Following our overview of Rolex’s 2026 novelties at Watches and Wonders Geneva, we now take a closer look at the central theme of this year’s releases: the centenary of the Oyster.
First introduced in 1926 as the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster is celebrated through a new expansion of the Oyster Perpetual collection, where Rolex introduces new materials, dial designs and commemorative details to its most essential line.
The most historically referential of the new releases is the Oyster Perpetual 41 ref. 134303, presented in yellow Rolesor, combining Oystersteel and yellow gold.
Rather than using the traditional two-tone formula with gold centre links, Rolex opts for an Oystersteel bracelet throughout, reserving yellow gold for the domed bezel and winding crown.
Several details underline the centenary theme: the crown bears the number “100” in relief, while the slate sunray dial replaces the customary “Swiss Made” signature at 6 o’clock with the inscription “100 years”.
Green accents, a colour long associated with the brand, appear in the printed Rolex logo and in the square markers used at each five-minute interval on the minute track.
The 41 mm Oyster case remains water-resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet and measures 11.60 mm thick.
Inside works calibre 3230, Rolex’s automatic movement with Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.
Operating at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the movement is regulated to Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer standard of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Like all new 2026 Oyster Perpetual models, it also benefits from the strengthened Superlative Chronometer certification, now expanded to include additional criteria relating to magnetic resistance, reliability and sustainability.
The new Oyster Perpetual 41 ref. 134303 is priced at €9,500 / US$9,650.
The second steel model, the Oyster Perpetual 36 ref. 126000, takes a more expressive route. Crafted entirely in Oystersteel, it introduces a multicoloured lacquered dial featuring a newly reworked Jubilee motif.
Historically seen on Rolex dials from the late 1970s, the pattern is here reinterpreted through repeated “Rolex” lettering rendered in ten contrasting colours.
According to the brand, the process requires successive colour applications rather than a single operation, demanding particularly precise alignment of the various shapes and letters.
Its 36 mm Oyster case shares the same waterproof construction, domed bezel and robust Oyster bracelet with Easylink extension system.
Power also comes from calibre 3230, delivering the same 70-hour autonomy and chronometer-rated precision. The Oyster Perpetual 36 ref. 126000 is priced at €6,600 / US$6,750.
Rolex also broadens the precious-metal side of the collection with two smaller references in full gold.
The Oyster Perpetual 28 ref. 276208 in 18 ct yellow gold features a new green stone lacquer dial accented by heliotrope natural-stone hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.
The Oyster Perpetual 34 ref. 124205 in 18 ct Everose gold adopts a blue stone lacquer dial with dumortierite markers in the same positions. Both watches introduce, for the first time on full-gold Oyster Perpetual models, predominantly satin-finished cases and bracelets contrasted by polished domed bezels.
The Oyster Perpetual 28 measures 28 mm while the Oyster Perpetual 34 retains its familiar 34 mm diameter.
Both are powered by calibre 2232, a self-winding movement operating at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and equipped with Rolex’s Syloxi silicon hairspring.
The movement delivers approximately 55 hours of power reserve and benefits from the same Superlative Chronometer certification applied across the collection.
The Oyster Perpetual 28 ref. 276208 is priced at €29,700 / US$30,000, while the Oyster Perpetual 34 ref. 124205 is priced at €37,600 / US$38,100. rolex.com
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