Rolex 1908
Elegance in movement
This rosette-like design is distinctive for its three-dimensional, repeating geometric pattern.
With the introduction of a dial created via guillochage, or engine turning – a technique that uses a turning tool to sculpt a pattern into a surface – Rolex is pursuing the course it has set for the Perpetual collection as a tribute to the classic art of watchmaking infused with the brand’s know-how and creativity. The watch presented is mounted on a brown alligator leather strap fitted with a Dualclasp, a double folding clasp.
The 1908 is equipped with calibre 7140, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology that features bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève and a cut-out oscillating weight. Calibre 7140 enables the 1908 to display the small seconds, as well as the hours and minutes.
Inspired by one of the first Rolex watches fitted with the Perpetual rotor, the 1908 belongs to the Perpetual collection. Launched in 2023, this collection is a reinterpretation of traditional horological style imbued with quintessential watchmaking expertise and the aesthetic heritage of Rolex. This elegant and understated watch was named ‘1908’ in homage to the year Hans Wilsdorf devised the name ‘Rolex’ to sign his creations and registered the brand in Switzerland.
The 1908 features a 39 mm case, with gracious lines and a transparent back that allows the refined aesthetics of the movement to be admired as well as the pivoting of the oscillating weight. The curve of the lugs is highlighted thanks to a gentle chamfering on their top edges. The bezel is divided – the lower part being given an elegant fluting and the upper part domed. On the new version presented, the case is crafted in 950 platinum.
The 1908 is driven by calibre 7140, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2023 for the launch of this model, which it exclusively equips. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 7140 demonstrates carefully finished aesthetics, notably on the bridges, which feature Rolex Côtes de Genève – a decoration that differs from traditional Côtes de Genève for the slight polished groove between each band.
The new 1908 version presented is fitted on a matt brown alligator leather strap. This elegant strap is distinctive for its green calfskin lining and tone-on-tone stitching. It is equipped with a Dualclasp, a double folding clasp, in 950 platinum. Thanks to its carefully designed shape, the Dualclasp always sits centred on the wrist.
Like all Rolex watches, the Perpetual 1908 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. 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, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).