Rolex receives platinum for its beautiful dress watch from 1908

Rolex is most often associated with its iconic tool watches: the Submariner helps divers monitor oxygen consumption; The Daytona allows drivers to measure lap intervals. GMT tracks multiple time zones for travelers. But the Swiss luxury brand also excels at designing elegant, less robust timepieces that are more likely to make a statement under the cuff of a shirt than on the summit of Mount Everest. The new 1908 – named after the year founder Hans Wilsdorf registered the Rolex brand in Switzerland – features a 39mm platinum case, an ice blue rice grain dial, a leather strap and a small seconds dial. This is the second release of the Perpetual collection (following the dissolution of Rolex’s Cellini line), following the launch of two 1908 models in 18-karat white and yellow gold at the 2023 Watches & Wonders trade fair in Geneva was presented for the first time. With an automatic movement and easy legibility, it shows that form still follows function, even in a tuxedo.

Rolex Perpetual 1908

Reference: 52506 Case material: platinum Function: Central hour and minute hand with small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Caliber: 7140 (automatic winding, 4 Hz) Case back: Exhibition Power reserve: approximately 66 hours Case diameter: 39mm Thickness: 9.5mm Bezel: Fluted Crown: For screwing Tab to tab: 47mm Numbers: Faceted index with Arabic at 3, 9, 12 Water resistance: 50 meters or 165 feet Bracelet or band: Matte brown alligator leather strap Output: Not limited. Price: $30,900

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Charles Curkin is Articles Editor for ELLE Decor, covering all things luxury watches, design and travel. He has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Paris Review.