Rolex takes the Perpetual 1908 into a new era with the innovative Settimo bracelet
As an ode to its illustrious past, Rolex in 2023 enhanced its Perpetual collection with the release of the Perpetual 1908. This year, Rolex adds to the 1908 collection with the release of the Perpetual 1908 in 18 ct yellow gold, now paired with the innovative Settimo bracelet. The timepiece exudes refinement and elegance, and is extremely comfortable to wear.
While a dress watch may appear to be out of the box for Rolex, the 1908 is no outlier. Instead, it is an acknowledgement of Rolex’s horological roots of and unites the time-honoured principles of traditional watchmaking style with the essence of Rolex’s know-how and aesthetic heritage.
The name, Perpetual 1908, is a recognition of the year that Hans Wilsdorf, the brand’s founder, devised the name ‘Rolex’ to sign his creations and registered the brand in Switzerland. With the launch of the Perpetual 1908, Rolex continued to reaffirm its status as a brand that captures elegance.
Settimo bracelet, Perpetual 1908, 18 ct yellow gold / Photos: Rolex
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Settimo bracelet
In its first outing, the Perpetual 1908 was presented in two variations, either in 18 ct yellow or white gold. A year later, it came in 950 platinum showcasing an ice blue dial that featured a guilloché rice-grain motif.
This year, it has been given an unexpected touch with the Settimo bracelet, a new signature bracelet design that takes the watch into a new era of visual sophistication.
Composed of seven intricate links, the Settimo bracelet is an exclusive innovation dedicated to the 1908. The refined links are meticulously constructed. Polished on every surface, the bracelet is designed to create an incomparable array of reflections.
Fitted with a concealed Crownclasp, the Settimo bracelet ensures seamless visual harmony across its surface. Indeed, the term “Settimo”, meaning “seventh” in Italian, refers not only to the number of links but also to the notion of harmony, clearly reflected in the creation of the bracelet. Furthermore, there is no interruption in the visual line, giving the wearer a tactile experience that echoes the brand’s code of excellence in the detail.
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18 ct yellow gold
The 18 ct yellow gold on the 1908 uniquely reflects Rolex’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. Unusual in the watchmaking world, Rolex has chosen to be in complete control of the creation, casting and shaping of the 18 ct gold alloys by installing its own foundry. This has allowed the brand to produce gold alloys of the highest quality, notable for exceptional purity and shine. The 18 ct gold is composed of 750‰ (thousandths) of pure gold. This gives the 1908 a vintage character that evokes the golden age of dress watches.
Calibre 7140
Calibre 7140
The 39 mm case strikes a perfect balance: subtle enough to slide discreetly under a cuff, yet strong enough to make an impression. Every surface has been polished to a mirror finish, catching the light with a gentle lustre that speaks of Rolex’s obsessive attention to detail. The fluted bezel is rendered in a more subtle tone, adding texture without overwhelming the case’s purity. The curved sapphire crystal is slightly domed, further enhancing the watch’s classic profile.
But it is what lies beneath that captivates. The transparent case back reveals the intricate calibre 7140, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The calibre 7140 features a cut-out oscillating weight in yellow gold and bridges adorned with Rolex Côtes de Genève — a decoration that differs from the traditional Côtes de Genève by the presence of a slight polished groove between each band.
The calibre 7140 is an in-house movement that showcases Rolex’s most advanced technical capabilities. Featuring a Syloxi hairspring, which till now had been seen in smaller models like the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31, as well as the patented Chronergy escapement, it combines chronometric performance with enhanced efficiency. With a power reserve of approximately 66 hours, it is Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC)-certified and tested to even more stringent internal standards.
The 1908 is defined by its design, which conveys the full strength of the watch’s character in the simplicity of the display, and by details that confer its unique identity. It perfectly embodies the spirit of the Perpetual collection, at whose core lies the celebration of the art of watchmaking in its noblest form.
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With the new Settimo bracelet, the 1908 takes on a life of its own and is a testament to tactile refinement. The bracelet’s fluidity complements the case’s slim silhouette, forming a visual language of elegance that manages to capture a spirit that is both old-world and contemporary. A powerful statement of quiet luxury, the Perpetual 1908 in 18 ct yellow gold redefines the meaning of a modern dress watch.
Close-up of the intense white dial, Perpetual 1908, 18 ct yellow gold
