Precision, waterproofness, autonomy, comfort and durability.
The 1908 combines all the essential attributes of a self-winding wristwatch according to Hans Wilsdorf. It is the sum of these fundamental characteristics that makes it an integral part of the Rolex watchmaking identity and a timepiece of exceptional qualities.
Calibre 7140 Performance and elegance
To power the 1908, Rolex’s watchmaking engineers developed calibre 7140, a self-winding movement that allows the time to be displayed via two central hands and a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock. Five patent applications have been filed for this movement, which has been entirely developed and manufactured in-house. Its cutting-edge design incorporates a number of major innovations from the manufacture to guarantee exceptional performance. Calibre 7140 is fitted with a silicon Syloxi hairspring and a Chronergy escapement, in a nickel-phosphorus alloy, both of which are resistant to high magnetic fields. As for the Paraflex shock absorbers, they protect the oscillator and escape wheel from any shocks to the watch. Bridging the gap between cutting-edge technologies and traditional watchmaking, this movement is visible through the back of the 1908, which boasts the Superlative Chronometer certification.
Sapphire case back An exciting reveal
By offering a watch that reveals its movement through a transparent case back, Rolex continues to innovate whilst echoing its watchmaking tradition. Calibre 7140 bears an openwork oscillating weight in 18 ct gold with three arms, engraved with the words ‘Chronometer Perpetual’ and boasts some remarkable finishes and the exclusive Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration – a celebrated traditional watch decoration, reinterpreted with a polished groove between each band. The virtually scratchproof sapphire window provides proof that, for Rolex, the aesthetics of the movement are as important as its performance. It inextricably links the watchmaking beauty of the calibre with the sleek design of its exterior.
Dial The face of a new watchmaking classic
With its 3, 9 and 12 numerals, together with the small seconds hand at 6 o’clock, the dial of the 1908 reinterprets the style of the Oyster Perpetual of 1931 while giving it some cutting-edge features. Presenting a sleek design, faceted index hour markers and numerals in 18 ct yellow or white gold, the dial, in intense white, intense black or ice blue with guilloché rice-grain motif, is a model of elegance and understatement. Protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, it features a delicate railway minute track around the edge and provides excellent legibility.
Hour and minute hands
Linking the past to the present
The 1908 is fitted with a sword-shaped hand for the minutes and a Breguet-style hand for the hours. These incredibly delicate faceted hands reinterpret watchmaking tradition by adding a contemporary touch. They display the time in a play on light and shadow that gives the dial exceptional radiance.
Bezel and bracelets Refinement and comfort
Its exquisite fluting catches the light with the slightest movement of the wrist. The 1908 strongly echoes the aesthetics of the original Oyster. Its finely domed and fluted bezel is testimony to a quest for delicacy in all of its forms.
With its brown or black alligator-leather strap featuring a tone-on-tone topstitching, the 1908 watch is perfectly at home in an elegant, classic wardrobe. Its green inner lining is a discreet tribute to the watchmaking brand’s signature colour. Its Dualclasp, crafted from 18 ct yellow or white gold or 950 platinum, enhances the comfort of the wearer by hugging the shape of the wrist.
Composed of rows of seven links, the Settimo bracelet was created exclusively for the 1908 in 18 ct yellow gold. Its meticulous craftsmanship and delicate links create a sparkle of reflected light. Fitted with a concealed Crownclasp, its harmonious design evokes the jewellery-inspired bracelets that graced some elegant vintage watches. In doing so, it upholds the original spirit of the 1908, conceived as a tribute to watchmaking tradition.
Yellow gold and white gold Two precious alloys
The 18 ct gold used in Rolex watches is developed at the manufacture's foundry. These exclusive alloys, composed of 75% pure gold and blends of silver, copper or palladium, are the result of many years of research and refinement. Years of expertise have led to the creation of several varieties of 18 ct gold, including yellow gold and white gold.
950 platinum The noblest of metals
The 1908 is also available in a version whose case and clasp are fashioned from 950 platinum. This rare and precious alloy, consisting of 950‰ (thousandths) of platinum, also contains ruthenium and is striking for its incomparable radiance and its silvery white glow. Considered the noblest of metals, it is characterized by its exceptional corrosion resistance.
