Nearing its centenary, the Oyster -- the world's first waterproof wristwatch -- was invented in 1926 by Rolex. The case featured an ingenious patented system consisting of a screw-down bezel, case back and winding crown. Hermetically sealed, it offered optimal protection for the movement.
Oyster Perpetual 36 collection. (Photos © Rolex)
Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31.
Oyster Perpetual 41.
Five years later, the Swiss watchmaker introduced the first wristwatch self-winding system with a free rotor named the Perpetual Rotor.
These two Rolex inventions among others assure the high performance of Oyster Perpetual timepieces whose new generation boasts a striking dial in various colours.
Lacquer dials in candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red or green give the Oyster Perpetual 36 a vibrant new look.
Rolex has also added a new model, the Oyster Perpetual 41, to the range. One version boasts a novel configuration: its silver sunray-finished dial is graced with hands and hour markers in 18ct yellow gold. The second version features a black face and hands and hour markers in 18ct white gold.
The new models have a Chromolight display with the hands and hour markers coated or filled with luminescent material.
They are equipped with calibre 3230, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The development of this new self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents while offering fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.
For instance, its power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours thanks to the barrel architecture and the escapement's efficiency.
Vivid colours also brighten the face of the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 models in white Rolesor, which combines Oystersteel with 18ct white gold.
The marriage of gold and Oystersteel, a corrosion-resistant alloy, has been a signature feature since 1933.
Launched in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o'clock.
Powered by calibre 2236, the four new renditions of Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 include one with a beautiful aubergine, sunray-finish dial, adorned with a diamond-set Roman numeral VI. The bezel further sparkles with brilliant-cut diamonds.
The three other variations feature a fluted bezel in 18ct white gold, encircling the mint green or dark grey sunray-finish dial, or white lacquer dial.
Like all Rolex watches, the latest Oyster Perpetual and Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 models carry the Superlative Chronometer certification.
