Rolex Perpetual 1908

While Hans Wilsdorf's revolutionary innovations concerned the technical features of the wristwatch, they were also the fruit of an extremely strong aesthetic vision. The silhouette of the case, as well as the design of the 1908's dial, reinvent the classic - yet very modern - spirit of the original Oyster Perpetual watches. An aesthetic signature, its finely domed and fluted bezel is testimony to a quest for delicacy in all of its forms.

The 1908 watches are fitted with a leather strap, with the exception of a version in 18 kt yellow gold, exclusively equipped with the Settimo bracelet. The brown or black alligator leather strap features a tone-on-tone topstitching and green inner lining, a discreet tribute to the watchmaking brand's signature color. Its Dualclasp, crafted from 18 kt yellow or white gold or 950 platinum, enhances the comfort of the wearer by hugging the shape of the wrist. The Settimo bracelet is crafted from 18 kt yellow gold and its delicate links create a sparkle of reflected light. Fitted with a concealed Crownclasp, its harmonious design evokes the jewelry-inspired bracelets that graced some elegant vintage watches.

To power the 1908, Rolex's watchmaking engineers have developed a completely new self-winding movement, caliber 7140, that allows the time to be displayed via two central hands and a small seconds hand at 6 o'clock. A number of patents have been filed for this movement, which has been entirely developed and manufactured in-house. Its cutting-edge design incorporates some major innovations from the manufacture to guarantee exceptional performance, including the Syloxi hairspring in silicon, Chronergy escapement in a nickel-phosphorus alloy - both of which are resistant to strong magnetic fields - and Paraflex shock absorbers, which protect the oscillator and escape wheel from any shocks to the watch.