Elegance in movement
A watch of rare distinction, the new Perpetual 1908 is a visual masterpiece. On its dial, light bounces off the raised pattern, producing a variety of reflections with every movement of the wrist. A timepiece that affirms its unique identity with elegance and finesse in even the smallest details
Rolex is presenting a new version of the Perpetual 1908, which was launched last year. In 2024, the watch is decked in 950 platinum and graced with an ice blue dial featuring a guilloché rice-grain motif. This rosette-like design is distinctive for its three-dimensional, repeating geometric pattern that extends across the surface of the dial, starting from the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. The minute track is surrounded by a filet sauté with a crimped pattern, which is also guilloché.
With the introduction of a dial created via guillochage, or engine turning – a technique that uses a turning tool to sculpt a pattern into a surface – Rolex is pursuing the course it has set for the Perpetual collection as a tribute to the classic art of watchmaking infused with the brand’s knowhow and creativity. This exclusive dial bears the same Arabic numerals 3, 9 and 12, the same faceted hour markers and the same hands as that of the 18 ct gold versions. The watch presented is mounted on a brown alligator leather strap fitted with a Dualclasp, a double folding clasp.
The 1908 is equipped with calibre 7140, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology that features bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève and a cut-out oscillating weight. Calibre 7140 enables the 1908 to display the small seconds, as well as the hours and minutes.
Like all Rolex watches, the Perpetual 1908 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
Classic and contemporary
Inspired by one of the first Rolex watches fitted with the Perpetual rotor, the 1908 belongs to the Perpetual collection.
Launched in 2023, this collection is a reinterpretation of traditional horological style imbued with the quintessential expertise and aesthetic heritage of Rolex. This elegant and understated watch was named ‘1908’ in homage to the year Hans Wilsdorf devised the name ‘Rolex’ to sign his creations and registered the brand in Switzerland. 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. It 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, 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 middle case lugs is highlighted thanks to a gentle chamfering on their top edges, while the bezel is divided – the lower part embellished with 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. Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 50 metres (165 feet), the case provides optimal protection for the movement nestled inside. On the new version presented, it is crafted in 950 platinum.
CALIBRE 7140
The 1908 is driven by calibre 7140, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2023 for the launch of this model, which it exclusively equips. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly 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 – a decoration that differs from traditional Côtes de Genève for the slight polished groove between each band.
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, produced by Rolex. This silicon hairspring has a patented geometry that ensures the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the patented high- performance Paraflex shock absorbers, designed by the brand, which increase the movement’s shock resistance. The oscillating weight is fashioned in yellow gold and cut out. It is, furthermore, fitted with an optimized ball bearing.
Calibre 7140 is equipped with a selfwinding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 66 hours.
Leather strap
The new 1908 version presented is fitted on a matt brown alligator leather strap. This elegant strap is distinctive for its green calfskin lining and tone-on-tone stitching. It is equipped with a Dualclasp, a double folding clasp, in 950 platinum. Thanks to its carefully designed shape, the Dualclasp always sits centred on the wrist.
