been inspired to buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, don’t forget to pair it with one of our high-quality watch rolls to keep it safe and well-protected. Operandi watch rolls are designed for the modern watch collection, so they can even accommodate the largest Rolex Oyster Perpetual references. We even have a few color options to match your personal style and aesthetic.
So, go out there, pick your own Rolex Oyster Perpetual, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the time!