Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual has over 90 years of history to look back on. This longevity makes it the mother of all modern Rolex watches and, as the perfect companion for every occasion, an undisputed classic. The 26 and 31-mm models are the perfect choice for anyone looking for quality women's and unisex watches. The slightly larger models, on the other hand, measure 39 and 41 mm and are excellent men's watches.

The Oyster Perpetual collection is defined by its discreet, no-frills design. Rolex has been crafting the cases out of 904L stainless steel for several years, though some vintage models come in yellow gold. Rolex revamped the collection in 2020, adding an array of dial colors to the lineup. Alongside the classic black and silver dials, there are also bolder colors for the taking like pink, yellow, and orange. Some editions also feature a blue or gray dial.

Rolex equips each Oyster Perpetual with one of their proven in-house calibers. Current models like the Oyster Perpetual 39 feature the caliber 3132 with the Paraflex shock protection system, while the smaller editions rely on the 3130 without the Paraflex system. The caliber 2231 powers the 26-mm women's watches. As for the 41-mm Oyster Perpetuals, these are outfitted with the caliber 3230, which Rolex also released in 2020. This movement boasts a power reserve of 70 hours.

When it comes to financial performance, many Oyster Perpetual models have appreciated significantly in recent years. One model in particular stands out: the 36-mm ref. 126000 with the blue dial. The value of this reference has risen by an eye-watering 140% in just two years. In fact, value increases of between 50% and 100% are pretty standard for certain models. At the time of writing in June 2022, there was no evidence of any Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch declining in value.

As of mid-2022, the most affordable way to buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual is through the vintage market. For example, you can get the reference number 6634 with the black dial for around 2,600 USD. If you're willing to double that sum, you can add the 31-mm ref. 177200 with the silver dial to your collection. A 36-mm Oyster Perpetual, such as the ref. 116000 which also features a silver dial, will cost you closer to 8,200 USD.

The 2020 Oyster Perpetual models with their stand-out colorful dials are popular commodities. Prices have risen in line with the demand, and the 31-mm ref. 277200 with the yellow dial now demanding over 12,500 USD. For around 16,500 USD, you can score the 41-mm ref. 124300, while the bigger 36-mm ref. 126000 will cost you just under 20,000 USD.

In 2020, Rolex launched the first Oyster Perpetual models with 41-mm cases. The 41-mm editions are available with a black, red, blue, turquoise, green, yellow, or silver dial. These timepieces are outfitted with the in-house caliber 3230, which was also unveiled in the same year. This movement has a 70-hour power reserve and features Rolex's high-precision Chronergy escapement, which is almost entirely resistant to magnetic fields.

All Oyster Perpetual 41 models bear the reference number 124300. The version with the silver dial and yellow gold indices is especially elegant and was listed for 5,900 USD in 2020. However, you can now expect to pay closer to 11,000 USD for one of these timepieces in mint condition (June 2022). This means that the model has doubled in value in just two years.

The reference with the blue dial is very popular, and this is reflected in the price. As of June 2022, you will need to invest around 24,000 USD in a new model. In two years, this reference has appreciated by 215%. With this in mind, you might even consider the ref. 124300 with the black dial – which is identical to the blue-dial model from a technical point of view – to be a bargain at just under 11,500 USD. The Oyster Perpetual with the green dial falls in the middle of these two prices at around 16,500 USD.

The Oyster Perpetual ref. 126000 measures 36 mm in diameter. This model is also powered by Rolex's in-house caliber 3230 and comes in the same colors as the 41-mm version, but with one additional hue: candy pink. These colorful Rolex watches are in high demand and thus have a pretty hefty price tag. In June 2022, the average price of listings for the candy pink Oyster Perpetual on Chrono24 came in at around 15,500 USD. The MSRP for this model was 5,800 USD, which means this watch has appreciated by almost 170%.

