Presenting the revolutionary Oyster to retailers, Hans Wilsdorf proclaimed: "Gentlemen, we make the best wristwatch in the world."
His statement resonates to this day as Rolex celebrates 100 years of its waterproof wristwatch with four Oyster Perpetual models, covered by an enhanced Superlative Chronometer certification.
Firstly, the Oyster Perpetual 41 features the number 100 in relief on the winding crown and the inscription "100 years", replacing "Swiss Made", on the slate dial. The pad-printed "Rolex" as well as squares on the minute track are in the emblematic green colour.
Rolex has reinterpreted the two-material yellow Rolesor for the anniversary edition, with the bezel and crown in yellow gold while the case and three-piece link bracelet are in the exclusive Oystersteel.
The Oyster Perpetual 36 also shines in the high-performance steel of grade 904L. The dial has been jazzed up by a restyled Jubilee motif, displaying the letters of "Rolex" in a contrasting interplay of no fewer than 10 colours.
Crafting the vibrant graphic pattern posed a challenge as the colours are applied one after the other. Utmost precision is also required to ensure that all the shapes and letters are perfectly positioned.
For the first time, Rolex has executed a satin finish on timepieces fashioned entirely in precious metal, namely the 18 carat gold versions of the Oyster Perpetual 34 and Oyster Perpetual 28.
The case and bracelet, in Everose gold or yellow gold, are primarily satin finished while the dome bezel with a polished finish embraces the lacquer dial in the new Blue Stone or Green Stone shade.
At 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, hour markers are adorned with dumortierite or heliotrope, whose ogive cut on the upper surface highlights the structure and colour of the natural stone while preventing the slightest reflection.
These two gold watches operate with a 55-hour power reserve, thanks to the self-winding Calibre 2232. Another in-house mechanical movement, Calibre 3230 ensures a longer power reserve of 70 hours for the previously-mentioned Oyster Perpetual 41 and Oyster Perpetual 36.
Like all Rolex watches, the four new models carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which has been strengthened in 2026 by testing resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability, in addition to the criteria for precision, waterproofness, self-winding and power reserve.
