ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL History

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual history starts almost over a century ago back in 1926. Rolex created Oyster Perpetual the first fully protected from dust and also waterproof watch, features quite revolutional from the time been.  Rolex Oyster Perpetual took its name Oyster due to its sealed like an Oyster case that ensured that the mechanism was fully protected.

1931, Self Winding Movement ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL

1931 was an important year for Rolex as the Self Winding movement was invented with a Perpetual rotor, it is important to say at this point that till now this is the most important part in the mechanism of every watch as it allows the watch to wind using the natural movement of your wrist and accordingly that allows the rotor spins and wind the watch.

1950, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Cal. 645 and 1030.

In 1950 Rolex introduced to new Calibers 645 and 1030

1959, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Ref 1002

Its the first time that the watch has a plastic crystal, accompanied with 1560 nor 1570 Calibre.

1960s, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Mid Size

In the 1960s Rolex also introduced a new Mid Size Oyster Perpetual in order to cover the needs of its lovers. Midsized Rolex are been described the Rolex watches that their case is between 31mm-37mm.

1964, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Cal 1130

Its the first Rolex Oyster that is featuring the Calibre 1130 and has a plastic Crystal with a case dimension of 24.6mm

1974, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Cal 2030

In 1974 Rolex introduced a new Calibre 2030 that had 28 jewels and the Hack Function, that gave the ability the watch to stop in order to set the second hand. The watch with this feature can be synchronized with a reference time source.  

1983, ROLEX PERPETUAL Cal 2130

In 1983 Rolex is introducing a size increase at 25mm and a new Calibre 2130.

1986, OYSTER PERPETUAL Sapphire Crystal

1986 can be considered the end of the plastic crystal era and the begging of a new with the introduction of Sapphire Crystal.

1995, OYSTER PERPETUAL Calibre 2135

Rolex is introducing a new Calibre under the reference 2135.

1998, OYSTER PERPETUAL Ref 76080

An important year for Rolex as with the introduction of 76080 we can identify the need of Rolex to redefine the identity of Perpetual therefore we can see that it turns back to its history by adapting again the 25mm in its case that now is accompanied with the new Calibre 2235. 

2014, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL 4 Case Diameters

In 2014 Oyster is produced in 4 different diameters for the first time in its history 26mm, 31mm, 34mm and 36mm. 

2014, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL New Case Diameter

in 2014 Rolex is again introducing a new Case Diameter of. 39mm

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

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