Rolex Marks 100 Years of the Oyster Perpetual with New Anniversary Models

Rolex celebrates the centenary of the Oyster Perpetual, the foundational model that established the wristwatch as a reliable timekeeping device. The Oyster case, introduced in 1926, solved issues of dust and water resistance, while the Perpetual rotor, added in 1931, provided automatic winding. These innovations, driven by founder Hans Wilsdorf, set the stage for the wristwatch's global adoption. The Oyster lineage includes the Datejust (1945) and Submariner (1953), which spawned the Sea-Dweller, Deepsea, and Deepsea Challenge models. The Deepsea Challenge is depth-rated to 11,000 meters, as demonstrated by James Cameron's 2012 Mariana Trench dive. Today, the Professional range—GMT-Master II, Yacht-Master, Explorer, Air-King, and Cosmograph Daytona—all carry the Oyster Perpetual designation. For the anniversary, Rolex introduces the Oyster Perpetual 36 with a lacquered Jubilee dial featuring the brand name in ten contrasting colors, referencing a 1970s pattern. The Oyster Perpetual 41 returns to classical design with a date-free display, baton markers, smooth bezel, and a solid Oystersteel bracelet, with yellow gold on the bezel and crown. Anniversary details include '100' on the crown and '100 years' on the dial instead of 'Swiss Made'. The Oyster Perpetual 28 in yellow gold is also noted. The Oyster's history is detailed in two books by Nicholas Foulkes, published in partnership with Rolex.