1908

The art of watchmaking according to Rolex

Essential attributes, exceptional qualities

With the Perpetual 1908, Rolex ushers in a new era as it launches the exclusive Perpetual collection, distinguished by its slenderness and sleek design. The 1908 combines all the essential attributes of a self-winding wristwatch according to Hans Wilsdorf: chronometric precision, waterproofness, autonomy, comfort and durability. 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 have developed the calibre 7140, a completely new self-winding calibre 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 the latest major innovations from the Manufacture to guarantee exceptional performance. The 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 new movement is visible through the back of the 1908, which boasts the Superlative Chronometer certification.

A sapphire case back for 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. The calibre bears an openwork gold oscillating weight with three arms, engraved with the words “Chronometer Perpetual” and benefiting from an optimized ball bearing. The calibre 7140 boasts some remarkable finishes and the exclusive Côtes de Genève Rolex decoration – a celebrated traditional watch decoration, reinterpreted with a polished groove between each ridge. 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.

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 and faceted applique hour markers in 18 ct yellow or white gold, the dial, in white or intense black, 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.

Two hands linking the past to the present

The 1908 is fitted with a sword-shaped hand for the minutes and a hand with a circle 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 sparkle.

The 1908

: 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 inner lining is a discreet tribute to the watchmaking brand’s signature colour.
: Crafted from 18 ct yellow or white gold, the Dualclasp enhances the comfort of the wearer by hugging the shape of the wrist. Its system, consisting of two symmetrical folding blades, makes it easy to manipulate while guaranteeing secure fastening of the strap. It is adorned with Rolex’s emblematic five-point crown.

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.

The foundry
A mastery of precious metals

Unique in the watchmaking world, Rolex has chosen to be in complete control of the quality of its alloys by installing its own precious metals foundry within its Manufacture. Three 18 ct gold alloys are cast there: yellow, white, and Everose, a pink gold developed by Rolex and patented.