Rolex is unveiling a new metal bracelet, named Settimo, created exclusively for the Perpetual 1908 and presented on a version of the watch in 18 ct yellow gold with an intense white dial.

Refined, supple and comfortable, this completely new bracelet composed of rows of seven very small links is entirely polished, producing a sparkle of reflected light. Evoking the jewellery-inspired bracelets that graced some elegant vintage watches, its design captures the essence of the Perpetual collection, conceived by Rolex as a tribute to watchmaking tradition.

The 1908 is equipped with calibre 7140, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling the watch to display the small seconds as well as the hours and minutes. Calibre 7140 features bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève and a cut-out oscillating weight.

Classic and contemporary

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 the brand’s quintessential expertise and aesthetic heritage. 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 is defined by its design, which conveys the full strength of the watch’s character in the simplicity of the display. It perfectly embodies the spirit of the Perpetual collection, at whose core lies the celebration of the art of watchmaking in its noblest form.

The 1908 features a sleek dial graced with Arabic numerals 3, 9 and 12 and faceted index hour markers. The hour hand is Breguet-style, while the minute hand is shaped like a two-edged sword. Above the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, the words ‘Superlative Chronometer’ are inscribed in an arc shape.

Dynapulse escapement

For the highly energy-efficient Dynapulse escapement – the first component of the regulating system – seven patent applications were filed. The new escapement significantly enhances the way in which the energy delivered by the barrel is transmitted to the oscillator. The Dynapulse is a sequential distribution escapement made from silicon, a material resistant to strong magnetic fields. It is composed of a transmission wheel that engages with two distribution wheels; these, in turn, activate the impulse rocker, which then connects with the oscillator. This innovative architecture reduces the escapement’s energy consumption since the various components interact by rolling against each other, rather than by sliding as in the case of the Swiss lever escapements used in the brand’s other mechanical movements.

Calibre 7140

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.

Calibre 7140 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 66 hours.

Settimo bracelet

The 1908 version presented is fitted on a Settimo bracelet. This new metal bracelet, fashioned from 18 ct yellow gold, exudes refinement and elegance. It gently hugs the shape of the wrist, making it extremely comfortable to wear. Thanks to its links made up of seven very small, slightly contoured link elements, polished on every surface, it also feels particularly lightweight. With a special system to attach it to the middle case, for which a patent has been filed, the Settimo bracelet is reserved for the 1908 model. It is furnished with a concealed folding Crownclasp.

Superlative Chronometer certification

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). These in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone. 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.