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Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Oyster Perpetual is one of Rolex’s best-known models and has been in production since 1931. Rolex became the first manufacturer to introduce a waterproof wristwatch with its Oyster case in 1926 when Enligh swimmer Mercedes Gleitze swam across the English Channel. Nowadays the Oyster Perpetual is available in multiple case sizes and produced with a variety of dials. Shop our full collection of new and Pre-owned Oyster Perpetual watches below.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual 

The Oyster Perpetual is one of Rolex’s best-known models and has been in production since 1931. The Rolex Oyster was Rolex its first waterproof watch and was worn by swimmer Mercedes Gleitze when she swam across the English Channel. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual has a timeless shape and is one of the most recognizable watches in the world.

Classic Style 

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual has a simple design with a classic style, often with a case made of stainless steel or gold. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is water resistant to 100 meters and is currently powered by Rolex’s caliber 3230 movement. Often Oyster Perpetual models have a black dial, however, they come in multiple colors. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is an excellent choice for those looking for a simple, reliable, and stylish watch that will last a lifetime.

History of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual

First introduced in 1926, the Rolex Oyster was the first watch made waterproof by Rolex. The waterproofness of the Rolex Oyster was tested and demonstrated by Rolex when swimmer Mercedes Gleitze crossed the English Channel with the Rolex Oyster on her wrist. When she reached the other side after several hours of swimming, her Oyster Perpetual watch was still working perfectly. Besides the swimmer’s extraordinary achievement, this stunt was great marketing for Rolex watches.

Where does “Oyster Perpetual” come from?

When Rolex patented the self-winding movement they had developed in 1931, Perpetual (translation: continuous) became a standard text on the dial of many Rolex watches. However, it was not until 1945 that the famous Oyster case and selfwinding movement were combined and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual was officially born. Today, the Oyster Perpetual name can be found on every Rolex model except the Cellini line. Despite being on every watch, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is also its own line.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual line then and now

When the Rolex Oyster Perpetual first hit the market in 1926, it was a huge success. Today, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is still one of the most popular watches available and is known for its classic design and classic style. Although the design of the watch has remained relatively unchanged over the years, Rolex has continually improved the water resistance and accuracy of the Oyster Perpetual.

Other Rolex Oyster Perpetual lines

In addition to the standard line, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line also has a Lady Oyster Perpetual line and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date line. These Oyster Perpetual models are versions of the standard line but with a smaller size for women, and the same size for men but with a date. These Oyster Perpetual watches complete the Oyster Perpetual collection.