Sameera Gamage 
A tribute to traditional watchmaking, the Rolex Perpetual 1908 continues to evolve with refined craftsmanship and innovation. The latest release introduces the exclusive Settimo bracelet, enhancing comfort and elegance. With timeless aesthetics and cutting-edge movement technology, this model embodies Rolex’s enduring pursuit of excellence.
Rolex’s Perpetual 1908 collection, first introduced in 2023, is a tribute to classic watchmaking, with the timepieces bringing together traditional aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. This latest version of the Perpetual 1908 is another elegant timepiece that showcases Rolex’s commitment to refinement with the introduction of the new Settimo bracelet. This is a newly designed seven-link bracelet by Rolex specifically for the Perpetual 1908 timepiece.
Since the Perpetual 1908 collection’s debut two years ago, it has evolved a number of times already to include stunning guilloche dials whilst maintaining that understated yet powerful character, paying homage to one of the earlier Rolex timepeices that featured a Rolex Perpetual rotor. The 1908 name itself is a nod to the year Hans Wilsdorf registered the brand in Switzerland, cementing Rolex’s legacy in the world of horology.
Case Design
The new Perpetual 1908 comes encased in a 39mm yellow gold case. The timepiece’s elegant profile is enhanced through it’s refined proportions and intricate finishing. The bezel is also divided into two parts, as per the timepiece’s original design, whereby the fluted design is on the lower section, and the top section of the bezel is smoothly domed. This gives the bezel contrasting details, further adding to the watch’s character and unique design approach. The Perpetual 1908 also comes with a transparent case back that allows for an unobstructed view of the meticulously decorated Calibre 7140 movement, showcasing Rolex’s attention to detail.
The Settimo bracelet is the highlight of this timepiece. This new metal bracelet, fashioned from 18 ct yellow gold, exudes refinement and elegance as it gently hugs the shape of the wrist, making it also extremely comfortable to wear. The Settimo bracelet is made up of seven very small, slightly contoured link elements, which have been polished on every surface. Rolex have also designed a special system to attach it to the middle case, for which a patent has been filed.
Dial Design
This model is essentially a revamped version of the original 1908 released in 2023, with the dial being the same as per the white dial released back then. The bright white dial features a mix of hour indices and hand design, signature elements of the Perpetual 1908. Firstly, we get the applied Arabic indices for 3, 9 and 12 o’clock, while the rest of the indices are faceted. Then the hands are a mix of Bregue-style for the hour hand and sword-shaped for the minute hand. These are all done in 18k-yellow gold, which beautifully matches the case and bezel.
The Perpetual 1908 has a constant seconds counter with the inscriptions in black that perfectly match the black rail-road minute track and the black “ROLEX GENEVE” inscription on the dial at 12 o’clock. These work perfectly well on the bright white dial, providing easy legibility thanks to the crisp contrast.
Movement
Inside the Perpetual 1908 is the beating heart that is the Calibre 7140, a self-winding mechanical movement developed and manufactured entirely by Rolex. Introduced alongside the new Perpetual 1908 collection in 2023, the Calibre 7140 movement incorporates advanced technology which includes the patented Chronergy Escapement, Syloxi hairspring, and Paraflex shock absorbers, ensuring high energy efficiency, magnetic resistance, and durability. The Calibre 7140 delivers a 66-hour power reserve, enhanced by its innovative barrel architecture and oscillating weight, which is crafted from yellow gold and features a cut-out design.
Initial Thoughts
Rolex continues to develop the Perpetual 1908 collection year in and year out with different dial designs and colour variations. This year, the main addition is the Settimo bracelet, which accompanies the case and dial design of the original Perpetual 1908 unveiled in 2023.
The introduction of the Settimo bracelet enhances the watch’s aesthetic and comfort, reinforcing its luxurious yet wearable nature. With its timeless design, modern mechanical prowess, and historical significance, the latest Perpetual 1908 continues to stand as a distinguished addition to Rolex’s legacy.
Specification: Rolex Perpetual 1908 (52508)
- Dimensions: 43mm x 9.5mm thick
- Case Material: 18 ct yellow gold with polished finishing
- Dial: Intense white with yellow gold hour indices and hands
- Movement: Perpetual self-winding Calibre 7140
- Movement Frequency: 28,800VpH (4hZ)
- Movement Power reserve: Approx. 66 hours
- Water resistance: 50m (5 Bar)
- Crystal: Domed Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Case back: See-through case back showing Calibre 7140
- Bracelet/Strap: Settimo seven-link bracelet in 18ct yellow-gold
