The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 links the past and present

In 1926, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf created a revolutionary waterproof case where the case back, bezel and winding crown were all screwed onto the middle case. This meant the movement was protected from water, dust and moisture. By 1931, the Perpetual rotor, a patented self-winding system with a free rotor, provided the Oyster with a perpetual source of energy. In doing so, Wilsdorf realised his dream of creating a watch that was not only precise and robust but also dependable.

At a time when pocket watches were everywhere, the Oyster proved to be a reliable timepiece. A century later, its reputation remains intact. Celebrating 100 years of the original Oyster, the brand has introduced the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41, a yellow ‘Rolesor’ version, a subtle combination of gold and steel.

“Rolex Oysters have flown over Everest... crossed deserts at record speed... withstood the humidity of jungles and resisted the cold of the Arctic—without ever altering the precision of their movement,” Wilsdorf famously said in 1948 of the watch worn by some remarkable individuals, including British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze during her English Channel swim in October 1927.

Small details make the 41 reminiscent of the original Oyster: the winding crown features the number 100. The 1926 Oyster carried the words ‘Oyster Patent’ on the winding crown. If there’s one Rolex you should covet this year, it should be this one.

Because a classic will always be a classic.