Rolex 1908
Elegant, classic and resolutely contemporary, the Perpetual 1908 demonstrates Rolex’s enduring creative spirit.
Rooted in the brand’s aesthetic heritage, it brings together numerous watchmaking innovations and the constant pursuit of excellence. This refined expression of Rolex watchmaking carries Superlative Chronometer certification and takes classic style into the future.
The 1908 embodies the original boldness of Rolex
Since the brand was founded in 1908, Rolex has followed Hans Wilsdorf’s conviction that the future of the wristwatch depends on superlative performance. The 1908 combines the qualities he considered essential to a self-winding watch: chronometric precision, waterproofness, automatic winding, comfort and durability.
A classic style, continually reimagined
Hans Wilsdorf’s revolutionary ideas transformed the technical character of the wristwatch and reflected a powerful aesthetic vision. The case silhouette and dial of the 1908 reinterpret the classic yet modern spirit of early Oyster Perpetual watches. Its finely domed and fluted bezel is a distinctive signature shaped by a pursuit of delicacy.
A sleek design linking past and present
With numerals at 3, 9 and 12 and a small seconds display at 6 o’clock, the 1908 offers a contemporary interpretation of the 1931 Oyster Perpetual style. Available in 18 ct yellow or white gold and in 950 platinum, it features a refined dial with faceted hour markers and numerals in 18 ct gold. A domed sapphire crystal, railway minute track, sword-shaped minute hand and pierced hour hand complete its distinctive design.
Refinement and comfort
The 1908 is offered on an alligator leather strap, while the 18 ct yellow gold version is also available exclusively with the Settimo bracelet. Brown or black leather, tone-on-tone stitching and a green lining subtly reference the brand’s signature colour. The Dualclasp follows the curve of the wrist for lasting comfort. The Settimo bracelet combines small polished links with a concealed Crownclasp and evokes the harmonious lines of vintage jewellery bracelets.
A transparent case back offering a remarkable view
The transparent case back reveals the movement and expresses Rolex innovation through traditional watchmaking. Calibre 7140 features an openworked yellow-gold oscillating weight with three arms, an engraved “Chronometer Perpetual” inscription and an optimised ball bearing. The movement is finished with exclusive Rolex Côtes de Genève, distinguished by a polished groove between each band. The highly scratch-resistant sapphire back underlines the equal importance of beauty and performance.
Calibre 7140
Performance and elegance
The 1908 is powered by calibre 7140, a self-winding mechanical movement developed and manufactured entirely by Rolex. It displays the time with two central hands and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Several patents were filed for this movement, whose advanced architecture includes a silicon Syloxi hairspring, a nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement and the Paraflex shock absorbers. Together, these technologies provide outstanding resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.
