رولكس 1908

About the Rolex Perpetual 1908

The Rolex Perpetual 1908 launched at Watches and Wonders 2023 as the brand's first new dress watch line in decades, replacing the discontinued Cellini collection. The name marks the year Hans Wilsdorf registered Rolex as a trademark, and the design draws on a 1931 Oyster Perpetual reissued in a 39mm case at 9.5mm thick. Three references make up the line: 18ct yellow gold (52508), 18ct white gold (52509) and 950 platinum (52506).

Each Rolex 1908 carries polished case sides, a domed and fluted bezel, a domed sapphire crystal and a screwed sapphire caseback. The display caseback is a first for a regular-production Rolex and exposes the in-house calibre 7140 below. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres and the crown is a domed and fluted push-in design rather than a screw-down.

The Calibre 7140 inside every 1908

The 1908 is the only model fitted with the calibre 7140, an automatic movement built specifically for this collection. It runs at 28,800 vph with a 66-hour power reserve and 38 jewels, and pairs Rolex's Chronergy escapement with the Syloxi silicon hairspring, a combination the brand had previously reserved for ladies' calibres. Each movement is COSC certified and tested to Rolex's Superlative Chronometer standard of -2 to +2 seconds per day, with the rotor cast in 18ct yellow gold and the bridges finished in Rolex Côtes de Genève. At 4.05mm in height the 7140 is roughly a third thinner than the workhorse calibre 3235, which is what allows the 1908 to sit comfortably under a shirt cuff.

References stocked at Time 4 Diamonds

Our pre-owned Rolex 1908 stock focuses on the two most-requested variants:

• Rolex Perpetual 1908 18ct Yellow Gold White Dial 52508: 18ct yellow gold case and fluted bezel paired with the intense matt white dial, faceted yellow gold hour markers, Arabic numerals at 3, 9 and 12, and small seconds at 6 o'clock. Black alligator strap with 18ct yellow gold Dualclasp.
• Rolex Perpetual 1908 Platinum Ice Blue Dial 52506: 950 platinum case with the ice blue guilloché dial in the rice-grain motif reserved for the platinum 1908, applied 18ct white gold numerals and indices, brown alligator strap with platinum Dualclasp.

Both pieces are supplied in unworn or like-new condition with the original Rolex presentation box, papers and five-year manufacturer warranty card where applicable, in addition to our own 12-month service warranty.

Rolex 1908 pricing

Rolex UK retail on the platinum 52506 sits at around £26,600 on alligator strap. The yellow gold 52508 retails materially below the platinum given the difference in metal cost. On the secondary market, well-kept 1908s typically trade close to retail for the gold references and at a notable premium for the platinum reference, which reflects ice blue's status as a dial colour Rolex reserves exclusively for platinum models across the Day-Date, Daytona and 1908 lines. Each pre-owned piece on this page is priced individually based on condition, included accessories and provenance.

Sourcing a specific 1908 reference

If a particular dial colour, the matt black variant or the new Rolex Settimo bracelet configuration is not currently visible in stock, our sourcing desk can secure additional 1908 references through our supplier network. Lead times typically run two to six weeks depending on configuration. Submit your specification through our watch sourcing service and we will confirm availability and a UK-delivered price in writing before any commitment.

Why buy a Rolex 1908 from Time 4 Diamonds

Time 4 Diamonds has supplied pre-owned Rolex and other luxury watches from showrooms in London and Dubai since 2005. Every 1908 is inspected by our watchmakers before listing, photographed in detail and shipped insured to UK and international addresses. Part-exchange against existing watches is welcomed. For valuation, sourcing or to confirm current 1908 stock please contact our team and a specialist will respond the same working day.