Continuing from Rolex’s latest releases, we now bring you their latest update on the Oyster Perpetual collection. If you’re new to the world of watches, the Oyster model has been around since 1926 and was the very first wristwatch in the world to be waterproofed. The models in the Oyster Perpetual collection all contain the same high-calibre features from Rolex, such as; being made from Oystersteel, waterproof Oystercase, self-winding movement via perpetual rotor and excellent chronometric precision.
The 2020 update to the Oyster Perpetual collection see’s Rolex bring new models to the range while also adding a variety of vibrant colours to the mix. One of the latest additions is the Oyster Perpetual 41, which sees Rolex bumping up the original case size from 39mm to 41mm. This change will undoubtedly bring with it controversy. It may not seem like much as it’s only 2mm, but the previous version of 39mm was a favourite among enthusiasts as it’s almost the perfect size for a dress watch. Only time will tell whether the new 41mm will be able to become a fan favourite as well.
The Oyster Perpetual 41 comes available in two variants, with the option to configure for different colours. Our favourite out of the two variants is the beautiful silver dial with the sun-ray finish and hour markers in 18ct yellow gold. This silver dial is pleasing to look at, and with the 18 ct yellow gold for the markers, it gives an overall yellow tinge on the dial.
The second variant comes in a bright black sunray-finish dial, with the hands and hour markers done in 18ct white gold. A polar opposite to the silver variant, the black dial Oyster Perpetual 41 is all about clean dial with stark contrast.
The second addition to Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual collection is five new 36mm models, which are now offered in a new vibrant look, with the models getting five new lacquer coloured dials. The new colours are candy pink, turquoise blue, coral red and green. Rolex is certainly mixing things up and bringing a more playful vibe with their new 36mm Oyster Perpetual line. These colour variants will certainly cater to different personal tastes and style.
Reference 126000-0004 
Reference 126000-0005 
Reference 126000-0006 
Reference 126000-0007 
Reference 126000-0008
Design:
Both the new Oyster 41 and Oyster 36 come with Rolex’s Oyster casing. Rolex takes pride in its manufacture, and this is evident, especially in their case construction. The middle case is constructed with a single block of Oystersteel, an alloy that has corrosion-resistant properties. So that only Rolex watchmakers can access the movement of the watch, the case back is hermetically screwed down with a unique tool. The winding crown is also twin lock and has a double waterproofness system. The sapphire crystal on the front is also practically scratch-proof. All of this ensures the waterproof depth of 100m (10 Bar) for both the Oyster Perpetual 41 and Oyster Perpetual 36 is guaranteed.
The new Oyster Perpetual collection comes fitted with Rolex’s Oyster bracelet; a three-piece link bracelet that is known for its robustness. On this three-piece link, the top is satin-finished while the sides are polished. The standout feature of the Oyster bracelet is the Easylink comfort extension link. This extension link allows the wearer to be able to adjust the bracelet length by up to 5mm easily. While this Easylink extension system has been used on Rolex’s other collections, this is the first time its offered on a bracelet for the Oyster Perpetual range.
Another addition to the new Perpetual collection is the Chromalight display. The hour indexes and hour and minute hands are coated and filled with luminescent material, which at night or dark environments give off a long-lasting turquoise-blue glow. This is certainly a nice change from the light green glow that we have been used to, with this shade of blue also being quite appealing to look at.
Movement:
Launched by the brand this year, Rolex has equipped the new Oyster Perpetual collection with their new full in-house movement, the Perpetual Calibre 3230. With this new movement, Rolex states that
“At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.”
The patented features in the new Calibre 3230 movement include the “Chronergy escapement”. This new escapement combines high energy efficiency with great dependability while being insensitive to magnetic fields. The Calibre 3230 movement also comes fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring. It is manufactured by Rolex in a first off paramagnetic alloy. Making it in this material makes the hairspring up to 10 times more precise than traditional hairsprings used in watches.
To ensure the movement’s regularity in any given position of the watch, the blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil. The oscillator has also been given an upgrade, as it now comes fitted with the brands own designed and patented-high-performance shock absorbers, which ultimately increases the movements shock resistance.
The Calibre 3230 is self-winding thanks to the Perpetual rotor, and with the movement’s barrel architecture, it’s able to produce up to 70 hours of power reserve. Like the rest of the watches developed by Rolex, the Oyster Perpetual collection carries the Superlative Chronometer certification. Under this certification, there are numerous in-house tests by Rolex carried out to ensure that the watch is always performing at its highest when on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding.
Careful research would’ve have been carried out at the brand’s headquarters in regards to this latest Oyster Perpetual collection, as Rolex is able to now appeal to a broader range of audience. Unfortunately, the fan favourite 39mm has been scrapped, but those smaller case size enthusiasts can still enjoy the 36mm variant, which to entice them more is offered in a range of playful colours as well. As intended, the 41mm models will cater to the audience that likes to wear their watches a little more prominent on the wrist.
