Oyster Perpetual: The Essence of the Oyster

When Thomas Long, a Massachusetts native, opened his Boston-based jewelry business in 1878, New England’s love affair with the sea was already an integral part of the region’s essence. From trade to cuisine, the proximity to the Atlantic informs our history and culture — Moby Dick, considered the first great American novel, is set in New Bedford — makes Boston such a cosmopolitan city. The legacy and lure of the ocean also reminds us of the enduring popularity of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual family of watches. The first Oyster was the world’s first waterproof wristwatch when it was introduced 100 years after the Union, but they both represent a timeless and elevated approach to living the good life.

Watches in the Oyster Perpetual range are symbols of universal and classic style while offering essential day-to-day functions – hours, minutes and seconds. Firmly rooted in the pioneering origins of Rolex, these models embody timeless form and function. They represent timepieces in their purest form.

Oyster Perpetual watches are direct descendants of the original Oyster launched in 1926, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch and the foundation on which Rolex has built its reputation. A certified Superlative Chronometer, the Oyster Perpetual features all the key characteristics of the Oyster Perpetual collection – excellent chronometric precision, the waterproof Oyster case, and a mechanical self-winding movement via Perpetual rotor. Understated and elegant, this timepiece is known for its universal, classic style.

Dynamic and timeless

The Oyster Perpetual provides a clear and accurate time display – hours, minutes and seconds. The different versions of the watch stand out with dials in subtle or vibrant colours, whether it is a sophisticated silver, bright blue or bright black dial in a sunray finish, or an eye-catching candy pink, turquoise blue or green lacquer dial. The Oyster Perpetual comes in five sizes – 28, 31, 34, 36 and 41 mm – providing the largest choice of diameters for a Rolex range.

The models are paired with a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, which is secure and comfortable. It is equipped with a folding Oysterclasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, that enables the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

The Oyster Perpetual is made exclusively of Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family – alloys that are most commonly used in high technology. Oystersteel is extremely resistant to corrosion, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its sheen over time.

Reliability and precision

The Oyster Perpetual’s case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel. The case back edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that grants only certified Rolex watchmakers access to the movement. Another core component in the watertight structure is the Twinlock winding crown which is fitted with a double waterproofness system and screws down securely against the case.

Depending on its size, the Oyster Perpetual is equipped with either calibre 2232 (for models in 28, 31 and 34 mm) or calibre 3230 (for models in 36 and 41 mm), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks, convenience and reliability.

Superlative chronometer certification

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

Visit Long’s today to learn more about the story of the Oyster Perpetual range and discover the collection. The Long’s team invites you to visit one of our locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to discover which Rolex model best pairs with your lifestyle. As an Official Rolex Jeweler, we are the only network allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.