Rolex 1908 Review (READ Before You Buy!)

When declaring something “locked in the past.” it may come across as an insult to the brand, seemingly associated with stubborn characteristics like the unwillingness to change and adapt to the new market. 

This is a fair criticism for many brands that refuse to shake things up and develop something new. Rolex, however, takes the phrase “locked in the past” and flips it on its head. The 1908 relishes in the past, thriving off of old Rolex fans’ nostalgia for pieces like the Cellini while demonstrating its own aesthetic that seems to blend different styles from different timelines.

Rolex fans remember the original release of the 1908s, but this platinum version that we’re talking about today is something quite different from those pieces we reminisce upon so fondly. The Perpetual 1908 in Platinum is exactly what the 1908 line needed from the start. 

Elegance doesn’t even begin to describe it. Oozing with luxury and dripping with glamor, the platinum version takes an already gorgeous frame and improves the case, dial, and strap while keeping true to the 1908 origins. It’s truly an anomaly, and as we examine the details and design choices, you will see just how special this piece is. 

History

The Perpetual 1908 collection was first introduced in 2023 in an attempt to enhance the traditional techniques that have been used by incorporating modern advancements. Those who love historical craftsmanship will undoubtedly be drawn to the 1908 as it emulates the classic feel of old-timey watchmaking that made us fall in love with the craft in the first place. 

The Perpetual 1908 is a high-end model that seeks to exemplify the technical prowess ushered in by the modern age while keeping true to the legacy of innovation Rolex has been known for since the birth of the company. 

The perpetual collection is named after Rolex’s self-winding mechanism, the perpetual rotor first introduced in 1931. This mechanism enabled automatic winding by simply moving your wrist, eliminating the need for manual winding and enhancing the watch’s precision. 

The stage has now been set for the platinum version to steal all of the attention. In 2024, it hit the market and, as you would expect, was met with immediate praise. But why exactly? I mean, if you’re skeptical about a Rolex watch, then you must know nothing about the craft. 

Arguably the most well-respected watchmakers on the market, Rolex engineers every watch to perfection, but what makes this one so special? Sounds to me like we need a deep dive into what makes this watch tick—physically and metaphorically—and study the different ways it stands out from its competitors and counterparts.

Case

The Rolex Perpetual 1908 features a 39mm case that has slowly become popular due to its curves and edges. Crafted with 950 platinum, the case drips with a luminescent white luster that boasts exceptional resistance to corrosion. 

Iit fits like a dream, adapting to whatever wrist it’s on, and the 9.5mm thickness ensures comfortable wear with a luxurious heft that reminds you of the pristine quality and expensive materials.

With a rare open caseback, Rolex gives you a glimpse into the technical marvel that powers the piece (which we will get to later) and equips it with a sapphire crystal that protects the piece from virtually any scratches. 

The crown subtly protrudes from the side and is embedded with the same high-quality platinum. It is easily windable, so you can set the time without hassle. The curve of the case is interrupted by the edge of the double bezel, adding more texture. 

The impeccable finish is a mixture of polished and brushed surfaces that serve to remind you exactly who you’re buying from. Rolex is no stranger to star-studded cases. The platinum naturally steals the show, but the Perpetual 1908 comes in 18K yellow and white gold that is just as luxurious with the same quality and detail as its platinum counterpart. 

Overall, the case is exactly what you would expect from a watch of this quality, with every curve complimenting another feature, reinforcing the dial’s boldness while maintaining the unique subtlety that has come to be expected with a high-end piece like this. The platinum steals the show, but the dial is also quite notable.

Dial

The dial is a rich, icy blue with white highlights to provoke a more engaging experience. Featuring a staggering guilloche pattern, Rolex communicates its pristine attention to detail while adding an alluring uniqueness that sets the tone of the entire piece. 

Deviating from the traditional Mercedes hands we’ve grown so accustomed to seeing from Rolex, the platinum 1908 features more elegant Breguet-style hands that are immaculately finished along the indices. 

When comparing it to similar pieces like the Day-Date and the Daytona, notice how the blue for the 1908 is much richer than its counterparts. Slight tweaks to the shade of blue and subtle white highlights cause the 1908 to take its own shape with a precise pattern whose repetition and quality speak for themselves. 

The dial features Arabic hour markers at the 12, 3, and 9 positions. The railroad-style tracks for the minute and sub-seconds and the “Superlative chronometer” text are either a hit or a miss, depending on who you ask. 

