Rolex Marks 100 Years of the Oyster with New Oyster Perpetual Models for 2026

Rolex has used Watches and Wonders 2026 to place renewed emphasis on its most foundational collection, unveiling a broad update to the Oyster Perpetual line across multiple sizes. The release marks the 100th anniversary of the Oyster case, first introduced in 1926.

Spanning 41mm, 36mm, 34mm, and 28mm formats, the new models maintain the core identity of the Oyster Perpetual— time-only, automatic, and water-resistant— while introducing new materials, dial executions, and subtle shifts in positioning. As has often been the case with the collection, the updates range from restrained to expressive, but all remain anchored in the same underlying architecture that defines the modern Rolex wristwatch.

Oyster Perpetual 41

At the top of the range, the Oyster Perpetual 41 serves as the focal point of the centennial. The model is introduced in a new yellow Rolesor configuration, pairing an Oystersteel case and bracelet with an 18 ct yellow gold bezel and winding crown. Notably, Rolex departs from its traditional Rolesor layout here, opting for a fully steel bracelet rather than incorporating gold center links.

The watch also carries several design cues tied directly to the Oyster’s 100-year milestone. The slate dial features a sunray finish, with “100 years” printed at 6 o’clock in place of “Swiss Made.” Additional details include green accents on the minute track at five-minute intervals and a subtle “100” engraved on the crown.

The case remains 41mm and water-resistant to 100 meters, with the standard Oyster construction featuring a screw-down Twinlock crown and sapphire crystal. It is paired with the three-link Oyster bracelet with Oysterclasp and Easylink extension.

Inside is the caliber 3230, Rolex’s no-date automatic movement with Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. As with all new 2026 releases, the watch is certified to the updated Superlative Chronometer standard, which now incorporates additional criteria related to magnetism, reliability, and sustainability.

Oyster Perpetual 36

The Oyster Perpetual 36 takes a more expressive approach, introducing a new multicolored “Jubilee” dial that revisits a motif historically associated with the brand. The pattern is formed from the letters of the Rolex name, rendered in a composition of ten distinct colors applied sequentially to the dial surface.

While visually bold, the watch remains technically consistent with the rest of the line. The 36mm case is crafted from Oystersteel, with a domed bezel, screw-down Twinlock crown, and 100 meters of water resistance. It is fitted to the Oyster bracelet with Oysterclasp and Easylink extension.

The model is powered by the same caliber 3230 as the 41mm version, offering identical performance specifications, including a 70-hour power reserve and Rolex’s latest Superlative Chronometer certification.

Within the broader Oyster Perpetual lineup, the 36mm model continues to serve as a platform for dial experimentation, and this latest iteration extends that trajectory with one of the more graphic executions seen in the collection to date.

Oyster Perpetual 34 and Oyster Perpetual 28

At the smaller end of the range, Rolex introduces new Oyster Perpetual 34 and Oyster Perpetual 28 models in full precious metal, marking a notable shift for a collection long associated primarily with Oystersteel. The 34mm version is offered in 18k Everose gold, while the 28mm is executed in 18k yellow gold.

Both models feature lacquer dials with stone accents, including natural stone hour markers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock— a notable first for Rolex. The 34mm version pairs a blue stone lacquer dial with dumortierite markers, while the 28mm model features a green stone lacquer dial with heliotrope. The stones are cut to emphasize their natural structure while minimizing reflections.

The cases and bracelets introduce another departure, with predominantly satin-brushed finishes applied to the precious metal surfaces, contrasted by polished domed bezels. This marks the first time Rolex has applied this type of finish to fully gold Oyster Perpetual models.

Both watches are powered by the caliber 2232, a self-winding movement featuring a Syloxi silicon hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and approximately 55 hours of power reserve. As with the rest of the collection, they carry the updated Superlative Chronometer 

Pricing

Pricing for the Oyster Perpetual collection remains anchored at the entry point of the Rolex catalog, starting at $6,200 for the 28mm and rising to $7,050 for the 41mm in Oystersteel. The new centennial models extend beyond that baseline, with the Rolesor 41 priced at $9,650, while the new full gold 34mm and 28mm references reach $38,100 and $30,000, respectively.

To learn more, visit Rolex, here.