The Oyster Perpetual 36 with the blue or yellow dial is also performing strongly, demanding around 19,000 USD. If you're looking for a more conservative watch – both in terms of price and dial color – check out the silver or black-dialed versions. Models in mint condition can be acquired at around half the price of the more colorful versions (9,500 USD and 10,000 USD respectively). You might want to act fast, however, as the value of these versions has risen by over 50% in recent years.

If 36 or 41 mm is too large, you may prefer one of the 28, 31, or 34-mm models. You can find the 34-mm editions under the reference number 124200. This watch comes with your choice of a blue, black, silver, or rose dial. While Rolex demands 5,300 USD for this Oyster Perpetual, you will likely need to invest between 7,500 USD and 8,500 USD in a pre-owned model.

The 31-mm ref. 277200 is available in all nine of the colors mentioned above, but the color you choose will heavily dictate the watch's price tag. Models with blue or yellow dials are the most expensive; plan to spend about 12,500 USD for a mint-condition timepiece. Considering this reference is listed for 5,200 USD, the model has appreciated by 140%.

The pink, green, and red models fall in the middle price range, and as of June 2022, cost between 9,000 USD and 11,100 USD. The most affordable configuration of this reference is the version with the silver dial, which costs around 8,700 USD new.

Lastly, the 28-mm Oyster Perpetual ref. 276200 comes with a black, silver, or blue dial and sells for around 7,000 USD on Chrono24. Rolex demands 5,100 USD for this reference, meaning the model has appreciated by 37% on the secondary market.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 ref. 114300 is a highly-coveted watch. This stainless steel timepiece comes with a rhodium, blue, or red grape dial and changes hands for around 9,200 USD pre-owned and 10,100 USD new (June 2022).

The 36-mm ref. 116000 is also available with different dial designs and hues. The silver-dial model now costs around 8,000 USD in mint condition, after increasing in value by 56% between June 2020 and June 2022. Pre-owned models cost slightly less at around 7,200 USD.

If you're in the market for a women's watch, you may be interested in the refs. 177200 and 176200. The former is 31 mm in diameter and available in six dial colors. You can also choose from different types of hour markers. A new timepiece with the black dial will cost you approximately 6,500 USD. This model has appreciated by almost 35% since June 2020. Expect to invest around 5,800 USD in a pre-owned watch.

The ref. 176200 measures 26 mm in diameter and also comes in six dial colors, including green. Today, prices for a never-worn model come in at about 6,700 USD; this reference appreciated by 62% between June 2020 and June 2022. Pre-owned watches sell for around 6,200 USD.

Those looking for a golden Oyster Perpetual will have to turn to pre-owned vintage models. One example is the ref. 6634 from the 1950s. Thanks to its thick gold plating, this watch has earned the nickname "Golden Egg."

The "Golden Egg" is 34 mm in diameter and available with a white or gold dial. The timepiece is powered by the automatic in-house caliber 1030, which can also be wound by hand. This movement can also be found in early Submariner models, including the legendary ref. 6538. Even then, the rotor was designed so that it could wind the caliber in both of its rotational directions. You can generally count on prices between 2,300 USD and 4,900 USD for the ref. 6634 in mint condition. Timepieces with the gold dial come in at the more expensive end of this price bracket; this model has as good as doubled in value in the last two years (June 2020 to June 2022).

The reference numbers beginning with 6719 are classic women's watches. Rolex produced many models of this Oyster Perpetual from the 1970s to the 1990s, including the refs. 67193, 67194, and 67198. You'll find watches in both 18-karat gold, as well as two-tone and stainless steel editions with a yellow or white gold bezel. Each case is either 24 or 26 mm in diameter, while the dial comes in white, black, blue, gold, or champagne, depending on the case and bracelet/strap material. The different models are also available with applied Roman, baton, and diamond indices.

Early 6719 watches contain the Rolex caliber 2030, which was later replaced by the 2130. These automatic movements also power Lady-Datejust models from the same period. Both calibers boast chronometer certification from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Prices depend on the watch's material and condition and range from 3,600 to 8,700 USD.