The hands are well-proportioned. Thick enough to be noticeable but thin enough to not hijack the aesthetic. They do their job well. And the simplistic taste that the watch oozes is well combated by the grainy texture, ensuring that both sides of the spectrum—the bold lovers and the subtle lovers—get what they want. 

The dial is magnificent. Everything flows together well, and the rich blue perfectly compliments the platinum exterior. It definitely communicates that this is a high-end watch.

Movement 

At the heart of the 1908 sits the Calibre 7140, a movement manufactured exclusively by Rolex. It’s a self-winding mechanical movement known for its precision, reliability, and efficiency, operating at 28,800 vph. 

With the open case back, the 1908 allows full vision of the gorgeous engine lying at the heart of the piece. The 7140 is beautiful, with the sunny rays catching the light and allowing it to dance freely all along the back of the watch. 

Featuring the patented Chronergy escapement and the Syloxi hairspring, the 1908 operates with an extremely high energy level while maintaining dependable functions that ensure the wearer of its high-end craftsmanship. The 7140 also includes Paraflex shock absorbers to enhance stock and grant the piece a power reserve of 66 hours. 

Strap

The 1908 comes in either a brown or black matte leather strap, making it the only watch from Rolex not to feature a chain link. The strap is lined with green calfskin underneath and features on-tone stitching, which really illustrates the attention to detail. 

Securing the elegant strap is a double folding clasp made from the same platinum as the case, embodying a new shape that better resembles the shape of a human wrist. Two levers reside on either side of the clasp that must be pressed together simultaneously for it to open. 

Compared with a friction-based clasp, a double-folding clasp like this will feel much safer, causing you to become more confident that you won’t break it if you push too hard. The comfort of the strap compliments the case’s curvy features, as both play a huge role in ensuring a comfortable and tight wear that you will hardly even notice. 

On the wrist

It’s almost as if the 1908 was laced with some sort of magic material, causing it to twist and turn to fit your wrist perfectly. I often prefer leather straps because of the comfort levels they provide. 

Rolex must have heard my praise because if I didn’t know better, I would say that this strap actively massages my wrist while sitting on it. People with average-sized wrists can expect this watch to fit like a dream, which is exactly what Rolex was aiming for. It has the weight and presence to fit those with heavier wrists, but people with wrists smaller than 6 inches will struggle to fit it on. 

In terms of aesthetic presence, what more can you want? The platinum is sleek, the dial magnificent, and the case is large enough to catch the eye of anyone you wear it around. It manages to be just bold enough while not being tacky, but where the true beauty lies is the subtlety of the fine materials that hold the piece together. 

Any outfit can match this piece because the masterpiece on your wrist will immediately overshadow anything you wear. However, since this piece is just shy of $31,000, it may be wise to limit its wear to special occasions, such as formal parties or fancy shows—something to match the vibe in the room. 

If you couldn’t tell by now, this is the kind of piece that doesn’t come around much. A true gem, if you will. Rolex has fully displayed their prowess, mixing all of their refined craftsmanship gained over the years into a piece that will undoubtedly be iconic for generations. 

Pricing

You can find the Rolex Perpetual 1908 from Rolex authorized dealers, like Exquisite Timepieces. We only ship to the US and are authorized dealers, ensuring a 5-year warranty directly from Rolex. A brand-new 1908 platinum can be picked up for $30,900. Pre-owned pieces usually range from $24k-$25k, depending on the condition of the watch. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, watchmaking is art, and Rolex has been the best artist for a long time. This watch is cemented as one of their masterpieces. The 1908 line is my personal favorite from Rolex, and the platinum just might be the most extravagant and luxurious version of an already magnificent lineup.

If you have the money to spend (and it’s a lot), then I can think of no better piece that deserves your attention. Watches like this are truly an anomaly, and while the price may be very steep, the level of quality is not lacking in the slightest, meaning that if you pull the trigger, you will not be disappointed. 

The day that Rolex drops the ball and delivers something subpar is the day that the watch market collapses. I’m convinced that as long as pieces like these continue to be produced, watch enthusiasts will be in good hands for the years to come.

It’s quite an achievement to be the best in something, but doing it for so long is downright impressive. As time progresses, I think one of the only guarantees in the watch world is that Rolex can be trusted to produce top-of-the-line statements like the 1908 that capture the artistic side of watch-making all of us love so much.