When Rolex introduced the Oyster case a hundred years ago, it set a standard. It was beautiful in its simplicity and promise: an elegant design that kept a watch waterproof and reliable. It has since come to define the archetypal look and expectation of a modern luxury watch, and among Rolex collections the Oyster Perpetual is the most essential, platonic ideal. The Oyster Perpetual line is enduring but not unchanging. In recent times, the watchmaker has embarked on evolutions of detail that keep the design fresh and current.
This year, the brand introduced an Oyster Perpetual 28 crafted from 18-carat yellow gold with a green stone lacquer dial. Two details new to the line stand out to discerning eyes. First, the satin finish on the gold case and bracelet—a softer textured look that Rolex has used for the first time on a watch made fully in precious metal.
The second is the introduction of stone hour markers on the dial—a first for Rolex. This model with a green lacquer dial has its 3, 6 and 9 o’clock indexes set with heliotrope, a natural green stone that normally comes flecked with red. Rolex has, however, chosen to use only heliotrope with a purer green colour, and matched them on each timepiece for a harmonious look. On an even closer look, you’ll find each stone shaped with a dome-like ogive cut to reduce reflections and allow its natural colour to shine.
Though these refinements are new, one element that remains consistent is the Oyster bracelet. A sturdy design that dates back to the 1930s, it is one of the brand’s subtle signatures. The three-link bracelet is built with a folding clasp to keep the watch secure on the wrist. One advancement that’s appreciable on the wrist: the Easylink extension system that allows the bracelet to be adjusted by about 5mm. It might seem a small number, but those millimetres could be the difference between a good or a perfect fit. It is the little things, after all, that count.
The October 2026 ‘Artisanal’ edition of Vogue Singapore is available online and on newsstands.
