Rolex 1908 D1A
Rolex 1908

Rolex updates the Perpetual 1908 with a more flexible, less flashy, first solid gold bracelet

More than just a dress watch, the new Rolex Perpetual 1908 marks a quiet yet important shift in the maison’s watchmaking legacy. Introduced as part of the Perpetual collection, the timepiece leans into the slimmer, more classical side of Rolexโ€™s design languageโ€”distinct from the Classic (dress watches) and Professional (tool and sport watches) lines the brand is often associated with.

Now returning with a significant update, the Perpetual 1908 features Rolexโ€™s first fully integrated solid gold bracelet, called the “Settimo”โ€”a clear distinction from the renowned Oyster, Jubilee and President bracelets.

This is not just a material change. Solid gold watches are often prized for their presence but criticised for their weight and stiffness. But the Settimo addresses both issues.

Made entirely from 18-carat yellow gold, the bracelet features a seven-piece link construction thatโ€™s slimmer, more flexible and tailored specifically to complement the refined profile of the 1908.

Where the Oyster is robust, the Jubilee elegant and the President formal, the Settimo introduces a new balance of refinement and wearability that aligns with the understated nature of the solid gold timepiece.

Rolex 1908

The watch also retains the 1908โ€™s restrained yet elegant character, featuring a sleek white dial adorned with Arabic numerals 3, 6 and 9, as well as faceted hour markers. It is also equipped with a Breguet-style hour hand and a minute hand shaped like a double-edged sword, which are both made from 18-carat yellow gold to pair with the bracelet. A small seconds counter can also be found at 6 o’clock, inscribed with the words “Superlative Chronometer”.

The 1908 is housed in a 39mm case and measures just under 10mm thick, making it one of the slimmest models in the Rolex lineup. Inside is the calibre 7140, a self-winding movement developed entirely in-house.

At just 3.9mm thick, the movement maintains the watchโ€™s refined profile while offering a 66-hour power reserve and features such as a Syloxi silicon hairspring and Chronergy escapementโ€”modern components that improve precision, durability and energy efficiency without adding bulk.

Go further with the Rolex Perpetual 1908.


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